2002 SAAB 9-3 SE 2.0 turbo from North America
Faults:
Almost everything.
Here is a list of all I had to replace, despite good maintenance and care:
Antennae motor (2006).
Rear muffler (2008).
Middle muffler (2009).
Intermediate pipe (2007).
A/C compressor (2007 and 2012).
A/C hose (2010).
Rear passenger window motor (2010).
Driver window hardware (2011).
Driver electric door lock (2012).
DIC cassette (2010).
Turbo sensor valve (2007 and 2009).
Front control arms, twice each side (from 2006 to 2011).
SID and CCU displays (have been dead for years, finally fixed in 2012).
Fuel gauge (2006).
Complete front suspension (2010).
Battery (2007 and 2011).
Power steering pressure hose (2008).
Complete engine (2010).
Lately, an ABS sensor died, getting almost every existing light on the dashboard to flash. Not replaced yet.
Transmission is giving signs of dying soon.
The car will not start randomly. Starter has to be replaced.
General Comments:
That's it! I am very stubborn, but the car finally had a total victory over me. After years of frustration, countless days off work to have the car serviced, numerous stalls on the roadside because of a recurrent faulty gas gauge, and thousands of dollars spent to keep a lemon running until the next major fault, I give up!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 7th May, 2012
14th Aug 2012, 13:28
Describes my experience exactly. I have the Viggen, but it isn't any more reliable than the normal model from what I have read.
I've spent tons of money over the past two years, hoping that "this is the last thing that can go wrong." Wrong! Every single time I go to the stealership to get something fixed for an astronomical price, I can't even go a month before something else is calling for more and more money. I'm fed up.
The resale value is terrible due to all the negative buzz about Saab. I have around $11000 into the car, and it's only worth about $4-5k now. Horrible situation, but I need to get out.
I would never recommend anyone buy a Saab, unless you are okay with throwing your money and time away on a car that is worth nothing.
Bottom line: Looks great, fun to drive, but not nearly worth the stress.