2006 SAAB 9-3 2.0 T from North America

Summary:

Same as of the dealer and SAAB: poor

Faults:

2006 SAAB 93 2.0T - 20000miles.

"Gear box malfunction" message came on. I took the car to the dealer, paid $105 for the diagnostics. They said it just needs software updates. They did that, I took the car from there. Went with it 2 miles, the same message came on. Took the car back to the dealer. Now they say is the transmission and the estimate for replacing it is $ 3300 (even though, when I called the same dealer they told me the transmission is $1565 and labor is $1005)...weirdddd. Ohh... and when I asked the service guy from the dealer how about the warranty on the new transmission, he told me laughing: 12000 miles. at the question: " Does that mean that the new one will break at 13000 miles?", the dealer guy just answered "Maybe".

Anyways, I never thought a transmission can go down at 20000 miles.

One thing is for sure: I'll never buy another SAAB in my life. Not only the car broke, but both the dealer and the central Saab don't want to talk about the problem (they say they do not know the cause...weird...specially because I paid for a diagnostics)

So, do you still want to buy a SAAB?

General Comments:

Never thought can be this unreliable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 20th August, 2007

20th Aug 2007, 06:22

Your warranty will cover that sir. I work for a Saab dealer in the UK. I am also disgusted to hear of the way you where treated at your local dealership. In the UK, we have excellent customer service, just as people deserve.

I am also very surprised to hear of the faults you car has incurred. Very rare and unusual I have to say, I hope they get rectified as swiftly and as cheaply (free) as possible.

Regards.

Daniel

Bell and Colvill

England.

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2006 SAAB 9-3 Cerulean Aero Convertible 2.0T with Hirch from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Poor build, good fun

Faults:

Rattles from dashboard.

2 new dash air vents.

Roof lining replaced due to a cable tie wearing a hole in it.

General Comments:

Good to drive for a convertible, quick, quiet, needs 2 new tyres at 13000 miles. nice colour.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 27th April, 2007

2006 SAAB 9-3 Vector Sport 1.9 TiD turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

An excellent car, ignore the "reliability" issues, 90% of these cars are fault free

Faults:

Drivers door speaker slightly loose. Tightened up and sounds great again! No rattles.

That's it.

General Comments:

I read a few reviews on here about the build quality and rattles, seats being uncomfortable etc etc, and couldn't disagree more! I have done over 12,000 miles in the car, and had no issues at all really!

The seats are the best I have sat in, and are comfortable on very long journeys too. I think these people who can feel the metal subframes through the seat have weight issues!

The car performs very, very well, with over 50 MPG economy and very good acceleration, cruising ability and refinement.

The ride/handling balance is spot on, comfortable yet fun to drive harder when the road gets twisty.

Standard equipment is excellent. I love the very good dual zone air-con, and find the cruise control very useful and relaxing for long journeys. The audio is very good, and I can plug my iPod in the front.

The leather still looks like new, as I had the car protected inside and out with Superguard, which seems to have made a big difference in the durability of the materials and paintwork!

The 6-speed gearbox is notchy, but people moan about that, why? It has a positive and mechanical feel that doesn't spoil the fun of driving, it actually adds to it!

The dealer I use is the best I have ever been to. They are the 2nd best dealer in the country and it shows with the service. I would recommend Bell and Colvill in West Horsley to anyone!

I recommend this well made, fun, practical, good looking, good value, stylish, individual car to anyone.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th November, 2006

30th Nov 2006, 08:38

I'm sorry, but the audio on this car is NOT very good, maybe you have problems with your hearing on balance with those who have weight issues!

30th Nov 2006, 09:59

Yeah.. about as individual as a Vauxhall Vectra, but all in all, I can't grumble too much about my 9-3 so far as only had for two Months and only covered 4000 miles.

My last 9-3,company provided, was a late 2004 model which mechanically (150tid) was faultless and ultra reliable and retained great performance and mpg over the 58k it clocked up. I can only hope the rest of it on this revised 2006 model fairs better than the last one in other areas, which sadly, most reviews on these pages mirror accurately.

In my opinion, the "old" dash design with all those buttons and top dash mounted display was one of the cars ergonomic plus points, now more euro standard and less unique and I had hoped the sound quality of the audio would have been addressed.. better, but still below par in this price range of car.

It does feel somehow better screwed together than my previous 9-3, and hope the premium feel remains and keeps me happy because to look at, simply awesome!!!

Don't let me down Saab, becuase I wanted to give you a second chance over other cars at a similar price and "status" I could have chosen.. fingers crossed xx.

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