1999 SAAB 9-3 S review from Australia and New Zealand
"Bargain Uniqueness in a Quality Package!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Saab Info Display (SID) - pixels die. Easy self fix... takes 20 minutes - just Google it!
Vacuum check valve fails - every service - but cheap to replace. Result of hot climate.
Gearbox engine mount needs replacing - dealer informed me that it will be fine without replacement, as long as I don't kick the gear box down too often, or too hard.
Air vent control has failed so it is stuck on air out of dash vents only. Expensive to fix, but in a climate like ours, I don't need to use the windscreen demister anyway. Not a drama!
CD player stopped being able to play "burnt" cd's. Easy replacement - even found a product on the web so I can still use my steering wheel buttons with my new Sony CD player.
Badges lose their paint - too much sunlight in Australia! Easy to replace.
General comments?
For a tall person (6'3") - the high back seats are fantastic. I would buy another brand of car if I could install Saab seats!
As a second hand car, Saabs are excellent value. No other European car can compete for value, especially at this age / price range. I have 4 airbags, steering wheel stereo buttons, and everything else electrical that I need, all for the price of something Korean. I would rather buy another second hand Saab then a new cheap car any day.
Luggage capacity is something I wouldn't be able to live without now. My 5 door hatch back has carted everything including a widescreen LCD TV, washing machine, filing cabinet, fridge, TV cabinet.
I also love that fact that most people don't understand Saabs... I like to be a bit different! Even in Australia, a Mercedes is common, but a Saab is at least pretty unique. The best bit is, that Saabs are quite reliable, bullet proof cars that aren't overly expensive to service or fix.
Recommended reviews
| A car with very deep seated virtues that take time to appreciate |
|
| Good car |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1999 |
| Year of manufacture | 1999 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2007 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.0 Low Pressure turbo Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 9 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 130000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 150000 kilometres |
| Previous car | SAAB 900 |
| Date of Entry | 24th April, 2007 |