27th Sep 2006, 06:54
Again I find myself writing a comment to my own review because someone cannot seem to understand the concept of personal experience. Some people have had poor experiences of Saab's, others, myself included have had fantastic experiences. I bought a Saab in the first instance due to a close friend having owned 5 without a single hitch. I wanted one for myself & have not been disappointed since. In fact, I am now in search of a 9-3 2.0T Aero. The fact I still have the 9-3 Vector and am now searching to upgrade to the Aero is a testament to what I think of the Saab 9-3.
27th Sep 2006, 13:59
Me again.. OK people, I appreciate what you are saying, and forgive me for not having a better understanding and consideration of your comments, this was totally wrong of me and was not intended to rubbish a personal view..
Let me start again.. My negativity is not based on a blind "follow the crowd" uninformed stand point, but one of personal experience.. and frustration. My 9-3 cost me a lot ot money and just disappointed me as an overall package in the end, and in my opinion, does not fully justify the premium.
I wanted to love my 9-3, honestly.. after all, I spent time test driving one before a actually parted with a lot of cash!
I had so many things go wrong, electrical problems etc.. too many to list.
To the point.. For the premium, I did not expect to experience many dash rattles, poor internal material quality, very poor audio, questionable build, a terrible jiggly ride, only mediocre handling and a sense of poor overall quality that I could not accept or expect from Saab. I now own an Audi A4... near identical price, but is a massive leap up in all areas and provides all of the quality and driving experience one would expect.. again for the price as a direct comparison and immediate competitor in this " compact executive market"
Many 9-3 owners expressed a similar view on these pages and sadly I agree this is only an average GM epsilon shared effort, which is probably the most stunning, beautiful looking car ever designed, with a Saab badge slapped on the back to justify it's cost!!
I am sorry to have offended, just wanted to love this car, but in the end couldn't!! so maybe I AM JEALOUS you all do... forgiven???
Regards and peace to all..Paul xx.
27th Sep 2006, 15:36
That is my point exactly. I'm tired of nay-sayers telling me that my 9-3 is "junk" because they had a bad experience with a Saab.
My experience shows me that Saab builds a wonderful & reliable vehicle.
Mine has been completely trouble-free! I can't imagine driving anything else.
27th Sep 2006, 16:59
I own a 2005 9-3 Vector - very unreliable, serious lack of quality overall and I can't see how it warrants executive status to be honest, but then, purchased second hand 15 months old at a bargain price from a SAAB dealership.
I was addicted to the cars looks, but then, I made that mistake with my last partner!..what can I say.. a very average car at best, not amazing performance or handling, awful cheap quality of interior materials, annoying rattles and noises from every corner, thrashy ride and limited spec for a premium branded car. Been back often to the dealership for many electrical faults, but happy to rectify. It's just OK, but nothing special in my opinion with the price of a new one unrealistic for whats on offer.
Does not put a smile on my face when I drive it, my traded in Vectra Sri was better on reflection.. oh dear!
28th Sep 2006, 09:09
Thank you to everyone who has said my review was good. It was a true and accurate account in my eyes of how I have found the car to be. I hope it will show those who have had bad experiences that not all 9-3s are this way. They are in fact a great car, and probably one of the best looking cars on the market today. As mentioned in my previous comment, I am now actively looking for an Aero as I cannot find a better all round vehicle. I love my Saab, but more over, I have found the dealer always happy to help and second to none. Please feel free to leave any further comments you think are valid.
Many thanks, David.
28th Sep 2006, 09:46
No need for the apology.. your comments are accurate too!
I have had nothing, but hassle with my 9-3.. what (Paul) is saying, I think, is this is a great car spoilt by attention to detail and cost cutting on quality... quality you would expect from Saab, and for the money! Bravo then to you mate because I agree!
14th Nov 2006, 04:36
I am almost afraid to add a comment here!! I test drove a Saab 93 because I like the look of the car, btt ended up buying a 320d. Opposite the handbrake lever, on the centre console, there is a corresponding piece of plastic that just came off in my hand! I thought the car was lovely to drive, great driving position, stability and so forth. I did not think however that the quality of the interior plastics was up to premium car standards and certainly not as good as SAABs of old. GM now owns SAAB and the company is in need of serious investment which GM cannot currently afford. Look at what Ford have done with Volvo. I do not not like the fact that it is based on an Opel Vectra floorpan and uses a lot of GM generic parts and engines. If the SAAB 93 is a premium car then it must feel like one. In terms of reliability I have heard of a few issues, but cannot comment personally.
14th Nov 2006, 09:56
Yes look at what Ford has done with Volvo - Hung a "For Sale" sign on the door!!!
11th Dec 2006, 15:21
I smile when I drive my Saab too.. and all the while... and not because it's that good either!.because it was so cheap and only 8 months old!
23rd Dec 2006, 19:44
OK, OK, OK... I'm terribly confused now. See, I'm in the market for a 03 SAAB 9-3 and have heard so much good and so much bad. However, I heard the same with the Saturn L200 I own now. My Saturn is an amazing car and nothing has gone wrong in the last three years of driving it. I am now ready to upgrade to something nicer, a 9-3, and I'm hearing rave reviews and as well as horrible ones. I'm a stickler for keeping my car visually flawless and completely mechanically maintained. I'm sitting on the fence again ready to jump back into another Saturn or SAAB. This is tough...
24th Dec 2006, 10:50
Honestly, even though it really has no proven history, the new Saturn Aura is your best bet. Saabs, based on reviews here, tend to fall on the unreliable part of the equation.
Or if you wanted ultimate reliability, find a used 92-X. Not a "true" Saab, but a blast to drive and you won't be posting here about joining a class action lawsuit.
26th Sep 2006, 07:51
Oh yes.. I am a Saab owner, well was until recently.
For your information a 2005 Vector Sport 150 TID.. THAT WAS PRIVATELEY owned, so very familiar with thank you very much!!
Definatley NOT jealous either my friends!!, just was so frustrated with such a disapointing car, for the premium (Just read the majority.. yes the majority of reviews over these pages 2006,2005.2004...) WHICH like many others, I shared my opinions, and agree with the overall feedback!
It's no coincidence that many share a negative view..and have taken the time to write is it ? !