5th Sep 2007, 18:36
I own a 2003 Saab 9-3 Convertible. It has been completely reliable, fun to drive & very comfortable.
So count me as a very, very satisfied Saab owner!
9th Sep 2007, 23:51
HI I have a 03 saab with 64000 miles I love the car! Most awesome car I have ever driven! I have not had that many problems with the car I have had burnt out bulbs witch are 100 bucks to get replaced after the 77 labor... and the closest dealer is 77 miles away so that's not cool! But no major problems yet the person who owned the car before I did never had that many either! But as I read there are so many noises in the car exspecially in the door! But it's an awesome car I like it better than the 2000 BMW owned!
26th Oct 2007, 07:52
I have had my 2003 9-3 for about a year and a half and I love the car. I will say that my fan just stopped blowing, but other than that the car has been great. In the year and a half I have put about 28,000 miles on it so it's getting used.
Just want to let people know that it's not all that bad. At least not for me and my bright blue beauty...
29th Oct 2007, 12:19
I have a 2001 9-3, luckily with none of the problems described by the 2003 owners.
Except one thing -- brakes need to be done every 15-20k miles, usually with the dealer or independent mechanic recommending new rotors.
Since several people complained about needing brakes on their 2003's in the 30-40k mile range, I'm wondering what is reasonable to expect? 30-40k seems very good for organics where there's lots of stop and go driving.
I've come to expect frequent brake pad replacement, but bristle at needed rotors every time.
Other thoughts, experiences?
Thanks.
10th Dec 2007, 02:11
I've got a late 2003 9-3 Linear, bought new now with 44k miles. Mostly my wife's ride. Fun to drive and great mpg. Brakes are a little noisy and a few squeaks inside.
No major problems and only a couple minor ones: 1. Battery failed at 15k & caused power locks to act up 2. window stuck down (cable off pulley) 3. Headlights burned out 3 times (fixed by Saab with a "pigtail") 4. Driver seat settles low after an hour.
Overall a good experience, but worried after reading other comments since it is just out of warranty. Not sure I'd blame Saab for bad batteries, flat tires, etc. though.
15th Jan 2008, 14:05
Hello, all... I'm a bit disappointed to hear all the negative comments regarding the SAAB 9-3. I leased a beautiful 2003 SAAB 9-3 5spd manual from new, and had only one significant issue after 3 years and 80,000km -- the alarm would activate spontaneously in the winter when the temperature changed (e.g. when very cold, or after warming somewhat in garage). This issue was rectified at the shop with one visit. The car was fun to drive, much more practical than other European sedans (e.g. gas mileage, great in winter, split fold-down rear seats PLUS ski pass-through), very easy on the eyes, handled very well, and was very durable.
I sold the car back to the dealership at lease end, and moved on to a new 2006 Acura TL. The TL was a solid/reliable/powerful/sporty sedan with good ratings, and I enjoyed driving it. It seemed to lack the personality that the SAAB had, however, was harder on gas, and had no split fold-down rear seats (only ski pass-through). My wife and I missed the SAAB, so half-way through the lease I broke the lease and went back to a different 2003 SAAB 9-3, which I now own (bought it at 96,000k and it now has around 120,000k). No problems, fun to drive, and very sporty looking with the factory sport package and twin tip exhaust.
I obviously can't discount or argue with others' testimonials, but can definitely say that I'm a satisfied SAAB customer... With regular routine maintenance, the 9-3 has been a pleasure to own and to drive!
17th Feb 2008, 03:49
I have a Saab 93 04 vector model and it's the nicest car I have ever driven. The leather interior is very comfortable and the cockpit feel of the controls are far better laid out than a BMW. The 175bhp feels very smooth also although I do get a little turbo lag in second gear.
My only gripe with the car is the retraction coil on the drivers seat belt has given up the ghost. I will have to get that checked, but for 3 years that is the only issue I have had with the car. I'd recommend it to anyone although you have to be prepared to take the hit on the depreciation.
19th Feb 2008, 20:24
I have a 2003 Saab 9-3 Vector and so far it's been great. I should say however that I've only owned it for a short while and have already noticed a couple of minor annoyances. One in particular is the sticky parking brake. I'm afraid I'll get stuck with it "up" and will be unable to disengage it.
Has this happened to anyone? Is it a big deal to get fixed?
24th Feb 2008, 12:18
I had a 97' 900, a 2000' 9-3, and now a 2003' 9-3. I loved the first two, but I can't wait to get rid of this one. I have had nothing, but problems. The car now has 50,000 miles. As I write this the car has a "gearbox malfunction" (fourth time) and will probably need to be towed in. The CD player is broken (second time, first one replaced under warranty) the power seat is broken (second time) the back doors no longer lock (fixed once already). I can't lock the car because the alarm goes of at random (the alarm sensor was replaced once).
I have had to replace the alternator, brakes, rotors, struts, headlamps (at $130 each). The dealership where I bought my 97' dropped SAAB. The dealer where I bought the other 2 has dropped SAAB. I was just notified the SAAB dealer where I go for repairs is closing (after two years).The resale value of these is some of the lowest in the industry. I think SAAB's days are numbered and I know why.
29th Feb 2008, 20:01
Where can I purchase a front hood emblem? Everywhere online is $39+, is this really the cost? Can they be replaced w/out the help of your dealership?
5th Mar 2008, 09:14
I was considering getting a used 2004 or 2003 Linear, but after just as a commuter car. I really enjoyed a test drive and found it very comfortable; however the reviews are just plain horrible. It just seems like anything prior to the American takeover was quality, and now it is just plain crap. I was ready to buy, but instead I will take heed of the red flags posted about this car.
5th Sep 2007, 14:42
I just test drove a Saab 9-3 03’. Looks great and we fun to drive. However, after reading these comments I will re-consider my buy. There was hardly one positive comment on this page, the ones that were somewhat positive always had a, but… Thanks for the help.