2002 SAAB 9-3 Aero from UK and Ireland - Comments

Nothing really.

Two small rattles to be found, and there's a bit of wind noise through the driver door seal.

All will be attended to at its first service at 6000 miles.

Fantastic car, 205bhp is quick, at times too quick. This model (and the Viggen) is legendary for torque steer, so at times there's a problem getting power to the road. But a lot of one's time is spent looking in the rear view mirror seeing if the car behind or next to you has actually started moving from the lights yet.

In the dry one really doesn't have to try hard to get this car to move; in the wet it's a little more tricky, though. 1st has to be taken with care, 2nd can cause lateral movement if pressed hard, even third can cause an eyebrow raise...

I imported this model into the UK directly from a dealer in Sweden, saving a huge amount, and for the price I paid, it's a huge amount of car with lots of standard equipment - about 2/3rds of the price I'd have had to pay for a similar spec BMW or Audi.

This model is being replaced now by the '9-3 Sports Saloon' which, having tested just this afternoon, is a much better car, amazing chassis indeed. I'll be changing mine within 6-12 months, I would say - again for the Aero, or maybe a special version from the Saab specialist tuners Abbott Racing.

But in general, it's fantastic, everyone asks me about it, the boot is simply huge, and Saab's seats are the most comfortable available, in my opinion.

I'm not having another car in black though...

Err... what's wrong with black? =P.

I agree the 93SS compared to the skittish 93 is a revelation. Outside of the UK, the suspension has been favourably compared to the 3 series and the c-class. Having driven all of them, I'd have to agree. Too bad it does look rather bland. It is an excellent car.. too bad it isn't an excellent Saab.

I have the new 9-3 SS Aero. It is a fantastic car, although Saab (UK) are lagging behind their competitors in terms of providing the integrated mobile phone (which also opens up the wonderful world of bluetooth connectivity) which Saab were so keen to promote before the car arrived and now simply cannot deliver until, at least in this COuntry they tell us, September 2003 at the earliest. Pity that they also appear to be going back on their word at the time I purchased my Aero, namely that it could be retro fitted. To anyone who finds this an important feature, check for the Saab latest, not that it is either much up to date, or indeed consistent!

As far as black goes, I think it is the only colour that really displays the Aero in its full glory. But it is an absolute swine to keep clean. If (and when) you first get one, you'll be taking it to the handwash every other day. By day three, you'll have your first scratch caused by a Mr Roger Sole (work it out!) in your local supermarket car-park (he'll be opening the door of his company car on to your personal pride and joy without a car in the world)...

And after a few runs up and down the M1 you should have your first stone-chip! That's with or without Supagard. But you'll soon get over it and give up being too precious!

So black is a swine to keep clean - but altogether, I can't really see it looking good in any other colour.

If you buy one, I think you'll enjoy the car far more than anything the Germans have come up with.

I believe that this Swedish car is the most enthusiastic car I've ever ride.. nothing is compared with its power, beauty, and stability.. but there is something bad I really want Saab to think about " its suspension "

Thank you.

Re the last commentators suspension concerns, new aftermarket springs in conjunction with standard dampers can work wonders with the handling. Check with a saab owners group for recommendations.

You say the handling on the SS is better than the coupe. But what about the practicality of the luggage capacity with the hatch back for diffivultloads.

Definitely a fun car to test drive. I am on the brink of buying this car, but I'm concerned mainly about the reliability which has not been too great. According to the dealer, they have worked out a lot of the problems for the '04 models so if there is anyone who owns an '04 or later please advise me on the reliability. Thanks.