1999 SAAB 9-3 Convertible SE 2.0 turbo

Summary:

Average in quality, but fun to drive.

Faults:

Convertible top would not work when purchased. Topped up fluid level in the Hydraulic pump, and it has been fine since.

Rear Brakes squeal like a bus on light application. Have tried two different types of Pads w/o any improvement.

Lots of rattles and squeaks from rear wheel area.

Sub-woofers rattle and buzz in the "high end" sound system.

General Comments:

Purchased with 75,000 miles on the clock. I expected some minor flaws and mechanical issues. But I am disappointed in the amount of rattles and noise issues from under the vehicle. This was a $ 42,000.00 vehicle when new. It currently sounds like it is coming apart upon hitting any minor road flaw. Above average creature comforts.

Love the climate control system.

Fun to drive and easy to lose track of speed.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd February, 2006

1999 SAAB 9-3 base 5-door 2.0 liter

Summary:

If a small family selects one vehicle for all purposes and loves cars, a Saab is your best bet

Faults:

It's been an expensive year for this Saab, but we still love it.

Any car can lose a neutral safety switch. Labor is the largest component here.

Anybody who runs with a low fuel condition as much as my wife has done perhaps deserves to lose a fuel pump.

A water pump is a common repair across all makes.

Springs do break and repairs can lead to other repairs where the front end is concerned (wheel bearing).

General Comments:

We've never had a nicer car. We've owned 3 Swedish, 2 American, 4 Japanese, and one English car (an MGB) and across almost all measures, this has been the best one for us.

Sylish, fast, comfortable, utilitarian, safe, the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) is just superb and for winter driving is there anything as good in a FWDer? I don't think so.

With minimum maintenance, ours looking almost as good as the day the car was acquired, these Saabs are every bit as honest and unique as they claim to be and in my opinion, a real bargain for the money spent.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd January, 2006

1999 SAAB 9-3 SE 2.0

Summary:

Terrible!

Faults:

I bought this car one yr ago with 74000 miles. at 84000 miles the engine has gone!

Now I find out via this blog and other internet sites about the about the fatal engine flaws and the $3000.00 repair job.

I plan to get it fixed, trade the car and sue SAAB!

I will never, but another one. This is my third SAAB. The others we from the 80's and 90's and gave me no problems.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th December, 2005

27th Mar 2008, 20:14

It might have helped to use synthetic oil...

1999 SAAB 9-3 S 2.0 litre turbo

Summary:

I wouldn't hesitate to buy another

Faults:

Needed a full set of rotors at 90,000 after driving across Canada (6000km). 4 Zimmerman cross-drilled and slotted, zinc plated rotors were cheaper than 2 plain-jane rotors from the dealer!

General Comments:

I love my car.

For $3000 Canadian dollars less than a used base model Civic coupe with comparable miles and condition, I have a car that eats most others on the road. And isn't just another Civic/Cavalier/Sunfire!

It only has a couple of shortcomings I noticed on a 6000km trip. First, the cup holder is in a terrible spot! This is trivial to some, but over long hauls it gets annoying.

Second, my acceleration can be a little jerky in very hot weather; the boost gauge jumps with the acceleration.

Third, torque steer is a pain, but easily fixed with 150 US in aftermarket parts.

I love the cargo space; the trunk is huge, even with the rear seats up.

In driving 4 straight 13-20 hour days, my back was never sore, and my muscles did not tire!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th August, 2005

2nd Jun 2007, 17:19

I plan on getting a 9-3 in the next couple of months, and was wondering what aftermarket modifications you were referring to that correct the torque steer? If you, or anyone reading this could e-mail me the answer, 'cause I have no idea where to start, except for stiffer motor mounts.

MrCrazyBalls@hotmail.com.

Thanks!