Faults:

Muffler rot at 40,000 miles - $650.00

DI cassette replaced at 70,000 - $600.00

ABS/speed sensor module needs to be replaced at 74,000 - $2000.00.

General Comments:

Car is fun to drive, quick and handles good.

Car is good on gas mileage

However, the car is not a quite ride, you can hear all road noise. Seats are not comfortable on a long drive.

The most expensive parts to replaced went out before 80,000 miles.

DI cassette 600.00

ABS/speed sensor module 2000.00

Muffler replaced 650.00

Problems with warning lights check engine, asb, brakes keep coming on. Even though after having checked by dealer no problems found???

Faults:

Oil filtration tray.

Check engine light comes on.

Uneven tyre wear (front)

General Comments:

The car looks fabulous in cosmic blue, tan leather interior, 4 spoke alloys.

It's fantastic on a summers day, it seats 4 comfortably.

It's nice with the hood on, but a different car all-together with the hood down, a real headturner.

Winter is a different story, on a windy day it's like driving a tent on wheels with the buffeting.

Faults:

Convertible top hydraulic rams, Inside door panel loose, belt tension-er, headlight wiper, automatic door locks, engine sensors $$$.

General Comments:

Great car to drive! Costs money to operate!

Dealer has zero knowledge how to repair this car and parts department has zero idea when ordering parts.

If you buy this car make sure you live in a city that has a good Saab mechanic.

Faults:

One of the headlamps bulbs has gone!

General Comments:

I've never really been all that interested in cars, and to be honest was a little resentful about the prospect of parting with my hard-earned cash for a commuting vehicle - especially as most of the cars in my price range (Focuses, Golfs) are fairly bland looking. That's why I am still delighted with my Saab 9-3.

I've had the car for 3 months now and it's been great. I think it's a really classy and cool car in an understated, slightly sophisticated way! As a guy in my late 20's, I always cringe when I see office worker/executive types flying around in old BMW's thinking they're the business! The SAAB is much cooler and far less ostentatious, which is why I like it so much.

It's extremely comfortable and people always comment on its roominess. I haven't had any problems with it mechanically so far at all and it always starts first time. It also feels safe and sturdy. I've also been pleasantly surprised as it's pretty economical considering its 2L petrol engine. It gives and extremely smooth and quiet ride, but the engine can really pack a punch as well.

I'd struggle to say anything bad about the car (so far anyway!) Perhaps it doesn't always handle all that well, though unless you're planning to rally it, this shouldn't be a huge concern!

Faults:

Engine seized not long after purchased. This was because previous owner never serviced the car.

Right head lamp washer not working.

Radio mast not working

SID lines fading.

Headlamps work, but SID tells me Headlamp failure

Airbag light came one. Bottle under the passenger Seat damaged the sensor in the seat belt clasp. Wires soldered together, all fine.

General Comments:

Bought the car second hand, and did not check the service history. Caveat emptor I suppose. The oil filter on these things are really fine, and the car can suffer from "black death".

However, my mechanic (non Saab dealer, but total Saab fan) sourced a replacement engine for me in the UK. It took him a long time though. Since then, I have put just over 4000 miles on the clock everyone of them has been a total joy so far. I have been on all sorts of roads, and the car is comfy and fast. I never go above 3,500 RPM because I never have to. The acceleration in in top from anything above 90Kph is great. Just press the loud pedal, and the horizon comes in the windscreen at you.

I have driven 6 hour journeys and the seats are completely comfortable.

Father has a 2001 Passat, and he has had more problems with that than I have had with this.