2001 SAAB 9-3 Reviews - Page 2 of 7

Touch wood, nothing has gone wrong with it since I bought it last July.

Whoever bought it new, babied the car, since I think its history was as a 2nd car. I am only surmising that since it was 10 years old and had just over 120k on the odometer, or 12k per year. Also, since it's a convertible, it was likely not used as much up here in the winter.

When I purchased it, the used car dealer was a little difficult, and I had not dealt with him before. Once he did the work to certify the car (rear brakes issue), it has been awesome to drive.

1st and 2nd are average, but it is very quick when you get up to 3rd onwards. The SID is missing a few pixels, but is not at the point of servicing. Since this is my 5th Saab I've been down this road before and can live with it.

I have an 9-5 Aero wagon as the family car. With the Yakama on top, I can't see a van in my future... ever. There is lots of space for 2 kids, 1 large Shepherd/Rottweiler cross and assorted kid stuff, hockey equipment, skis etc.

Oh, and I got that one used, just off lease @ 65k... Jet black. It is a great highway car for trips.

I've had this car a year and so far:

- A front wheel bearing has had to be replaced.

- Engine management light came on. Apparently the catalytic converter is running below its optimum efficiency.

This car is nice, but not so nice at the same time. It's got a full cream leather interior, which is lovely and all the creature comforts like climate control, cruise control etc, but to put it bluntly, the dashboard and controls look like they've come straight out of an early 90's Saab 9000, and been just shoved in my car.

The dashboard is dull and clumsy, the buttons for the electric windows (front and back) are all in the centre console between the handbrake and gear stick, and everything feels a bit cheap.

There are also certain things you'd expect to have, like a height adjustable steering wheel, which simply isn't there.

To drive the car is nice. The engine is really quiet, and it cruises nicely on motorways as well as winding country roads. The suspension is quite firm, and it handles roads well, but there's just nothing exciting about the car.

Mine's the convertible, and if you want my advice and can afford to have the choice, go for an Audi or BMW if you're looking for a mid sized soft-top car.