2006 SAAB 9-3 Linear 1.9 TiD turbo diesel

Summary:

The wisest choice of all second-hand saloon cars

Faults:

EGR valve (fortunately replaced under warranty).

Weird steering (unknown cause).

Random jerking while accelerating/decelerating (unknown cause).

Difficulties to change gears.

General Comments:

I'm amazed by: the low consumption, the excellent comfort of its seat, the handling, the performances, the cargo, the superb design of the car.

I didn't like: the clutch/gearbox set, the aerodynamic sounds, the very bad handling when on windy/bad roads, some weird reactions from the steering wheel (hard/smooth), noises coming from the dashboard.

OK, it might be not as reliable as a BMW/Audi/Merc, but it's far better looking, and you have the feeling of driving something more rare and exclusive.

My previous car was a Saab, my current car is a Saab, my next car will be a Saab.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th May, 2011

14th Jul 2025, 13:31

In its early years, when SAAB was SAAB, it was always more reliable than BMW, Mercedes or Audi, even models like the 9000 were more expensive than many of those brands.

I'm not saying this 9-3 in the review is a bad car; it's a good one, but it's only SAAB in name. A car designed by GM with a Fiat engine.

1999 SAAB 9-3 SE 2.0t

Summary:

Amazing performer

Faults:

This car is as good as on day one when I bought it and it feels as tightly packed as when it left factory.

General Comments:

This is an incredible combination of practicality, economy and performance. The car can haul the sink while returning 8.5lt/100km. Above 3500 revs the car transforms itself to a modest sports car. Reliability is pretty good too.

Too bad that the current 9-3 is lagging so far behind this original Swedish design!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th April, 2006

2003 SAAB 9-3 Sport Sedan Vector 2.2 TiD

Summary:

The real driver's car

Faults:

The car seemed to have problems with the engine management system at first, which did cause a minor inconvenience on the motorway. The dealer did replace the entire computer unit during the next week under warranty.

Furthermore I had the driver's seatbelt replaced due to a problem with the tensioner, a slight problem with the GPS unit which was fixed with a software update, a new motion-sensor for the alarm system, a new unit for the electronic stability program and a new CD player. All these items were replaced under warranty and were done expertly without any hassle by the dealer.

General Comments:

This is my third Saab, and I must admit that this is the very best car I have ever owned, not withstanding the fact that it has been to the dealers a few times for some problems. It handles brilliantly, has a high degree of comfort and looks very nice indeed. And let's be honest here, which other car manufacturer can offer a complete car like this, with the same level of comfort and luxury, for the price of the Saab?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd May, 2004