2003 SAAB 9-3 Linear review from North America
"The most unreliable high maintenance car I have ever owned"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Amplifier Broke twice
Stereo Broken
Seat Belts Recalled
Brakes Squeaked
Glove Box Broken
Steering Column Loosened
Door handles Faded
Heat Shield underneath rattled
Doors constantly rattled - 10+ visits to service.
On-star - many attempted repairs - finally gave up and quit service.
Battery died.
Tire blew out at 15K miles.
Rubber coating on dash peeling.
Locks went up and down on their own while driving.
Clutch went to the floor while "auto adjusting".
Headlights burned out twice!
Cruise control broken when brand new.
Front and rear hood and trunk Saab emblem peeled/faded/cracked.
Grease on headliner when brand new.
Black plastic parts on exterior blotched and faded.
I could probably pull my records from files and find more, but you get the picture.
General comments?
This was all in 2 and a half years. My car was the subject of many a coworker jokes and I was miserable. Thought it was the neatest car for a couple months and it was constantly in the shop. There is now way I could have afforded to drive this car out of warranty and even if I could have it was way too inconvenient.
Recommended Reviews:
  | Never purchase major buys on impulse...I'm paying for that mistake with this car |
| This was my second and last Saab |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model Year | 2003 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.0 turbo Manual |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 0/10 |
| Comfort marks | 6/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 4/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 10 miles |
| Most recent distance | 43000 miles |
| Previous car | Honda Accord |
| Date of Entry | 25th November, 2005 |