So....Saabs...

Caporegime
Joined
1 Nov 2003
Posts
35,700
Location
Lisbon, Portugal
Hey all,

Now, it was to my understanding that Saabs are quite hated on this forum mainly due the chassis or whatever it is specifically is years and years and years old and really needs a revamp...they also depreciate a ridiculous amount!

But I've been looking around as I'll be upgrading within a few months and I've always had a soft spot for them and I've come across the following example and they just seem to represent very good value for money!

Example: http://pistonheads.com/sales/3060781.htm

210bhp aero version, loaded with kit, low mileage for a car like this, generally Saabs go for yonks without issues (well at least they used to I'm not 100% on that specific generation of 9-3) all for 4.6k?! Surely you could bid him down a bit anyway and get it for probably 4-4.3k?

Is there a reason why they are this cheap and good value for money?

Or is it "lulz it's a Saab" and worth sod all because of it when infect they are perfectly good cars? :)

Be interesting to find out!

Cheers,
Jake
 
Did a fair few miles in a slightly newer one of these (08) and loved it. Nice interior and entertaining performance. It all depends on what you're used to though..
 
It's what all the cool wedding photographers drive!

Spa-IMG_0027.jpg


Electrical issues can start creeping in, got one with the alarm, common issue when the batteries start to fail in the siren after a certain amount of years, easy fix, just haven got round to doing it!

Also had a balance chain tensioner go, fairly rare problem apparently,, big bill tho!

Ride is a touch harsh, handling is pretty good for a big heavy car, but it's all about the engine, pulls so well once its rolling, love it!

Cruises beautifully, seats are fantastic, audio system is great and it's power is rather handy to beat the B+G to the reception venue comfortably! ;)
 
I just bought a 2005 9-3 recently having written off my E46. The 9-3 is good car. Offers a lot for the money. Good spec, rear parking sensors, auto everything etc. Smooth, solid and well planted on the road. Comfortable seats and good on the motorway. Its not a B road blaster but then you don't buy this type of car for that purpose - its a fast cruiser class type of car with stiffened suspension. My only gripes really are the slightly notchy gear change, the odd rattle from the trim and obviously concerns re supply chain if saab go under.
 
Last edited:
Cheers Mark - what are the service intervals like? Are there any big ones I should look out for? :)

And the notchy gear change, is yours an auto?
 
saabs are just vauxhalls which look nice and the interiors rattle as said above

your better off an with s60 t5
 
Didnt you used to own a Saab not so long ago?

A while ago now yeah! I had an S reg 9-3 2.0 150bhp one - Had it 18 months, abused it like it was stolen and not a single thing broke on it once, awesome car!

I had it...ooh...err I think it was like 4 years ago now?
 
depends which engine.

The VXR engine which is the 2.8T petrol hasn't got one for example.


See...that I just don't like! :p


Shame, it does the comfortable cruiser thing very well. Its very well put together. Mine is still soldiering on using original Turbo and Clutch with 136k miles on the clock. And its not a vauxhall in a suit.
 
The whole 'vauxhall in a suit' thing REALLY doesn't bother me. Not sure why it bothers so many others either.
 
The build quality was a noticeable improvement on my volvo.

Everything just feels so much better thought out and done properly.
 
Back
Top Bottom