2003 SAAB 9-3 review from North America
"After owning seven Saab's, I will never purchase a SAAB made after GM destroyed a great company"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The fuel pump went out at 42K miles - $750.00.
The entire A/C system - except under the dash, had to be replaced at 48K miles - $1,800.00.
The passenger seat gears broke at 52K miles - $300.00.
The power top motors had to be replaced and other top work done at 56K miles - $ 1,400.00.
The quit suddenly quit running at 62K miles.
Diagnosed as "ignition cassette" - which turned out to be on "International Back Order". I finally located the part myself; special order shipping costs, etc. The car was in the shop for 3 months! $680.00.
Car quit on way home from garage - car still not running.
General comments?
The car handles and drives great.
Older seats were very comfortable; present seats are uncomfortable; motors weak.
Convertible top operation is great (even though they stole it from a Mercedes 450SL) but small parts break and destroy the top motors, which are outrageously expensive to replace.
It is ridiculous that you can't run the A/C with the top down.
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| Worst car I've ever owned in any price range |
|
| 2002 - 9-3 Convertible SE turbo Horrible |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 2003 |
| First year of ownership | 2006 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.0 turbo diesel Automatic |
| Performance marks | 10 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 3 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 0 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 40000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 63000 miles |
| Previous car | SAAB 900 |
| Date of Entry | 28th November, 2008 |