1998 SAAB 9-3 Convertible 2.0 turbo 185 hp

Summary:

California in Sverige???

Faults:

Niggles you'd expect with this vintage:

Front strut thread loose - tightened with a water pump wrench.

Ignition switch lost spring - play around til contacts get gripped to the onboard electric loom.

General Comments:

Super smooth motoring, the two balance shafts are giving a slight hint of a 6 inline engine.

Quiet, particularly compared to a 1.9 pumpe duese nutcracker, that's what I was looking for.

Engine appears to run well within designed limits, no headaches.

4-gear auto, good enough for me, switches seamlessly, will need some TLC probably, as usual.

Roof mechanics does the trick, exceptional heating will give me great open winter cruises.

Fold back seats and ski passages enable lugging of carpet rolls of 2,50 (otherwise you take the platform route open roof :) ).

Suspension is gunky-comfortable, not a Citroen really, but relaxing in the 90s manner

Drinks moderately for the output and vintage, no lows, no highs with an average of some 9,5l/100 km.

Great fun, the svenska aeroplan, I never look back.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st October, 2020