2003 SAAB 9-3 2.0t SE review from Norway
"Unlike any other"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
85.000km - Vibration at speeds over 100 kmh. Probably due to chip upgrade, which increases hp/torque from 150hp/240nm to 215hp/342nm.
Left rear electric window inoperative when bought. Have not had it fixed yet.
General comments?
The 2 litre turbo engine (B205E) is very good. It's torque peaks @ 1800rpm, compared to 3-4000 rpm on my previously owned BMW. I've had it chip-tuned to increase the power and torque, and the car is now faster than a 2.5 Porsche Boxster in a straight line. Unfortunately, the suspension and handling is poor. Very poor. Get me right though, it's safe meaning that if you push the line it'll just under-steer a lot, but the car is incapable of being driven fast on curvy roads. To much body-roll, and too soft suspension. Build quality is good, secondhand value is not.
Recommended reviews
| Worst car I've ever owned in any price range |
|
| Unusual, amazing value and very quick |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 2003 |
| Year of manufacture | 2003 |
| First year of ownership | 2007 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2007 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.0 tubo Manual |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 9 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 80000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 90875 kilometres |
| Previous car | BMW 3 Series |
| Date of Entry | 30th September, 2007 |