2000 SAAB 9-3 review from North America
"Good car, if you don't mind paying for Saab ownership"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Turbocharger (Garrett) @ 69,000 miles, replaced with Mitsubishi turbo from a Saab 9-5.
Head gasket.
Some sensor or valve (can't remember which one)
General comments?
Thought I was just sorting out a used car, but I understand that all or most Saabs have the same problems mine has had. DIC and head gasket were replaced by previous owner. Local independent Saab shop did both jobs and actually repaired my head gasket leak for free even though the original repair had been done for the previous owner.
On the good side, the car handles surprisingly well and is fast as stink. On the street I've beaten late-model Mach 1 Mustangs, and I've put the car on a road course track (with a set of sticky Kuhmo's) to test the handling. It has the usual understeer you'd expect for a comfy FWD sedan. Some chassis stiffening is in order, as are bigger brakes.
Mine is a base model, with cloth seats and manual heat/AC. Still a very nice and comfy car. Ergonomics are great. I'll admit that I'm an aggressive driver and have put a lot of miles on it, but that's what I bought it for.
If anything else breaks though, I'm trading it for a '95-'97 XJ6.
Recommended reviews
| Fantastic car until 115,000 miles |
|
| Finicky, but Fabulous |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Model year | 2000 |
| Year of manufacture | 2000 |
| First year of ownership | 2006 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.0 turbo Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 5 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 65000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 70000 miles |
| Previous car | Mazda MX5 |
| Date of Entry | 22nd July, 2006 |