Saab 9-3 1.9 TiD

WHAT IS IT? The 9-3 Sport Saloon is Saab's mid-range saloon, as Saab's marketing department would like you to think, competitor to the Audi A4 BMW 3 Series, and Mercedes C Class. Their marketing department is rather ambitious in its aspirations I feel, its closest competitors are more likely to be the Honda Accord, top end Mondeo and whisper this, Vauxhall Vectra……. ……In actual fact, the 9-3 is barely a Saab at all. For some years the Scandinavian company has been owned by General Motors, more familiar in this country under the Vauxhall badge. What this means is that under the Saab body you ... more

Although recently replaced by the 'all new' Saab 9-3, the last generation car still has more than enough to offer anyone seeking a comfortable and stylish alternative to the BMW 3-series and Audi A4 brigade. From the outside, the car is understated but stylish. It's a sleek shape and belies the vast amount of room you will find when you get inside. The build quality is top notch. All panel spaces are even (not always the case surprisingly on the BMW in my experience) and the purposeful stance of the car entices you to look closer. It is a stunning looking saloon....from most angles. Once sat ... more

The Saab initially was the first car I've had that I'd been completely happy with. 2 years of trouble free motoring left me a happy customer. However over the course of the third year I've started having some small problems. Most of the problems have been electrical in nature such as the fuel gauge sticking and the switches on the Dash failing. The engine has gone from smooth and silky to noisy and rattley and the ride has firmed up considerable. I'll still look to Saab for my next car but with the caveat that I will have 6 to 12 months at the end of my experience where its a little short of ... more

Since buying our Saab from new in 2007 it has needed: new break pads, new alternator, new horn, new roof wirering, the fuel injecters reconditioned, a new particulate filter and finally a new catalytic converter. Oh the joy. The last four things on the list happened just as the warranty ended at the cost of thousands. Plus, when we had all that snow in december/january it let me down by skidding all over the place, in fact, slidding me and the children down a hill, wheel spinning all the way. Its a shame because it is a beautiful looking car, asthetically much more attractive and solid looking ... more

This Saab is an excellent machine and has a specific place in the market where its true value can be appreciated. If you are buying a new car in this class then it is not good value its too expensive and looses value too quickly, however, if its a used car you are after then this is where I feel the value lies. A second hand one is nearly as good as the same level BMW and Audi its well speced fast and frugal but is much much cheaper to buy and maintain if you sell it on just before the new model hits the market then you will still have had good value from your pound. The estate versions are ... more