7th Oct 2008, 17:02

I just purchased a Saab 93 07, and I find it the most reliable car I ever drove. My Mercedes gave me problems. Knock on wood, my Saab runs great. I think people should check their driving habits that can cause mishaps in most cars. Be gentle to your Saab, take good care of it, maintain the requested services, and I think your Saab will run like it's suppose to. Gooooo Saaaaaab.

2nd Dec 2008, 13:13

Bought a '03 9-3 Linear this past April. Transmission went out within the 1'st month of owning it. The dealer I purchased it from (not a Saab dealership) didn't know what was wrong or how to fix it, had to send it to Saab dealership. My warranty through a third party was giving me the run around, but the problem was fixed and covered by warranty, and hey it only took 5 weeks to get the car back, no big deal right? The car was burning oil, dealer fixed a leak coming from the timing cover. The key malfunctioned and was making the alarm go off at random in the middle of the night, just removed the battery that took care of it, just can't lock my doors without using the valet key.

The most recent problem is a popping sound from front suspension. I'm being told I will need new Macphearson struts. I love how the car drives and it does lead people to believe you paid a lot more for it than you did. However, I feel this is just the start of a long battle with this car. As a previous Acura owner I should have gone with the TSX.

11th Jan 2009, 19:35

I have a 2003 9-3 Linear. The transmission went at 64,000 miles because of the problem with coolant leaking into the transmission. GM gave me a new transmission (well, I had to contribute $500). Now, at 80,000 miles, the transmission is going again. Between 40 and 50 MPH, it frequently thuds and sounds like you're riding over rumble strips. It can be quite alarming. My maintenance guy told me the transmission fluid is already dirty / dark, and this is caused by transmission slips. The Saab dealer is sympathetic. He thinks I need another new transmission and he will give me a loaner while this is sorted out. (Last time, they had the car for a month while replacing the transmission.) Also, like others, the knobs are peeling, the radio controls don't work correctly, the fan died three times (under warranty), the window stripping needed replacement, the window broke... I love driving the car and am fond of the thing, it drives great in the snow, the steering is tight, acceleration is great, but when all is said and done, my next car will be Japanese.

23rd Jan 2009, 17:54

Talk about suckers - we bought a 2003 AND a 2004 SAAB 9-3 together in July 2006. Wanted cute, safe cars for our daughters, but got huge headaches instead. Purchased both cars pre-certified, and started heading to the repair shop within a month of purchasing. The 2003 model has been the worst, though. Battery died within first month of purchase, headlights seem to burn out super fast, power window came off of track, moon-roof got stuck, front wheel bearing broke, seat adjuster broke twice, power steering pump leaking, "needs coolant" light ALWAYS on, ignition module broke, and amplifier busted. Our extended warranty runs out in 12,000 miles and, boy, are we worried!! Never again.

29th Jan 2009, 14:04

Just bought a 9-3 to replace my 1995 900s of 325,000 miles that replaced my 1989 900s of 275,000 miles. Like it so far. Hoping for the best.

27th Feb 2009, 19:44

I bought my 2003 93 in November of 08 and I’m getting scared. I wish I had read these comments before the purchase. On the second day the amplifier broke. The dealer covered all costs. While on the freeway today the Gear Box malfunction light came on and I only had second and fifth gear. I just got home and luckily I have an appointment set at the dealership to have an ipod jack put in tomorrow. I hope it’s not something major. I have noticed a rumbling sound, like I’m driving over rumble strips. I owned a 1992 Saab 900 before this and it had 210,000. I drive 30,000 miles a year as a salesman and thought I made a great purchase. Wish me luck.

10th Mar 2009, 21:37

I posted on Feb 27th with a gear box malfunction problem and took my car in the next day. The dealership needed to keep it for a couple of days but gave me a brand new 2009 93 to drive. (Very Nice) I was relieved to find out it was only my increase and decease speed sensors and not my transmission. The total cost was $514 and it’s running great again. I’m still a big fan of Saab.

29th Mar 2009, 02:33

I bought a 2003 Saab 93 in June of 2006. It is a CPO car and had 22k on it. It now has over 70k miles.

Overall, it has been a very pleasant experience. We have had no major problems, but there have been issues. For example, the fuel pump had to be replaced and so did the radiator due to a leak. However, the service has been excellent and we have not had to pay a dime for anything except maint. Even headlights and fog lights are replaced for free.

I put brakes on it once since I have owned it and I just checked the rears and they are 25% worn and the front still have about 50% left on them.

To those with gripes as to what the dealership charges for service, I say this. Learn to do basic maintenance yourself. I buy engine and compartment air filters online for $32...dealer charges $125. I do my own oil changes and it cost me $40...dealer charges $100. I do my own brakes and buy Saab parts online for about $200 an axle... dealer wanted $550. I leave the belts and plugs to the dealer as long as it is under warranty, but after that, I will do those myself too.

Oil, brakes, filters... are all SIMPLE. Really, I am not a mechanic and never even took a shop class. If you can't figure out how to do these simple things, then don't complain what the dealer chargers. I am a busy guy...father, husband, career, and MBA student... I work too hard for my money to toss it away paying a mechanic $125 an hour if I don't need to. Leave that for the harder stuff.

Back to the car... I find 32 to 35 mpg on the highway a big plus on these things and I think as a CPO car, these programs are great. I plan to give this car to my daughter in a few years, and buy another (if Saab is still around).

I paid $17,000 for the car.