Faults:

Serpentine belt snapped within two weeks of purchase, wasn't under warranty, but they covered it anyways.

Emergency brake broke after 3 months, still haven't fixed it.

Suspension spring broke under driver's side 2 weeks ago, haven't fixed yet.

Pixels distorted on display screen.

Wasn't given a spare key upon purchase and the key was stolen. Cost $1400 for a new key plus a spare.

SAAB emblems on hood and rear are both faded.

General Comments:

Absolutely LOVE this car, despite the few problems I've had thus far. Very fast moving car that still gets very good gas mileage (roughly 28-30). The acceleration from sitting still is also incredible.

The car is also very sporty, but classy at the same time. I get compliments on my car all the time from both strangers and friends.

Handling is generally very good, although winter presents some troubles because of its high performance tires (I use a winter car instead of buying winter tires, which are insanely expensive). Driving over bumpy/pothole filled roads isn't the greatest either, so I tend to avoid them when I can.

Needless to say, the car was definitely worth the money it cost me on account of how fun and nice looking the car is. I do recommend them, although not everyone may like it (but that's just your problem I guess!)

Faults:

Unlike my previous Saab ('95 900S convertible), which this car replaced, mechanical issues have been few and far between.

Rotors, brakes, and as of this writing, AM radio went out.

Both engine and trunk bonnet badges were faded and replaced.

Maintenance to date on this car has been routine and CHEAP! No one is more surprised and pleased than me that SAAB can be mechanically reliable over the long haul thus far.

Yes, the "check engine" light shows up out of no where, but after a day or so, it goes away.

My excellent SAAB/Volvo guy; a guy I made rich on my 900S over the previous 10 years I drove it, does his recommended scheduled maintenance on my 9-3, and assures me all is well.

This car is driven on long road trips, as well as Los Angeles rush hour grid lock, and yet no drama.. thus far.

General Comments:

The car looks like my 900S; a very attractive car, top up or down.

I added a performance exhaust system Magnaflow just to add some baritone to the engine note, and a K&H air filter system.

My commute to and from work is against traffic, and at normal highway speed, say 70 mph, it's about 40 minutes. In my case I make it in about 25-30, because once on the freeway in the fast lane, I safely cruise at autobahn speed with few if any rear view mirror incursions.

Why SAAB? SAAB is the East Coast BMW. I am an Easterner living in Los Angeles, where everyone has/wants a BMW; in other words, it's a cliche.

SAAB until recently were few and far between. Now in the age of recession, SAAB has come full circle; a high performance luxury sedan at a fraction of the cost overall vis a vis BMW, AKA Big Money Wasted.