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.

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!

Faults:

SID pixels blew at 20,000.

Turbo Failed at 51,000.

Engine seized and failed at 53,000.

General Comments:

I once loved this car, as did I love the 900s I owned. Now, my love has turned to hatred and anger- towards SAAB USA, GM and my local dealership. SAAB admits to a fatal design flaw with their engines, but refuses to accept responsibility for 1999 9-3 SE. They tell me it is not covered by their "recall." I've maintained the vehicle above and beyond manufact. specs, but GM does NOT want to have to deal with their mistake. SAAB OWNERS REVOLT! CLASS ACTION SUIT! Please contact me if you have had sludge problems.

Faults:

Nothing, except the a/c read out is kind of funky.

General Comments:

The car is so fast that it is hard to believe that there is only a 2.0 liter V4 under the hood. With the sport drive, the automatic transmission is as peppy as any manual. The car also handles better than a new BMW 330CI that I recently drove, and my 9-3 has 100,000 miles! There is no other car on earth that can match my Saab's performance, utility, safety and price! If you are considering a Saab versus any other car, go with the Saab! You will be so happy, believe me!