Looking to get a Saab.. maybe

[apa1exakis]

Hello,

I own a 92 Dodge Stealth Twin Turbo and am looking for a more practical car. I don't have a big budget, probably low to mid teens. I'm thinking I would really like to get a 2003+ Saab 9-3 Sedan but don't know a ton about them. For those of you that are dealers or own the car, how would you rate the car? Are they reliable? I am assuming they are expensive to maintain but after owning my Stealth anything has to be cheaper. Any thoughts or input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Kevin

[goblue]

Originally Posted by apa1exakis

Hello,

I own a 92 Dodge Stealth Twin Turbo and am looking for a more practical car. I don't have a big budget, probably low to mid teens. I'm thinking I would really like to get a 2003+ Saab 9-3 Sedan but don't know a ton about them. For those of you that are dealers or own the car, how would you rate the car? Are they reliable? I am assuming they are expensive to maintain but after owning my Stealth anything has to be cheaper. Any thoughts or input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Kevin

04s and later are very reliable, avoid 03s - there were some bugs worked out. 2.0T is the uplevel engine, 2.0t, the slightly less powerful but tolerates regular. Has some turbo lag with an auto, power comes on very strong after 2500K. Passing performance is exemplary. If you're rolling at 15 or faster, you can outrun most cars on the road. Excellent handling for FWD, class leading safety, extremely comfortable seats, good ergonomics, small back seat, but tolerable for 4 adults on shorter trips. Excellent fuel economy. Have a friend with manual 2.0t, on a 400 mile trip, averaged 35 mpg. Pretty good considering the power. Thats the upside to a touch of turbo lag, keep the revs low, and its a 2L 4 cylinder with 2L fuel econ, punch it and it starts acting like a 250-275hp V6 past 2K courtesy of that flat torque curve.

[fp115]

I do also think its a great car. I enjoy the engine a lot. But if you really like music, in most cases the radio that comes factory built is a little bad. The sound isn't great, but still better than most cars under $20k CDN.

I also think the car has a great fuel economy. It uses Premium fuel, but somehow ended up being cheaper to use than the 2000 Grand Am. I am impressed by the car, if only the interior was at par with the rest of the car though....

[mgescuro]

Definitely stick with a 2004+, as the quality is higher.
The 9-3 is the class and segment leader in safety. And it maintains that leadership position even with the more stringent IIHS ratings.

It is a powerful yet economical car and uses a Turbo I4. The 2006 Aero model has a V6 2.8T -- 250HP.

[DuSpinnst]

As everyone has said avoid the 2003 models.

In 2004 and 2005 there where 3 trim levels:

Linear - 2.0t (175 HP), Manual A/C, Non-LCD Radio
Arc - 2.0T (205 HP), Automatic A/C, LCD Radio (typically)
Aero - 2.0T (205 HP), Automatic A/C, Nav Radio (typically), Aero Body Kit

In 2006 they changed by dropping the Linear and made the Arc the "2.0T" model, the Aero also got the new 2.8T (250 HP) engine.

In 2007 they changed the interior to include the GM Corporate Radio, moved the SID below the speedometer and went to HVAC "Dials" from Buttons of the previous years.

2005 and earlier higher trim models (such as Aero) offer some features that newer models don't (like auto up windows with comfort access and auto rear windows down, instead of just the front, with comfort access).

If you want to compare 2006 and 2007 model years click on the links in my signature, I have pictures in each thread of those cars (the 2006's are on the 3rd or 4th page of the thread).

[throwback]

I have a 2005 9-3 linear. these cars are a great value. Mine has the 175hp engine. It may not seem like much, but the mid-range power is sweet. I average 31-32 MPG every day with a 5 speed manual and regular gas. Most of my driving is rural 2 lanes and interstates. The car handles well and is very well balanced for a FWD car. My only gripes are the radio and the shifter is a little rubbery in operation. Otherwise I have 39K trouble free miles in 18 months. The trunk is huge and the build quality is the best I have seen of any GM mid-size cars. The interior material quality is also very good. If you can afford it go with the ARC or Aero models from 04 or 05. There is more standard equipment and you get the 210HP turbo 4.

[apa1exakis]

Wow, thanks for all the great responses. I certainly feel much more confident about the car.

DuSpinnst--
In your post you said that the linear has a manual but listed an auto for the arc and aero. Do the arc and aero's have the manual trans options as well? I am assuming so but as I search the internet for these cars, i'm seeing every one of them as being automatics.

Everyone--
Ive been searching auto classified websites and ebay motors and am wondering, do you guys (and girls if there are some) think I will be able to find a decent 9-3 2004+ with a budget of $12-16k? Or will I need a lot more money to afford one of these?

Thanks again for all of the help. I couldn't sleep last night because I was so excited about this car after reading stuff about it all night. Sadly, I'm probably still 6 months away from being able to afford it.

[DuSpinnst]

Originally Posted by apa1exakis

Wow, thanks for all the great responses. I certainly feel much more confident about the car.

DuSpinnst--
In your post you said that the linear has a manual but listed an auto for the arc and aero. Do the arc and aero's have the manual trans options as well? I am assuming so but as I search the internet for these cars, i'm seeing every one of them as being automatics.

I was talking about the HVAC (A/C) controls. In the Linear they are Manually operated where the Arc and the Aero have an Automatic Digital system.

[apa1exakis]

Ahh, okay. Thanks

[throwback]

I don't think you will get an '04 for 16k. You will probably have to spend at least 18K. most are probably automatics though, so you will have to search for a manual.

[fp115]

Go in to your local Saab dealer and see what they have. Saab maintains their used cars as good if not better than their new ones. After buying it they clean it so well and the leather even feels like new (yes even smells like new). But the bonus there is also you get service at the Saab dealership if you buy from them.

[apa1exakis]

Cool, thanks for the heads up fp115. I think the closest one to me in Aurora. I'll head there on Friday.

[fp115]

You can sometimes also call in and ask them what they have in their inventory. If they don't have it they will sometimes ship it in from other dealers. Saab has always given us exceptional service, hope they do the same for you.