Nothing yet and long may that continue!
After test driving the Saab 9-3 Aero I could not wait to get one of my own. After a couple of weeks of searching the dealer managed to find a pre-registered car for me at a substantial discount to the list price.
With 210bhp the 9-3 Aero is remarkably quick for a family car. When driven sedately you could be forgiven for thinking that the performance is equivalent to most cars in this group. However, with a little push of the right foot the turbo kicks in and all of a sudden you are approaching the speed limit with at least two more gears to go!
The chassis and suspension, whilst a little firm, are perfect for the power that is generated and the traction control lets you get all of the power onto the road without wheel spinning. I was asked by the salesman if I wanted to have the car "tweaked" so that it puts out 250bhp, but I thought that 210 was enough.
The styling of the car is subtle rather than in your face with the spoilers and skirts setting the Aero apart from the other 9-3's.
As a parent of two children safety was also a big part of my thinking when buying a car. The Saab does not disappoint with airbags literally everywhere (driver, passenger, curtain, etc.)
The boot is large enough to pack 3 suitcases, two large holdalls, one small holdall and five backpacks. I found this out when driving to the airport for our summer holiday.
The seats are very comfortable when on a longer drive and the dual climate control keeps the cabin at a comfortable temperature.
The audio equipment is good with a seven speaker system coming as standard, but this is where my one minor complaint is. Why does the standard stereo system only have a single CD player? It seems such a shame when the car has almost everything else as standard. For the record, I upgraded to a multi disc player which manages to keep everyone happy.
All in all I am delighted with the car and with the new V6 Sports Wagon now on the scene I will certainly be looking at Saab's again when it comes to changing cars.
How you can possibly comment that the audio is "good" is beyond me... But then, you may enjoy weak, muffled, poor quality sound coupled with vibrating door bins at even a modest volume!.. but for the rest of the car, I could not agree with you more!
I also have a new Aero. Wait until the annoying rattles and door creaking starts and then having to put up with mechanics telling you it's a common problem with the 9-3 and difficult to solve. My Aero feels more like a 10 year old Skoda - no insult intended to Skoda.
I have a 2004 9-3ss Aero.
Whilst I like the car the list of things wrong with it have been worrying.
The steering coloum has been replaced the front suspension has a knock at low speeds which can't be cured as yet, the dealers are waiting for the factory to sort new suspension units out for us that have the problem (Which is quite a few) which will hopefully cure the problem.
The rear shock absorbers where changed due to being worn after only 25,000 miles.
I have had door handles replaced due to fading, I have had the front of the car resprayed under warranty as the paint was flaking off, the Pirelli tyres that where fitted when the car was delivered failed with 7mm of tread left and 20 weeks on I have only just had the case settled with Pirelli as SAAB UK didn't want to know even though the car I bought from them new had them fitted.
I have had various parts of the dash changed due to the rubber pealing off, if it wasn't for myself having such a decent dealer the car would have gone long ago.
Would I buy another, then no I would buy German for a better build quality.
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