1999 SAAB 9-3 s from North America - Comments

I just wanted to make a few simple comments about my review posted a ways back and the responding comments that were attributed with it.

First off, the car is long gone now, having sold it back to a dealership in order to purchase something a little more reliable. (BTW somehow I made 1800 off that piece of junk)

Second, the WHEEL FORWARD COMMENT, a few commentaries stated this was normal in most luxury cars. I have to tell you this is by no means normal...yes, in the saab you do have the means to move the steering wheel towards and away from the driver, however in the 99 saab 9-3, you are not able to move it vertically up and down. A hugh flaw is designing.

Third, earlier comments listed about the BAD RADIO... yes I did take care of that, I managed to purchase new speakers for the two rear 9*6, however, the wiring system in a saab is fiber optics, so be ware, they most likely will not be able to mount your nice head unit. Best Buy, Circuit City, and even mom and pop shops will NOT BE ABLE TO WORK ON YOUR CAR. That is unless you want to drop a few hundred dollars to get your car a completely new wire system. That cost about $200.

On another note, I did take care of the daytime running lights, and yes, a simple fuse will take care of that issue. I do still stick by my review, and feel this car is complete non-sense, I feel anyone with logic will do themselves a favor and decline to purchase a saab 9-3. Oh and quick reply to poster from June 15th...I live in Annapolis, Md.. Trust me, If saab is going to be anywhere, I could image it would be here. But, surprise, people here like to drive Lexus and BMW not SAAB.

Conclusion: I suppose you have to live and learn... GM is a terrible company and anything they control will be the same.

Okay, okay, we ALL know that the original reviewer had a bad experience with a Saab and that left a rather bitter taste in the reviewer's mouth, BUT that doesn't make Saabs bad cars.

I completely disagree with the original reviewer's conclusions, and my experience has been the opposite.

In my opinion Saabs are fantastic cars!

I too disagree with the opening entry to this thread. I am on my fifth Saab bought yesterday (1998 93 2.3 SE auto) as a second car to my 2005 93 1.9 tdi man. Two previous 900's (XS and Talladega) followed by a beautiful 95 got me hooked on these cars. No problems or faults too much to entertain. Yes, yesterdays bargin at £490 and 174000 miles has few pixels in view and a few worn pieces of trim but I bet it is still running longer than your replacement car! Quiet as a mouse - I have to get out to check the engine is still running! No rust, no leaks, air con cold, seats superb - infinitely adjustable electric ones so I can move into the steering wheel rather than move the wheel to me.

Locking the vehicle in reverse is a security feature not a chore - a bit like a seat belt!

Go and try another, and for any one else reading go and buy one.

I have been a Saab lover for many years. I've owned the 99, the classic 900, and the GM 900, and continued to an avowed Saab lover. Yet, in certain respects, I agree with the original commenter about his/her perceptions about the car. It is absolutely an acquired taste, unlike any other car on the road. Saabs are well designed, but not necessarily well constructed, if anyone can follow that logic.

My single biggest complaint has always been that Saabs vacillate between being a luxury automobile and a utility vehicle. The various quirks inherent in Saab engineering make it a nightmare when seeking repair. Given that it is not a true luxury vehicle, the price tag for repairs is way out of proportion to the value of the car, particularly at the 80,000+-mile benchmark. By then, most of Saab's idiosyncrasies begin to lose their charm because the price tag to repair them often eclipses the market value of the car (as one is normally compelled to obtain service at an expensive, "boutique" Saab repair shop.)

Given that the car's value drops like a stone immediately upon delivery to the purchaser (unlike virtually every other car in is "class"), compounded with the issues previously described, quite simply, a Saab is definitely NOT the car to buy unless you are a fervent and unequivocal Saab lover. As am I.

You are able to make 1800 off that piece of junk, the speaker thing cost $200, the steering only moves forwards and backwards etc.. Man, your statement doesn't make "cents". You talk about cost, yet do you don't know how much the same power range BM & MB cost compare to Saab. You complain about small things in a performance car that gets you up to 130+ mph and more. I won't want a steering that can move up down at such high speed. To own a Saab is not easy, you must have a service center that close to your home. Saab is an imported car in 99% of the countries, unlike BM, MB, have assembly plants in several countries, so the parts are easier to come by and cheaper than the original German import.

I bought my SAAB 9-3 Convertible last summer and have loved it ever since. The car has 156K, and I put new tread on it and re-did the front seats, and it is a real fast eye-turner now. This car is quick and nimble, and it has personality.

Sure, you can't throw an IPOD in it from stock and it costs a mint for repairs - but I believe it is a classic car that has a lot of go still. My car has been well taken care of, and it shows that is one of the reasons I bought it and I just love this SAAB.

Anyway - here is my little 99 white Saab 93

http://www.flickr.com/photos/28063509@N08/sets/72157606573435080/show/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/28063509@N08/sets/72157607121676788/show/