23rd Apr 2008, 02:38
I bought a 2003 9-3 Arc Aug. 31 2007. It has been in the shop more than I have been able to drive it. It is the biggest piece of crap I've ever owned. I wish I could get rid of this damn thing, but I'm stuck paying for it every month.
It is at the dealership right now because I ran out of money to get it out after all the repairs that I have had to do. I don't think anyone should ever buy a Saab, and I know that I will never again.
24th Apr 2008, 13:22
I've purchased a 2003 9-3 arc with 59000 miles on it as certified vehicle, car is beautiful, not a problem, and hope to keep it that way...
8th May 2008, 09:38
Good to read all the comments, most useful. So what is a good Saab station car? Or isn't there one!!?
19th Jun 2008, 21:16
I am in the process to buy a 2003 9-3 Linear. After reading for most part, I am not sure if it's the right move. I located the vehicle online in VA beach, it has 53,000 miles, I have CarFax; 3 owners and most of the all the work was recalls. The car looks great, but that means what? I am going to travel Monday to take the car to a Saab dealer to check it out. I will keep you posted.
6th Aug 2008, 02:57
I just bought a 2003 93 Linear 2.0T 5 speed manual and have had zero problems mechanically, but the radio does not work. Had to replace front headlight and a tail light, which cost $13.96, and the taillight was $4.44, and I changed them myself in 5 minutes. Why would you pay $300 for the dealership to change them DIY! I bought this car because someone stole my car, and I love my Saab so far knock on wood! :)
7th Aug 2008, 05:17
I have owed Saab's of the last 14 years. My Saab 93 Vector 2003 model was a great looking car and at first performed well. After about 3 months of owning it problems began.
First with the electric window drivers side closing and then dropping down again 120mm leaving the window open (Saab mechanics can reset it, but there is no fix for this problem and the problem returns over & over again, especially when it's hot outside - There is no FIX).
Computer problems, turbo problems, headlights burning out every 2 weeks, doors not locking, sunroof not opening. The list goes on.
After the warranty expired, I really began to worry as I knew this endless money pit was going to get worse. I tried my best to sell it, but had no takers. The depreciation on the vehicle was truly terrible and even Saab dealers offered awful trade in amounts (They simply could not stand by the credibility of their own vehicle), how pathetic is that. I simply could not get rid of it.
Then my dashboard, door handles, gear-stick started to peel & flake. I phoned Saab to complain, but was told there is nothing that could be done and your on your own. Let me say that again "The dashboard black coating started to flake off & leave white plastic behind." A devastating and unacceptable build quality that I wouldn't even expect from a $2.00 Chinese toy.
And in their latest car offering, we still don't know if this problem has been addressed. I thought I'd bought a prestige car, but was sold the worst car by the worst car maker ever.
The turbo on it has failed again, and so has the computer, car locks & windows. The cost to fix it is over $8000.00, $7999.00 more than the car is worth.
GM has ruined any reputation that Saab had. The quality of the vehicle is atrocious. Parts are sub standard, support from Saab is hilarious & the experience of owning this vehicle is tragic. Do not waste your money on buying a Saab or any other GM product for that matter. The GM design & quality assurance team needs to be replaced immediately or schooled in the definition of Quality Assurance and then terminated, because quite simply there is none.
I will never buy another Saab as long as I breathe & will continue to tell everyone not to buy trouble of this magnitude. If you choose not to take my advice, Good Luck you've been warned!
8th Aug 2008, 08:43
I'm sorry to hear of so many complaints. All I can say is that I bought a used 2004 5-speed 9-3 Arc with 34000 miles on it in February 2007, and I now have 45000 enjoyable miles on it in August 2008 (not much I know), but I'm happy as can be with mine. However, I made sure no cleaners/protectants (e.g. Armorall) were used on the dash before I bought it, and I will be sure never to use any. No peeling anywhere. I do admit, however, Saab has never had a good record with the first year of a model run, so perhaps you should avoid those. But they do get it right after that.
12th Mar 2008, 09:37
My Saab 9-3 linear, 2003 has been the best and worst car I have ever owned. When it works, it's like a huge weight lifted off my shoulders, but I know that won't last long. My biggest concern now, with 78000 miles on it is that the cruise control shuts off spontaneously, and then the car will not accelerate normally until about 30 mph from a stop, and the cruise will not work either. It creeps along like a cement truck up to that speed. But by the next time I get in the car, everything works fine, which means I can't even get it to the dealer to have them look at the problem. This has been going on since right after the warranty ended.
I have had numerous "gearbox malfunction" indicators. I have had on-star failure, light leveling failure, driver window motor gave out, driver seat heater started on fire and burned my behind, computer needed reprogramming numerous times, driver door won't close/latch at times, (I've had to drive while holding the door semi-closed), front badge peeled off, squeaking noise in front wheel/suspension, volume control on steering wheel and on stereo often works opposite of what you need (push up and volume decreases), trunk release on trunk never worked, check engine light comes on intermittently, car used to stall at times (3-5 times when I first got it)...
The dealership has been terrific. I just can't get there at the drop of a hat when the problem occurs and before it goes away again. I would love to get rid of this car, but would hate to sell it to someone and have them sue me for selling crap. I will likely have to drive this car for the rest of it's life, which is hopefully at least another two years.
The drive of it, the seats (when not burning), the brakes, the acceleration (when functional) provides a great ride. I do have fun with it and it looks great.
I will not purchase another SAAB despite all the enjoyment I've gotten with this car and other 900 turbos I've owned. I would be a fool to go back to that company after this experience. And knowing I am not the only one just cements that feeling.