2003 SAAB 9-3 Vector review from North America
"Never purchase major buys on impulse...I'm paying for that mistake with this car"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Stopped on 10 freeway, Santa Monica during traffic
Stopped on local street
"Coolant level low" warning...10+ times could not find problem
Dial for infotainment replaced
"On-Star" serviced twice
Driver-side window rolling back down 4"...3 times
Transmission replaced
Door handles fading
Interior's rubber peeling off
Car keys recalled
Seat belts recalled
ESP failure
Changed headlights many times
Gas cap caused "check engine light" to come on
Button on the steering wheel broken
Writings on cruise control lever peeled off
All I can think of at this time; probably more in my file dedicated to service trips to the dealer
Rear and front brakes changed, with rotors.
General comments?
I fell in love with its design when they first came out. I was contemplating between Bimmer, Benz, and Infiniti G35. Would not have bought the car if I had done my due-diligence and researched on the web. It is fun to drive, but 1-2 trips to the dealer 35 miles away from my house is not worth it. I would rather drive my old Toyota Camry, which I sold prior to purchasing this car, over SAAB any day. I tried to declare this car as a lemon, but dealer denied my request. I will never purchase this car for the rest of my LIFE. For the amount of money I spent for this car, I could have got one with more power and luxury.
Recommended Reviews:
  | If you can get past the minor electrical issues, a low maintenance and very quick and responsive 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 | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.0 turbo Semi-Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 3/10 |
| Comfort marks | 5/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 1/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 50 miles |
| Most recent distance | 53650 miles |
| Previous car | Toyota Camry |
| Date of Entry | 13th September, 2006 |