Tell me about Saab 9-3s...
Discussion
I've always fancied a Saab as I like their cool/alternative image but have never got round to owning one as something else has always seemed more suitable for my requirements at the time. The one I have always wanted is a Talladega red classic Saab 900 Turbo but for my circumstances at the moment a 9-3 might be quite suitable.
My wife and I are expecting our first child in a few months time which more or less coincides with the balloon payment on her Fiat 500 which she has owned from new. We could do with something with 5 doors and a big boot and obviously safety and comfort are important too. Our other car is a Subaru Impreza WRX Estate but unfortunately my wife finds it too heavy to drive.
A 5 door supermini would probably suffice or another Golf (and would still fit in our garage) but the idea of a bland Eurohatch bores me a bit! I could probably go up to £4k but would hope that some of this would be covered by the equity on the Fiat. I know 9-3s are not renowned for their driving dynamics (as they are Vauxhall Cavalier based) but are they easy and decent enough to drive and reliable. They seem to have a reputation for longevity, is this well deserved?
I like the look of the old model (the 5 door hatch) as they look more Saaby for want of a better adjective. A 5 door Aero in black still looks pretty sharp! However, I am conscious that the newer model is down to a similair level in terms of price now. Should I be considering one of these as well? Also, I fancy an Aero but am conscious that they are probably quite heavy, thirsty cars. Would I be better off with a diesel or am I more likely to have relaibility issues (I believe that the diesels are GM engines)? My preference would be with a manual but I am not averse to an automatic.
So in short, are either model any good, petrol or diesel, manual or automatic, are they reliable (I don't want a whole heap of trouble) as we will be living off one income! Any insight or ownership experience would be greatly appreciated.
My wife and I are expecting our first child in a few months time which more or less coincides with the balloon payment on her Fiat 500 which she has owned from new. We could do with something with 5 doors and a big boot and obviously safety and comfort are important too. Our other car is a Subaru Impreza WRX Estate but unfortunately my wife finds it too heavy to drive.
A 5 door supermini would probably suffice or another Golf (and would still fit in our garage) but the idea of a bland Eurohatch bores me a bit! I could probably go up to £4k but would hope that some of this would be covered by the equity on the Fiat. I know 9-3s are not renowned for their driving dynamics (as they are Vauxhall Cavalier based) but are they easy and decent enough to drive and reliable. They seem to have a reputation for longevity, is this well deserved?
I like the look of the old model (the 5 door hatch) as they look more Saaby for want of a better adjective. A 5 door Aero in black still looks pretty sharp! However, I am conscious that the newer model is down to a similair level in terms of price now. Should I be considering one of these as well? Also, I fancy an Aero but am conscious that they are probably quite heavy, thirsty cars. Would I be better off with a diesel or am I more likely to have relaibility issues (I believe that the diesels are GM engines)? My preference would be with a manual but I am not averse to an automatic.
So in short, are either model any good, petrol or diesel, manual or automatic, are they reliable (I don't want a whole heap of trouble) as we will be living off one income! Any insight or ownership experience would be greatly appreciated.
I would definitely go for the newer 9-3 instead of the old hatch considering your budget of 4 grand. The newer 9-3 saloon isn't based on a Cavalier, its based on a Vectra C platform. I personally think that they are the best looking cars in its class and they are good value for money. These are reliable cars in general, but walk a mile on cars that have no history as it will end up costing you if something goes wrong (which is the case a lot of time).
As for the spec, I'd avoid Linear trim and go for the sportier Vector trim, I'd also prefer the diesel, but wouldn't turn down a nice 2.0T petrol, automatic vs manual is down to your preference. Here's a few cars to give you an idea of what you might want.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...
As for the spec, I'd avoid Linear trim and go for the sportier Vector trim, I'd also prefer the diesel, but wouldn't turn down a nice 2.0T petrol, automatic vs manual is down to your preference. Here's a few cars to give you an idea of what you might want.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...
I've got the newer shape Aero and I really like it, although I'll be looking to change soon. MPG is ~30 around town and ~40 on relaxed motorway drives; reliability wise it's not too bad, although a few things have happened in the past few months that annoy me; reversing sensors don't work in the wet, squeaks from the passenger seat and the rear calipers siezed, but mine has done 120k so a few of these things are to be expected. That said, it's still on it's original clutch, turbo and pretty much everything else bar the servicables.
My main reason for looking to sell is the ride around town; it was ok for the first year or two, but it annoys me now; crashing and juddering over every imperfection on the roads (which are many around here right now). That said I've been really pleased with the car (the seats are the most comfortable things ever and it shifts along nicely) and I'm glad I got mine when I did as I always liked the 9-3.
My main reason for looking to sell is the ride around town; it was ok for the first year or two, but it annoys me now; crashing and juddering over every imperfection on the roads (which are many around here right now). That said I've been really pleased with the car (the seats are the most comfortable things ever and it shifts along nicely) and I'm glad I got mine when I did as I always liked the 9-3.
I've had my black 9-3 Aero saloon just over 2 months now. 54 plate 2.0t with 92k cost £3k to buy with a full service history. It's extremely comfy, quick as well. I'm driving round town and getting mid 20's (mpg) not sure about a run as I haven't been on one. I wanted something comfy, not a slouch, but more importantly safer for the family ( coming from a pug 106 ). It's a tead thirsty on fuel, but that doesn't bother me, my foot's not that light anyway.
Haven't had any problems yet, think it might need rear discs and pads for Mot but that's about all, and there's a bit of a creak from the plastic drivers door panel, other than that it's fantastic. I'd recommend one. Here's mine
Haven't had any problems yet, think it might need rear discs and pads for Mot but that's about all, and there's a bit of a creak from the plastic drivers door panel, other than that it's fantastic. I'd recommend one. Here's mine
Saabs are great value. In general they're not as 'good to drive' as BMWs but make good relaxed cruisers, which most people do most of the time.
It is weird, people buy loads of Audis even though they're expensive and have rubbish handling but cars like Saabs and Volvos get slated for handling. Makes them bargains.
It is weird, people buy loads of Audis even though they're expensive and have rubbish handling but cars like Saabs and Volvos get slated for handling. Makes them bargains.
I used to own 2006 1.9 Tid
Wife has owned 2004 2 litre petrol convertible, since around 2006
Both 100% reliable. I service the petrol myself now, just a Mobil 1 oil change really & basic stuff.
The Diesel always returned high 40s Mpg & was a good motorway cruiser with the 6 gears.
Petrol never above 30 Mpg in real life driving.
Be aware that the petrols will ve a high car tax band, I think it is £260ish for the basic 2 litre & more for Aero etc.
The dash board is very poorly built. I can guarantee you will have squeeks & rattles. If that bothers you - steer well clear.
I imagine any car in budget will have SAAB own custom sound system. On the Vector it will probably be ES 2-7 (7 speakers). The system is basic & it nigh on impossible to upgrade (as integral to the car PDC etc etc & is a fibre opic system). Also it is very expensive to integrate Ipod/Bluetooth if you need that. Do-able, but not simple. Those crazy Swedes should have left the sounds to somebody else. The 'facelift' cars have a standard system, which is a vast improvement.
Seats are good!
Despite the above flaws, I would buy again if the price was right. There are also some bargain 9-5s about.
Wife has owned 2004 2 litre petrol convertible, since around 2006
Both 100% reliable. I service the petrol myself now, just a Mobil 1 oil change really & basic stuff.
The Diesel always returned high 40s Mpg & was a good motorway cruiser with the 6 gears.
Petrol never above 30 Mpg in real life driving.
Be aware that the petrols will ve a high car tax band, I think it is £260ish for the basic 2 litre & more for Aero etc.
The dash board is very poorly built. I can guarantee you will have squeeks & rattles. If that bothers you - steer well clear.
I imagine any car in budget will have SAAB own custom sound system. On the Vector it will probably be ES 2-7 (7 speakers). The system is basic & it nigh on impossible to upgrade (as integral to the car PDC etc etc & is a fibre opic system). Also it is very expensive to integrate Ipod/Bluetooth if you need that. Do-able, but not simple. Those crazy Swedes should have left the sounds to somebody else. The 'facelift' cars have a standard system, which is a vast improvement.
Seats are good!
Despite the above flaws, I would buy again if the price was right. There are also some bargain 9-5s about.
I had a Y reg 2.0T 5 door hatch for 18 months, I bought it as a cheap station car as my local SAAB specialist had taken it in as a PX complete with dent in the side and hadn't bothered to look at it.
When I got it home I found that it had been completely Abbotted with their Viggen rescue kit at the front end and chipped to 230BHP
It was a very quick, solid car and I changed the interior to a leather one for £200 (delievred on a Pallet) and 2 hours of spannering
I also upped the wheels to 17" with a Toyo wheel/tyre package from Wheelbase for £450
The only issue I had was that it lunched a turbo, my only SAAB of the 6 I had to do so, but other than that it was the usual combination of Quick/comfy/practical that the SAAB Hatches are.
I paid £1500 for it and sold it for £750!!!
When I got it home I found that it had been completely Abbotted with their Viggen rescue kit at the front end and chipped to 230BHP
It was a very quick, solid car and I changed the interior to a leather one for £200 (delievred on a Pallet) and 2 hours of spannering
I also upped the wheels to 17" with a Toyo wheel/tyre package from Wheelbase for £450
The only issue I had was that it lunched a turbo, my only SAAB of the 6 I had to do so, but other than that it was the usual combination of Quick/comfy/practical that the SAAB Hatches are.
I paid £1500 for it and sold it for £750!!!
I think its really sad that Saab has gone. They offered something a bit different, non german, a bit "left-field". Personally Ive quite fancied a 2.0 aero for some time, or the 180 BHP TTID. thats quite a quick car...I have been told they can get expensive when they get older, dunno if thats true or not.
I had a 9-3 ttid, fantastic engine but let me down 3 times due to faulty egr valve. All before 40k miles.
Agree with what had already been said, they are great cruisers and represent great value for money. I would buy another but a petrol and probably an estate. Also they are very tight on rear legroom. As a family car a 95 might be better.
Agree with what had already been said, they are great cruisers and represent great value for money. I would buy another but a petrol and probably an estate. Also they are very tight on rear legroom. As a family car a 95 might be better.
Howard- said:
Their build quality is absolutely, utterly atrocious. I'd go for a 9-5 instead. You get more for your money and a marginal increase in quality.
Based on what ?They have some cheap trim in the cabin which is a suspect is what you are confusing with build quality, I had mine 5 years and nothing broke, fell off or failed, the shell was rock solid and did not have any rust despite being nine years old, all the suspension and underside was well made, the engine never missed a beat despite being remapped, no oil leaks or anything, never used any coolant.
The 9-5 had slightly better trim, it didnt look as good but was more solid, the new 9-3 had better looking but frankly substandard for the class it was in trim, but even that wasnt as bad as you describe, that makes it sound like some sixties Russian tat.
I was having a look at the 02 onwards model Saab 9-3s when I was deciding what to get last month. In the end I discounted them for their poor interior. Very squeaky and rattly, most had worn buttons or messed up LCDs, terrible fit and finish, and cheap feeling leather. It was a shame as I really liked the rest of the package. In the end I stuck with the idea of a speedy Sweede and went for a Volvo S60 T5 instead - a much better engineered car around, and no more expensive than a similar 9-3 Aero.
J4CKO said:
Based on what ?
They have some cheap trim in the cabin which is a suspect is what you are confusing with build quality, I had mine 5 years and nothing broke, fell off or failed, the shell was rock solid and did not have any rust despite being nine years old, all the suspension and underside was well made, the engine never missed a beat despite being remapped, no oil leaks or anything, never used any coolant.
The 9-5 had slightly better trim, it didnt look as good but was more solid, the new 9-3 had better looking but frankly substandard for the class it was in trim, but even that wasnt as bad as you describe, that makes it sound like some sixties Russian tat.
Yes, the interior quality. It's awful. The soft touch rubber coating on the plastics wears off, things rattle and creak, it just feels cheap and nasty. Considering you spend a lot of time inside a car during its ownership, that's important to some people. They have some cheap trim in the cabin which is a suspect is what you are confusing with build quality, I had mine 5 years and nothing broke, fell off or failed, the shell was rock solid and did not have any rust despite being nine years old, all the suspension and underside was well made, the engine never missed a beat despite being remapped, no oil leaks or anything, never used any coolant.
The 9-5 had slightly better trim, it didnt look as good but was more solid, the new 9-3 had better looking but frankly substandard for the class it was in trim, but even that wasnt as bad as you describe, that makes it sound like some sixties Russian tat.
Had mine 7 months now.. Only had to replace a seized pump for headlight washers.
The cars actually very solidly built, not BMW good but a lot better than my old ST220.
When people talk about bad build quality they mean cheap trim on the dashboard.. That's it. Only thing that lets the car down IMO. Seats, inner doors, carpets etc all fine. Just a creaky dashboard from brittle plastics.
Search out a 2.8T too.. Awesome engine. Respond well to a remap, mines made 300hp from 4k to 6k and 390lbft of torque! Goes very well.
The cars actually very solidly built, not BMW good but a lot better than my old ST220.
When people talk about bad build quality they mean cheap trim on the dashboard.. That's it. Only thing that lets the car down IMO. Seats, inner doors, carpets etc all fine. Just a creaky dashboard from brittle plastics.
Search out a 2.8T too.. Awesome engine. Respond well to a remap, mines made 300hp from 4k to 6k and 390lbft of torque! Goes very well.
Thanks for all the advice. It seems like the newer model (saloon) is more highly regarded and a better car for the money. I should probably go and check one out. It's a shame, as I generally prefer big hatches/estates to saloons. I guess thinking laterally, a Skoda Octavia vRS may offer similar performance and practicality to a 9-3 hatch with better handling, build quality and fuel economy in a more modern car. Still not as cool as a Saab though!
Many fans will tell you its bull pooh but check the bulkhead isnt craking away or at least be aware of it. Plenty (and I mean plenty) are failing their MOT's now its an area specificaly checked as part of the MOT.
Yes it is a problem & a few on here will confirm it as their cars have it
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=2&a...
Yes it is a problem & a few on here will confirm it as their cars have it
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=2&a...
I've owned a '99model year 9-3 from almost new, super reliable, comfortable , easy to drive, never had a problem or squeeks from dash / trim, if you want a hatchback and large boot I would advise you to look at one or 2 and try them out, I'm sure some good ones are out there, mine still drives and feels like a new car, wouldn't think of selling it.
cptsideways said:
Many fans will tell you its bull pooh but check the bulkhead isnt craking away or at least be aware of it. Plenty (and I mean plenty) are failing their MOT's now its an area specificaly checked as part of the MOT.
Yes it is a problem & a few on here will confirm it as their cars have it
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=2&a...
This only affects the original 9 -3, not the newer saloon/ estate. Yes it is a problem & a few on here will confirm it as their cars have it
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=2&a...
rscott said:
cptsideways said:
Many fans will tell you its bull pooh but check the bulkhead isnt craking away or at least be aware of it. Plenty (and I mean plenty) are failing their MOT's now its an area specificaly checked as part of the MOT.
Yes it is a problem & a few on here will confirm it as their cars have it
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=2&a...
This only affects the original 9 -3, not the newer saloon/ estate. Yes it is a problem & a few on here will confirm it as their cars have it
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=2&a...
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff