Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!

Saab 9-3 Coupe (2002 and earlier)

1567810

Comments

  • ligartligart Member Posts: 109
    I agree with you totally about the cramped quarters. When I was test driving a 9-3, I kept wanting to stomp out that silly little hump-attempt at a dead pedal to get some more room!

    You're right, it could get old real fast. Then again, there's always something like that on every car, huh?

    :-)
  • vigorousvigorous Member Posts: 15
    This is a '99; the car that in 2001, finished tied with a Lexus and two other Japanese cars for TOP SPOT - no faults found - in Which?, the UK consumers association periodical.

    I you don't believe me, try a search: 'How reliable is your new car?" at the BBC

    I have 78k km on this car and am enjoying every minute of it. The car has cachet because you don't run into many of them. The dealer says they are noticing a dip up in resale because the car is now a GM car (read parts availability) and because the car has earned its repuation for rock sold reliability.

    So if you don't want a car everybody else already has, and the Saab fits your needs, you'd be wise to at least try one. It's as comfortable at the ski hill or the beach as it is going to the opera and studies show, people think they're more expensive than they really are.

    I plan on keeping this car for a very long time. They are able to be mod-ed 'chipped' for a tremendous performance boosts. To research this aspect of Saab, try the performance tuning links at Wigwam Saab of Rhode Island.
  • pablo_lpablo_l Member Posts: 491
    Just got a '02 9-3 Convertible SE. Fell in love with it while test-driving the Merc and BMW convertible offerings, too. Quirkier, but very endearing. And you don't see as many around. Hope the reliability is as good as the reputation.

    Anyone know how to take off the auto-gear-shift? I rodered the exchange part, and wonder if I *have* to take it to the dealer for such a minor change...
  • nvcolornvcolor Member Posts: 9
    I stopped by the Saab dealer in my area today (Kansas City) and he had what appeared to be 3 brand new 2001 9-3's on his lot. I couldn't get an odometer reading, but the cars still had their original factory stickers on the windows. Tires looked brand new, so I assumed these are brand new cars. Can this be correct? Aren't the 2003's due out in 3 months or so? All 3 had same options - AT, heated seats, and moonroof. Two were silver and one black. Black had MSRP of 30,370 and silvers were 30,820. The dealer had signs in the cars listing selling price at 23,101 for black and 23,421 for silver. I have to assume the full warranty is still in place, but perhaps not?

    Have any of you seen new 2001's in your area, and if so, what kind of price was being asked. I'm not sure what to make of his asking price. Any thoughts or comments are appreciated. Thanks
  • ligartligart Member Posts: 109
    I saw the same thing over here in the SF Bay Area...brand new unsold 2001's. Shows that dealers have to mark these cars down to get them to move. And even then they can't (or won't) do it. Not sure what they're waiting for. When the 2003's come out these old models are gonna be even more undesirable. I guess they're gonna hold onto them until they become collector's items and maybe then they can get their price. ;-)

    If it's a new car, the full warranty would be in effect.
  • pablo_lpablo_l Member Posts: 491
    I would expect that, once you express your real interest, they'd be willing to come down quite a bit on the 2001s to get them moving, and get a better deal than on a 2002. Note that the new 2003 9-3 will not include a 2 door hatch or convertible... I find that a bit odd, since the 9-3 and 9-5 don't seem that far away from each other in pricing to justify the focus on two different 4-door sedan platforms...
  • gbriankgbriank Member Posts: 220
    The 2001's have no incentives left, therefore the dealer is having to suck up all of the cost of selling the car. My local dealer has 4 9-3's left and he is slashing the price on them. Prices I have never seen, because incentives are gone at the end of the month on 9-3 line.
  • pablo_lpablo_l Member Posts: 491
    In today's newspaper, I saw they were advertising $8k markdowns on 2001 Saab's around here.
  • dllewellyndllewellyn Member Posts: 3
    I am shopping around for a used 2000-2001 Saab 9-3 2 door 5 speed and was wondering if anyone knew of any new 2001's that still might be leftover at a dealer. Any input or responses would be greatly appreciated.
  • kmsairamkmsairam Member Posts: 5
    I just bought a '99 Saab Convertible and I must say, I LOVE THIS CAR. (My previous car was a '95 Jetta that I had for almost 8 years.) The car had 29,000 miles on it; and cost 22K. I think it was a decent deal. If it wasn't, don't tell me -- I don't wanna know! :-) I'm still getting used to all the leather and power-operated gadgets. Love driving with the top down!

    tlivac -
    have you decided about your car? I'm sure you can get more than 15K for it....OK maybe. Depends on where you're located and the condition of the car. Kelly Blue Book says 17,995 for a car like yours in excellent condition. Check out the site: www.kbb.com. Let us know what you decide.
  • javadave75javadave75 Member Posts: 1
    Hello fellow Saabers. I love my 99 9-3 SE. For the money you can't beat a SAAB...especially a used one.

    The reason for my post is that I would like to modify my SAAB with some upgrades namely a "chip". Does anyone have any direction as far as dealers or websites that I can check out. Also give me feedback of those who have added that component and let me know what you think. Thanks for your response and happy driving!
  • BlokeBloke Member Posts: 10
    Check out www.saabnet.com, there is a performance forum there with all kinds of stuff for upgrades.
  • nat15nat15 Member Posts: 2
    I've never owned a Saab yet am now seriously considering buying either a 1999 or 2000 9-3. Obviously the 1999 is a lot cheaper (about 25% less than the 2000 model), however, I'm wondering about the reliability and quality difference between the two model years. I know that 1999 was the first year of the 9-3 and heard that it had some snags that were worked out by 2000. Is this true and if so, what were they?
  • mmoskoitzmmoskoitz Member Posts: 10
    NAT15, I looked at several used 9-3 base and SE in March 2002 and the quality varied greatly. I then got distracted with a deal, $16,500, on a 1999 9-5SE with 51,000 miles. The car was looked great until I did a cold start and the car smoked for five minutes. The dealer said, "We can't find a problem and the smoke is within spec." Yeah, right.

    Labor day weekend I bought a 1999 9-3 SE High Output Five Speed with 48,808 miles for $13,900 at Z and W Mazda in Princeton, New Jersey.

    Back to the 9-3. I drove approximately seven examples with mileage from 34,000 to 57,000 miles. Let you ears, eyes, feet and fingers tell you about the car. You should drive as many examples as possible to get a well rounded feel for the car.

    Try to look at the owners manual and service book from Saab in the glove box. Call the original dealership and ask for service and very politely ask about the service history of the car. Find out what the original "In Service Date" was on the car. That's the day the four (4) year warranty began. Depending on the mileage and "In Service Date" you might still have some Saab USA warranty left on the car. You might even find the owners names written in the manual or service book. Get their phone number from some on-line white pages. Call them and ask about the car.

    Do your ears hear excessive squeeks and rattles. You will know what's typical after a few test drives. Some are typical of the breed.

    Do you see lots of scratches, I always check the bottoms of the doors to see if the previous owner scraped the door on high curbs and sidewalks. While you're down on your knees check the drain holes in the bottom of the door for clogging and or rust. Check the consistency of the gaps on the doors, trunk and hood. If they're not consistent you know body work was done. Is the front air dam area dented and scratched from running into curbs and parking lot blocks. More dents and scratches indicate a sloppy driver and car that might have suspension or steering system damage. The same goes for the alloy wheels. Inspect the air filter. No tools required. Dirty filter equals negligent owner. Are the tires worn evenly. Dismiss a car with unevenly worn tires. Front wheel drive cars NEED balanced tires and alignments are critical. Nothing is more annoying than a shaking steering wheel and a car that constantly pulls to the side. Ask the salesperson to back the car out of the parking space. Watch the tail pipe. Anything more than a moment or two of exhaust smoke and you may have a expensive repair. After swapping seats with the salesperson, turn the steering wheel all the way to the left and drive in a circle then turn the wheel all the way to the right and drive in a circle. If you hear any clicking or clacking noises the CV joints are shot. Walk away from the car.

    How's the pedal action on the clutch and brakes.
    Stomp the brakes. Do they grab and sop or does the pedal go to the floor.

    The trouble with manual heating controls breaking on the base models
    and wanting leather & heated seats kept me away from base models.

    I could go on but this is a good start and I have to go back to work.

    Michael
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 16,359
    In another 2+ months I will bid my beloved 2000 Saab 9-3 Base model farewell. I got a call from Saab saying that they would call me in the next 2 weeks to schedule an appointment to come and look at the car for lease end inspection purposes. This car has provided 3 years (close to it) and almost 36,000 miles of reliability and fun.

    The car was brought to the dealer twice for unscheduled maintenance, but my problems happened to coincide with scheduled service intervals.

    At 500 miles I noticed a squeak in the FR suspension. I brought the car in for the free 1000 mile service and the problem was diagnosed as a bad strut and was replaced at no cost to me.

    5,000 mile service was performed
    10,000 mile service was performed

    At around 18,000 miles I was swallowed up by a pothole while swerving to avoid a taxicab. The RF suspension was making all sorts of strange banging noises. I brought the car in and the problem was diagnosed as a cracked strut and busted thrust bearing as well as a bent rim. While the suspension was being repaired, I had the 20,000 mile service performed. The dealer covered the suspension pieces & their labor under warranty. I had to eat the cost of a new wheel and the 20,000 mile service.

    30,000 mile service performed.

    There are so many things I like about the Saab and I would reccomend it to others. I love the Turbo 4 engine, the heavy european steering, the taut suspension (yes, even in the base model), the versatility of the hatchback, the thick leather, the comfortable seats, the thick leather, the thick paint and sheet metal... I could go on for a while.

    I do have a few questions for those of you who have returned their cars that they leased from Saab Credit.

    Somehow, I must have had a rock hit my front left fog lamp on the highway. The light still works, but some pieces of the lens broke off. The glass is super-thick BTW. Can I replace this part myself?

    My rear bumper is pretty dinged up from parking on the street here in NYC. I'm pretty sure I'm going to get charged for that, but I'm not sure.

    My Saab's replacement was purchased about 5 months ago. I found one of the last remaining 2001 Honda Prelude Type SHs in the country. Hopefully there will be another Saab in my future. I'd consider the 9-5 Aero wagon if the time ever comes.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD

  • jeffhall76jeffhall76 Member Posts: 52
    Does anyone know how many yellow viggens were sold in the US? I had a Saab salesperson tell me he had 1 of 3 in the country and I just find that hard to believe!
  • brucec35brucec35 Member Posts: 246
    I can't imagine a salesman lying about something like that! : )
  • bpatel2bpatel2 Member Posts: 1
    I would like to get one. my 2000 93 just got totalled by a maniac. Any idea where i might be able to get one of those unsold 2002/2001 934 dr hatchbacks?
  • wmquanwmquan Member Posts: 1,817
    Has anyone found a particular cleaner to work well against the slightly textured plastic on the front of the instrument panel and console (same stuff on the knobs, too)? Preferrably one that leaves it looking the way it started, without adding a fake sheen.

    TIA.
  • jsterjster Member Posts: 112
    Try www.303products.com

    303 Aerospace Protectant--for vinyl and rubber. You can buy it over the internet, also they have a list of retailers on the page. Their carpet cleaner is also very good.

    Another product I like is Pinnacle Vinyl and Rubber Protectant. Available from internet retailers. Do a web search.

    Plexus is good for clear plastic (instrument panels, etc.) Meguairs also has products for clear plastic.
  • ramonaledgeramonaledge Member Posts: 5
    Greetings,

    I am in the process of buying a 1999 Saab 9-3 SE 4 door hatch back.

    Anyone have advice of what to look out for mechanically and otherwise?

    I remember in the 80's everyone talked about problems with turbo's and "Coking". Is this still an issue or has the problem been resolved?

    Any advice for turbo owners?

    Anyone who owns this car care to reply with likes/dislikes, etc?

    I value all feedback. Thank you in advance and have a great day!

    Mike
  • richn2richn2 Member Posts: 44
    I had just read in the Friday business section of my local newspaper that GM is trying real hard to boast sales. GM had given all of there employees 2 coupons that they can give out that would allow them to receive the s plan discount. Has anybody used the s plan to purchase a Saab and do you really get a good deal by using it. Secondly, if any GM employee would like to give one out I would be happy to take it off of your hands.
  • kumitkumit Member Posts: 3
    turbocharged.. For what?... Is there any upgrade.. for Saab.. I hardly hear anything on this Co. What a shame.. a turbocharged stock only...

    Kumit-
    RP Cali
  • onm33onm33 Member Posts: 1
    I'm thinking of trading in my 01 9-3 SE. I have approx 82k on it. The other day I went to a BWM dealer to find out how much they're willing to pay for my car if I trade it in and much to my surprise they said 7K! Are they out of their mind? They said Saabs are not too popular in the MD area. I told them that the trade in value should be between 12-13K and their response was that books don't sell cars.

    Now, my car looks brand new. My question is has anyone had the same experience? Also, how can I get the best value for my car? I really don't want to go through the trouble of placing an ad in the local paper. Any help would be appreciated.
  • manamalmanamal Member Posts: 426
    That is low. Even with the high miles.

    Where in MD is it? I know there are a lot of SAAB's in the DC area. try selling it at SAABNET.

    If it is in good condition, I wll give you 7K cash. Tomorrow.
  • revkarevka Member Posts: 1,750
    From the official press release: "Saab will unveil a new 'Sport-Hatch' concept car that challenges the distinction between traditional hatchback and wagon bodystyles"

    Has anyone here heard about this new 9-3? You'll now find information about it at the Saab USA website. Look for it in the lower right corner of their front page. ;-)

    Revka
    Host
    Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards
  • revkarevka Member Posts: 1,750
    Here's a direct link to the Official Press Release of the The Saab 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept. Hope you enjoy!

    If anyone comes across more information about this, please post it here. Also, in accordance with our Town Hall guidelines, please do not link to other sites that also host message boards or chats. Thanks! ;-)

    Revka
    Host
    Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards
  • wsag26wsag26 Member Posts: 124
    Very nice concept. all they need to do is find the 9-3 in the headlights and call it a day. if people rave over this, which saab and gm fans probably will (i am a gm fan 10 years and counting) gm fans looking for something foreign and sporty (the concept looks like xc, just like a wagon but an SUV or crossover) can buy this.
  • logic1logic1 Member Posts: 2,433
    I really like the concept and hope Saab brings this to market soon.

    It has a little of the Vibe/Matrix look going on, but much more upscale. I imagine it will give up some torsional rigidity to the sedan with the big back hatch. It will be a lot more practical.
  • jchan2jchan2 Member Posts: 4,956
    Build it Saab! Build it! If you do and make it a blue color and price it at about $31K well equipped, I'm in line!
  • superb_herbsuperb_herb Member Posts: 10
    Hi gang!

    I test drove a 5-speed 2002 SE (4 dr.) hatch yesterday and was disappointed with the folddown rear seats.

    What puzzled me is that neither the seller nor I could figure out how to have both rear seats folded down all the way (for maximum cargo volume) AND have the driver's seat be in a confortable driving position.

    When we slid the seat backwards to accomodate my legs (I'm only 5'10"), the driver's seatback would crush the left rear seat cushion that's flipped vertically to allow the rear seatbacks to come all the way down.

    Conversely, when we slid the driver's seat forward to unsquish the rear seat cushion, that of course left me in an overly cramped driving position.

    So...were the seller and I just spacing out and missing something painfully obvious about how to fold those rear seats down without the driver's seat mashing the left rear seat bottom? Have any hatchback owners out there had a similar issue? If I'm correct about this, do I just live with rear seats that fold down only partially?

    I just can't believe that a design feature this inelegant could make it's way into an otherwise fantastic car. Or do I chalk this one up to Saab "quirkiness", and just live with it?

    Thanks!
    Herb :-)
  • revkarevka Member Posts: 1,750
    From Edmunds' coverage of the 2003 Franfurt International Motor show: Saab 9-3 Sport-Hatch concept. For those that missed, see more information in Post #496 of this discussion.

    Also, if you know anyone that would interested in discussing this subject, please send them here. Here' the url to this discussion that you can copy/paste: /direct/view/.eea6849/495

    Thanks for your participation!

    Revka
    Host of Hatchbacks & Wagons
  • jchan2jchan2 Member Posts: 4,956
    I searched the certified used 9-3 listings and found that there wasn't a lot of 9-3s in the area. Is that just low sales of the 9-3, or are more owners keeping the hatches?
  • superb_herbsuperb_herb Member Posts: 10
    jchan2...

    I live in San Jose, CA.

    I've been looking for "my" 9-3 since Sept/Oct '03, and if all goes well, will be in my shiny, laser red/charcoal gray 2001 9-3 SE (5 spd) within two weeks. (Can't wait!)

    The Saab specialist who found the car for me says that the 9-3 hatches are in relatively higher demand nowadays. Reason being (no surprise here): Saab no longer makes'em.

    In fact, he can sell a used 9-3 for close to (if not even more than) the price of a comparable level 9-5.

    As far as your "low sales" query, it felt like it took forever for me to even find the exact car I wanted. Part of that, though, was my desire for the particular red/charcoal color combo in the SE level.

    Apparently, it's a very low demand color. Few new car buyers ordered it originally. And few used car buyers want it. It took me close to four months to even find one car that fit the description, and that's the one I hope to be driving soon.

    Hope that helps...

    Herb :-)
  • jajjaj Member Posts: 55
    Has anyone heard of or had experience with some "kit" to solve the so-called "weeping" of fluids? A local mechanic mentioned such a thing for about $120. I have a 2000 9-3 HOT w/ 5-speed and it's just starting to show spotting on my garage floor (my '95 900 did the same thing and never got cured).
  • sastrybsastryb Member Posts: 6
    My 1999 Saab 9-3 is almost up on the extended warranty. I have 80,000km (50,000 miles) and have had minimal problems. In the past month, though, the head gasket needed replacing as well as the PCM. Thankfully, both repairs were covered under warranty, saving my a few thousand dollars. So now I am at the crossroads - do I get rid of the car, or should I hang on to it. Perhaps I am over-reacting based on my past month experience. Are Saabs good cars to own for the mid-to-long term (6-10 years)??
  • beamer12beamer12 Member Posts: 2
    Once they get up in the 70k - 80k miles they start to get real expensive to maintain. Great cars in their early years, but I would dump it for a newby. I was told that from an ex-internal inspector for Saab. He inspected my car as I was returning a lease with high mileage. I was in the shop once a month on something that needed to be fixed with the final blow having to rebuild the engine.
  • ligartligart Member Posts: 109
    I'm assuming your extended warranty was thru Saab. You can also purchase extended warranties thru other companies, like Warranty Direct (though I don't think they do business in Canada?).
  • ligartligart Member Posts: 109
    Yah, but there's no newby like my Viggen!
  • sastrybsastryb Member Posts: 6
    Well, I have 80,000km on my 1999 Saab 9-3 and it's time to change the tires. Any reccomendations on what I should replace them with? I currently have Michelin Pilots 205 50 R16 (stock). I appreciate the feedback.
  • mcclearyflmcclearyfl Member Posts: 149
    Sastryb, there will be many opinions regarding replacement tires, so I can only give you the benefit of my experience. My 2002 9-3 came with Pirelli tires that, after 20,000 miles (or approx 30K kilometers) became extremely noisy, and the rough, bouncy ride unacceptable.

    I elected to purchase a slightly lower-profile, quiet-running tire, a Goodyear Assurance P205 55 R16 with an H speed rating (I believe the original equipment tire had a higher V rating). I have been very pleased. I have also been surprised at the roadholding, being unable to detect any deterioration in cornering or braking -- in fact the lack of uncontrolled bouncing has improved these. I live in snowy Chicago, and the snow performance has been very acceptable, not as fantastic as the Blizzaks on my Avalon, but certainly very good for a high-mileage rated, all season tire.

    The Saab is, unfortunately, not a well-insulated car. Anything that reduces tire noise is a plus. By the way, the Assurance tires have a built-in permanent shine on the sidewalls, a very useful appearance attribute.
  • r34r34 Member Posts: 178
    Shouldn't the Pirelli have the same spec (except speeding rating & Max Load rating) as the Good year ? I thought Saab changed the OEM tires for 2002 9-3 to 205/55/R16.

    I am living in the Chicago area too. I bought my 2002 as CPO and found that the dealer put some cheap Cooper tires on it. It may due to my heavy steering and longer stopping distance problems. I am looking for a good all-season tires (at least it will do ok on light snow). I heard good things about Kuhmo ASX but they don't have 205/55/16. I am thinking among Michelin Energy, Yokohama, and the Goodyear you mentioned. I am trying to stay away from directional tires.

    How's the Goodyear tires perform on Dry and wet surface ? Do they provide good handling ? Thanks.
  • mcclearyflmcclearyfl Member Posts: 149
    I must admit I don't have a clear recollection of the exact Pirelli tire that came standard on the 2002 SE, so you may well be right.

    As I get older my driving has become more conservative, so I rarely take my tires to the performance edge. Nevertheless, I have great confidence in the Goodyear Assurance dry road performance. Since you live in Chicago you will know that our summer has been remarkably dry, but my recollection of early Spring driving in the wet was very positive. Of course, my tires are relatively new, which always helps wet traction. We also received only moderate snow during the winter, but the Goodyear Assurance performed most satisfactorily.

    On our Toyota Avalon, however, I installed Bridgestone Blizzaks on steel rims for the winter -- and I can change back to regular tires/wheels in my garage if no snow is forecast. During a very difficult winter in northern Kentucky (we moved to Chicago from Louisville) the Blizzaks were superb. I cannot speak too highly of them. Swopping for genuine winter tires is always a better choice than all-season, but I have not done this for the Saab. Maybe this coming winter will be a test ?!
  • jchan2jchan2 Member Posts: 4,956
    My son wants a 9-3, but he won't be driving for another few years. (he's 13) :D

    It'll be tough to find one. :(
  • r34r34 Member Posts: 178
    I had a 2001 Saab 9-3. I used Michelin Alpin in the winter time. I like them. That car was hit by a truck but it saved my wife's life. That's why we keep buying Saabs.

    The ContiExtreme I used were good on snow but they were a liittle bit noisy.
  • mcclearyflmcclearyfl Member Posts: 149
    I've heard very good reports on the latest version of the Michelin Alpin, but high price always seems to be a problem. The ContiExtreme are actually a performance tire -- I've never understood why performance should be a priority when all one wants to do is get home safely in a blizzard or freezing rain :)
  • r34r34 Member Posts: 178
    people like me who do not have enough storage space to store extra tires or the wife "forced" them to give up winter tires may but good all-seasons instead.
  • kylep86kylep86 Member Posts: 51
    Hey, i was wondering if anyone can give me some insight about the 9-3 Se's around the year 99-01 ( i would like a 2000) reliablility, safety, maintence, ownership, common problems? etc. Thanks! I have a 04 Jetta now fully loaded, leather, heated seats, mulitfuntion steeringwheel, etc. When i was looking around at cars my parents edge me more towards the Jetta, but i still have a soft spot for the 9-3's. So i would like to find a saab with all those features as well. Thanks to all who post. -Kyle.
  • jchan2jchan2 Member Posts: 4,956
    Well, in 2000 CR recommended the 9-3 because its reliability was passing.

    It got an "Average" grade, which isn't too shabby.

    But I think that after 100K miles Saabs tend to bring trouble. So try to get one with low miles.

    The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the car an Acceptable rating in the Frontal Offset test. I have an odd feeling the 9-3 can do better than that, but test results are test results...

    I'd go for it. Buy what you like, as long as you know what you're getting when you write that check.

    My own son wants a 2002 9-3 SE (either hatchback or convertible) when he begins driving.
  • observer22observer22 Member Posts: 41
    Recently there was a news item about how Saabs from around 99 and newer are suffering from the dreaded engine sludge problem. Since ultraheavy depreciation costs on new Saabs have always forced value-minded buyers to only consider Saabs once they are about 3 years or more older, the engine sludge potential problem (engines are not cheap) may be enough to avoid Saabs altogether.
    Some ask the question, which brand disappears first, Saab or Mitsubishi?
This discussion has been closed.