Saab 9-3 Sedan

regfootball

go to a dealer lot and shop for a 99 A4.....how much is that car. Now consider if you wanted that car, what's cheaper the Saab you already own and can buy w/ balloon pay or a 4 y.o. car on the dealer lot that's 4 grand more.

logic1

My point is the balloon will leave you owing 13k on a 4 year old car. Maybe the car will be worth 13k in 4 years, maybe more, maybe less.

Personally, I prefer paying on the basis of what I know now, rather than on what the future may bring. Real estate is fairly predictable. Cars, much less so.

blitzin1

Made the decision to get the Arc on Sunday, so I haven't ordered it yet, and will probably wait a few weeks because I am still choosing color combos.

Basically, I have settled on the Silver, which usually means the dark interior, however, when I first looked at the 9-3, I didn't understand all the complaints about the cheapness of the plastics, as I though the interior really looked good. That was a parchment car. Once I sat in a gray car, I felt that the plastics looked cheaper and almost two-tone. That puts me at a Silver exterior with a parchment interior, which sounds like it may be a funky combination, so I have to sort this out before I order.

Once I order though, my car will probably take longer than average, as I want one without the sunroof or touring package, as I prefer to keep the cost around $30K and forgo some of the nice-to-haves.

The bigger engine and the leather inserts helped push me towards the Arc, but I walked into the dealer wanting a base Linear, and ended up at the Arc because as nearly every car was loaded up (Touring, Launch, Seats, etc) the price difference was only a coupla thousand, and as I didn't need the car right away, worth the wait. By only sending loaded Linears out to the dealers, Saab basically made my decision for me.

oldsman01

Do you plan on getting a manual or automatic? Other than maybe heated seats(my Intrigue has them on at 20 degrees last night they were nice) I'd pretty much take an Arc as is. The Touring packing ads a couple of nice things and if I were buying a Cadillac Deville I might want the rear parking assist, but on a car the size of the 9-3 I don't think I will need it. Same with the rain sensing wipers. I'm usually one for gadgets, but I was not overly impressed with that feature on a Cadillac SLS I rented last summer. And the single play CD player is fine with me as I plan to ad XM radio to the car. And yes, I'd like to stay around the $30K mark. I'm thinking black with the dark grey.

oldsman01

Okay, question to those that have owned Saabs before. I realize that this is probably unknown with the new 9-3 as it went on sale just a few months ago, but typically how is the A/C on Saabs? What I mean is how well does it cool? Summers here in the southest tend to be long, hot, and humid and A/C has always been a strong point of the US branded cars I've owned. By contrast, Hondas and Toyos seem to have weak A/C. Just curious how Saab is in this regard. Escpecially since black is my first choice in 9-3 colors.

blitzin1

I love the 9-3 in black, it looks fantastic. With the commuter house with a one car garage, however (used half the time for the kids stuff, and the other 1/2 with the wife's Audi A6), the Saab will sit outside in the Northeast most of its life, and Black drives me crazy when its even slightly dirty, so I have to go with a color more suited to the abuse I'm going to inflict on the paint. I love dark blue/ parchment, but we just did that on the Audi last year, so that's out. Looked at the merlot, like it, but I think it may not be a "guy" color; like the cosmic blue, but as I'm pushing forty and will use the car for business, that ain't to practical. Basically leaves me at the steel gray or the silver, and I do like the latter. Problem is, parchment interior doesn't work with either of them ;-)

Heated seats and metallic paint will be my only add ons- I liked the manual, found the throws a little long and a little notchy, but that's probably because I'm coming off of a BMW 3 series, so I'm a little spoiled when it comes to transmissions (although that BMW tranny hooking to RWD will not be missed in the snows).

Just read above that someone feels the manual has more turbo lag than the automatics- only test drove the manual, and felt very, very little lag- will have to take the automatic for a spin to see what I think.

shades80

I went by the dealer on sunday, they were closed, and saw that the newer cars arriving have leather instead of cloth for the center armrest..still cloth on the doors though..can anyone confirm this has been upgraded by saab? Also, my 03 9-3 has been issued a recall on the stereo amp..they will replace for a more powerful one//mine had a crackling sound so im not sure that this is a recall or just a fix to my problem..

rgc2200

I think my 9-3 was purchased about when yours was. Was the stereo a specific upgrade for your complaint or a Saab recall? I've heard nothing (i'm at 1800 miles and still smiling). The cloth center arm rest really only bothered me when I wore short sleeves (itchy). If I spill coffee on it then it will really bother me. blitzin: I have the steel grey/charcoal interior. I had 2 black saabs before. This color is the best. after snow/salt it doesn't look terrible, and wipes clean easily. I almost bought a black/parchment interion but the parchment was "too white", and I thought would show every piece of dirt. Re: snow, my 16" were good in 10" of snow (not great), but I got around. still deciding about a stereo up grade. . .

bphd

From their website:

The General Motors supplier price for Saab is calculated as the dealer invoice price, less key market advertising, if applicable. Saab provides a GM program/supplier price list which you may request by calling Saab's Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. You may also ask your sales representative to show you a copy of the dealer invoice. You can then compare your cost to the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price to calculate your discount.

So, the 350 represents market advertising fees. I think your dealer is trying to grab what little pennies he can. I think you should tell him that you are going to go somewhere else or he should make up the difference.

brucec35-definitely understand your point. Will be interested when the Arc manual comes out. Want to test drive that and then figure it out again.

code7700

(This E-mail was sent to me by a car sales person…)

Winter tires will significantly improve your safety during adverse winter driving (snow and ice) no matter what vehicle you drive (4x4, front wheel or rear wheel drive) because winter tires will improve traction on snow and ice. Always install 4 winter tires, never just 2.

There are many different tire manufacturers and tire models. I recommend the Bridgestone Blizzak WS-50 for passenger cars and Bridgestone Blizzak Winter Dueler for 4x4 vehicles.

Winter tire disadvantages: 1) cost, 2) effort to mount them - you or someone else, 3) storage of another set of tires, 4) decreased dry braking and dry handling compared to all-season tires, and 5) winter tires wear faster than all-season tires and usually are good for about 20,000 miles, maybe 30,000 miles depending on how long you try to stretch them. In order to bite into snow, a tire needs to be no more than 50% worn.

Winter tire advantages: 1) greatly improved traction in snow and ice, which translates into your safety and confidence, 2) saves wear on your all-season tires. OK, the disadvantages seem to outweigh the advantages, so you be the judge.

But trust me on this - if you value safety when driving on snow and/or ice or if you have a young inexperienced driver, you will never go without winter tires - they do make that much difference!!

To mitigate the reduced dry handling of winter tires for a passenger car, consider an H-rated winter tire such as the Michelin Pilot Alpine. For additional information on winter tires, see the article in the November 2002 issue of Consumer Reports.

The Tirerack offers winter tire packages (tires mounted and balanced on steel rims); consult with a Tirerack rep for their recommendation for the specific winter tire for your car. I recommend reducing by 1" the winter wheel diameter from that of your standard tire, e.g., if the standard tire size is 16", the winter tire should be 15". Also, the winter tire should be narrower than the standard tire to bite into snow better. The tires can be sent to your home or to a tire dealer who will mount your tires.

rghessel

I'm a potential new Saab owner. I'm seriously considering a 2004 9-3 Arc (waiting for Navigation to be available in the fall). I am concerned about all I've been reading about the serious cost-cutting taking place at Saab to address its supposed $500,000,000 debt.

I am curious if anyone has an objective opinion as to what the impact on owners such serious financial trouble have. In the past I've read elsewhere that the cost-cutting is "administrative." But reading that they are laying off 20% of their workforce, I can't help conclude this has to effect the end-user somehow (either in quality of the car, or the quality of warranty service, etc)

I realize this forum is, in part, a club for fans of Saab, so I'm not sure I'll expect more than "everything will be okay" responses... But your honest thoughts would be appreciated.

logic1

In my opinion, Saab is division of GM, a large multi-national corporation. GM only completed the purchase about 4 years ago, and did not immediately launch into reorganization one commonly sees during corporate acquisitions.

As with most corporate purchases, the many administrative and structural organizations Saab maintained as an independent corporation became redundant for a division of a larger corporation.

The restructuring GM is doing with Saab is not at all different (but on a smaller scale) than the fairly slow, but ultimately drastic restructuring that followed the Daimler/Chrysler acquisition.

GM is trying to position Saab as its line of vehicles to compete with the Lexi and Infiniti brands as it moves Cadillac upmarket to fight with BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes. I think if anything, Saab quality has, and will continue to improve.

Saab uniqueness, on the other hand will diminish. Good designers and engineers can only do so much to create an illusion that the 9-3 is not what it is, a wealthier cousin of the Opel, Chevrolet, Pontiac and Buicks with which it will share its platform and other components. Of course, on the other hand, this means you will get a heck of a good deal.

blitzin1

Ah, I had forgotten about the advertising fees. My dealer and I sat down with the price list GM faxed to me, and added up the "invoice" column for my specs (plus the $625 transportation, no mention of the $130 dealer prep though)- I never looked at an actual invoice, as I am ordering an Arc, and not buying off the floor. So any advertising fees are out automatically.

Rgc2200: as to stereo upgrade, there seems to be mixed posts here about the ease and effectiveness of inserting new 6 x 9's into the rear deck, but Saab does offer the (I'm sure pricey) option of a "sound system upgrade" to 300W, plus 2 subwoofers, and 2 tweeters in the accessory catalog.

I'm contemplating a similar thing- I will be buying a base Arc (plus heated seats) and about all I will miss from the touring package is the 6 disc in dash changer. My plan is to buy a MP3 player instead (all my CD's are already on my computer) and hook that up (hopefully through the aux stereo port being talked about, but otherwise I can run a lead to the CD changer mount in the trunk). If that doesn't work out, Saab does offer the in dash changer in the accessory catalog, but something tells me the price will not be that much cheaper than buying the whole touring package on the car.

blitzin1

I am following the posts over at saabnet.com (does anyone know of any other 9-3 board worth reading?) and am getting a little concerned about the multiple reports of 9-3's stalling at highway speeds, including one salesman who has had 3 of his buyers experience this problem, and am wondering if any of the new owners here have had the problem, or have heard from Saab about potential causes?

shades80

My car stalled once at a stop light..i re-started and have been fine since..happened first week i had car..when i had my 30 day service, they checked the system for faults and found none.
About stereo upgrade-per saab na...no upgrade is offered to the 300w system on the linear through the dealer network. Got that info from an e mail to saab about my disappointment with the system in Nov 02.

blitzin1

Interesting about the no go on the sound upgrade from Saab- it is a full page in the accessories catalog, although it does say "Available later during the model year" so maybe Saab is simply saying they have nothing to offer now, and not that it isn't coming later.

As to the engine stalls, the other posts over on saabnet say the same thing- no fault codes recorded in the log, but people are definitely having the problem. My thought/hope is that it is a software problem that they can fix pretty easily once they figure it out, because it doesn't sound like a mechanical problem.

hungshy

I haven't see the problem on my saab yet, maybe I watch the turbo meter very carefully. Keep it away from red zone. If you look at the previous post, there is one guy who test drove the car when he hit the gas hard to push the turbo meter run into red zone then he found the car stalled. I guess that might be the reason, but I am not the expert. I feel the car turbo meter so easy to near to the red zone which make me nervous.
These days cold wether I found that I have some difficulty to lock my four doors. It took me 2 times to lock my car's four doors.

tgp1810

Alright, so I plan to get a 9-3 Vector this June/July and I was wondering if anyone had any comments on this car. Also, does anyone know anything about the 9-3X (such as will Saab put it into production)?

Thanks.

dgarbari

Following up on Hungshy's last comment, I have been having trouble locking my doors with the fob. This morning the temp was 16 degrees and I was unable to lock the doors at all. I suppose the lock system could be freezing but I would be surprised as I do not even hear the locks trying to move. Has anyone else had this problem?

brucec35

As for Corporate cutbacks affecting warranty service. I don't think so, since that is performed by your local dealer, who is independently owned, and the workforce cuts have nothing to do with those.

As for the other cuts, I think they were cutting personnel partly because they have developed more efficient production methods with GM's help and that means you need less people. Also, anyone who's worked for a car maker knows they cut and add factory staff as needed, based on demand.

linsalad

Hey all,

So I have an offer on the table from one dealership, and I'm trying to beat that at another dealership. The thing is, I'm not so much going for a lower price, as trying to get 0% financing for 4 years. However, I just heard back from the dealer, and he said that was impossible. He told me that each person applies to the Saab bank individually, and that he has no control over financing...that he isn't able to do it, and that in his three years as sales manager he has never heard of anyone else doing it either.

Well, is he lying or telling the truth? And does anyone have any suggestions on how, if they have gotten 0% for 48 months, I could swing that?

Thanks
Dave

shades80

zero int does not include saab per gmac...but you will save more $$ by negotiating up from invoice then by reducing int from 3.9 to zero..i got 4.9 for 60 mos thru saab financial

jdisan

I don't understand the stalling issue with the turbo in the red line? Correct me if I am wrong but I don't think the turbo red line is like a red line on the tac...you should feel free to use the max tubo thrust anytime you want and as long as you want..watching the turbo meter and keeping it bwlow the "red" will only diminish the top end power of the engine. Using max turbo boost should not have eny negative effect on the stability of the engine, or the turbo, i would think.

needashave

I saw a metallic red Mazda 6 today in the parking lot of my health club. Very nice. Anyone cross-shopping these cars care to share their opinions? Happy motoring.

blitzin1

The deals my differ by region or country, but for the Northeast USA Saab is definitely offering 0% financing for 36 months or $1,000 cash back on all '03 9-3's.

linsalad

Hey Blitzin

Thanks for the reply - unfortunately, my problem is that I want to extend that 3 years to 4...

Anyone been able to do that?

oldsman01

I've actually test driven the 6 twice. Not a bad car for $25K(fully loaded V6 model) and one of the VERY few Japanese branded cars I have found attractive. It is an excellent alternative to the Accord, Camry, Altima, as well as pretty much all current domestic midsize sedans in that price range. I haven't driven the 9-3 yet(waiting on the Arc) so I can't compare the driving dynamics, but I think the Saab has a nicer interior and being more expensive it has more available features. I also like the layout of the 9-3's instrument panel better. While the 6 is sharp looking, I think the 9-3 looks more upscale and to my eyes it is better looking.

robr2

...if Saab Financial isn't offering 0% for that term, you won't get it.

You may be able to negotiate an addtional discount from the dealer equivilant to what the interest would be on a 4 year note. But that will depend on the dealer's willingness to do so.

Good Luck.

anonymouscuban

Hey all... new to the board.

Thought I'd share my experience... actually my wife's experience with her new 9-3 Linear.

Well, we bought the car on 1/2/2002... I was really happy with the deal we got. We paid $2000 under invoice. We loaded up the car with every option except for the 17" sport wheel package... couldn't talk my wife into getting low profile performance tires again. She wasn't happy when I did it to her last car... she didn't like the feel of the road. We did get the 16" though.

Well, everything was going great until about a week ago. She started the car in the morning and the Break System Malfunction Warning came on. Took the car in to the dealer. The ABS Break system sensor malfunctioned. They replaced it out under warranty... toook a day and half but they did give us a loaner car. We were cool with this... chalked it up to an isolated event. Until yesterday...

On her drive to work, the Stability Control Warning came on. Took it in to the dealer... again, a sensor malfunction. Was told by the dealer that they haven't seen this before. They have the part on order and will replace it on tomorrow or Monday.

We are very happy with the car... but a little concerned at this point. Although neither problem has made the car undrivable, it only has 375 miles on it and already two failures. We are both hoping this is the last of the problems but we will definitely seek the lemon law if it continues.

Anyone else have problems with Sensor malfunctions????

Thanks,

Alex

needashave

Oldsman01: Thanks for your input, very helpful. It seems we have similair taste in cars. I stopped buying Japanese cars about six years ago. My last two cars have both been European (Volvo S70 GLT and BMW 325 convert). I love the ride and how the cars make you feel when you step behind the wheel. I'm looking to sell (or trade) the Volvo for something new. I really need to go to the dealer and look at the Saab.

Anonymouscuban: Bummer on your recent experience. My opinion is that as long as the car doesn't leave you stranded, I'm ok. These new Saabs are high tech marvels, keep the faith.

blitzin1

I know what you where going for- but I guess I should have been more clear- I was responding to linsalad who said "zero int does not include saab per gmac", just wanted everyone to know that 0% financing is available.

I have never heard anything one way or the other about going out to 4 years, but I imagine it would be very hard to get- the 3 year deal is based on a set corporate policy that is tied into writing off of expenses, calculations of future profits/ liabilities, etc, for GM which all ties into their expected future earnings, SEC filings, etc. I would be surprised to hear that the policy could be negotiated out to four years, but keep us apprised of your success.

needashave

Last time I checked, the rebates/discounts for the Linear included $1000 off the launch ppkg, and $1,000 factory rebate. My company participates in the GM Supplier program which gets you the car around invoice. Is it realistic to assume that under this program the Linear can be had for $2000 or so UNDER invoice?

blitzin1

Actually, the deal is better than that- set supplier discount pricing LESS factory incentives means your deal will actually be better than $2000 under invoice as it will be $2000 off plus no dealer advertising charges, whatever those happen to be in your area.

GM will fax you a price list to work off of, so you don't have to trust your dealers numbers. Full details at

www.gmsupplierdiscount.com

anonymouscuban

Thanks for the feedback. I agree with you that the car did not leave us stranded so the failures haven't been that critical. AND I do admit... the car is awesomely sophisticated. Unfortunately, my wife is not as reasonable as I am. I feel confident that these were isolated problems and we will most likely not have any more... my fingers are crossed.

As for the deals available... I was able to get 2000 bucks knocked off the invoice price. Not sure about that Supplier Discount; don't think I qualify since I don't work for GM. I was very happy with the deal I got. I actually did all negotiations over the phone and email. I only went to the dealer to sign the docs and pick up the car. Pretty nice experience!

linsalad

Thanks for the info on how financing works...wonder of wonders, I actually JUST got a call saying that they had a "close to comparable" deal, and do I want to come in tomorrow. *crosses his fingers*

One question, though. Re: the factory rebate...I've heard that there is a 1k alternative financing rebate, and 1k launch package discount. Is there ALSO a 1k rebate?

Or is factory rebate another word for holdback? If so, my holdback percent is 3%, which works out to a little under 1k, I believe.

needashave

Thanks to everyone for their feedback/input...is this a great country or what?.... Freedom to ramble with others about automobiles.

So has anyone cross-shopped the 9-3 with the 325? The 9-3 is about $5K less than the BMW. What happens in four years though, will resale make the BMW cheaper to own? All else being equal, is the BMW "experience" worth the bashing/tailgating from other drivers I have read about in other posts? Besides, the 3-series has become as popular as a Honda Civic here in Chicago...something to be said about the low volume of Saabs. Just more rambling on my part. Happy motoring.

oldsman01

I hope your problems are isolated and hopefully the dealer will correct them quickly. BTW, did they give you another Saab for a loaner? I've had some problems with my Intrigue and am about ready to bail because the dealers(two separate ones) can't seem to fix them. They replace this and that, yet it doesn't correct the problem. At least your car is still driveable with the problem. The power steering pressure line ruptured on mine two days before Christmas(at the mall to boot) and had to be towed in the morning of Christmas eve. Needless to say we were in 2003 before I got my car back. And this was just for a power steering line! I'm hoping that Saab has a better service network as I've been disappointed with the Olds/GM service network. I can tolerate a few problems with a car if they are quickly and accurately repaired, what I don't want is to have to worry about how many weeks before I'll see my car again whenever I take it in for service. BTW, what color is your 9-3?

oldsman01

The three cars that I am seriously condering are the 9-3, Cadillac CTS, and now the Mazda 6. My tastes lean a bit toward a luxury marque so the Saab and the Caddy are higher in the running. The Saab is actually higher than the CTS right now due to it's lower "as equipped" price and the fact that a more powerful(and also ever more more powerful) CTS are due out in a year or so. This is why a 3 year lease on a 9-3 is so tempting right now. And who knows what Saab will have in 3 years. Anyone think there will be a 9-3 Aero(or Viggen)? I haven't even looked at the 3 series and doubt I will. Too expensive to get one equipped as I like and as many here have said, they have become WAY too common. In affluent parts of town, you see 3 series sedans nearly as much as you do Accords and Camrys. I'm sure it's a great car, but I guess I like to take the less beaten path. The sad thing is, I'm starting to see them with those truly tacky huge aftermarket wings on the trunk lid. I think the kids these days have way too much money and time to spend:)

zeroch

just to add to the list of malfunctioning:
just two weeks off the dealership floor and with about 500 miles, the lock system on my 9-3 has failed. Initially I can't lock the driver side door from inside, then it proceeds to me unable to lock the door from outside. It doesn't happen all the time, sometimes the lock works OK. It's so frustrating coz I can't leave the car unlocked! My dealer will look at it next week, in the meantime, I have this creepy feeling that this is only the beginning of a string of problems with European + first year model cars...

hungshy

As I descirbed before, My 2k miles saab has same door luck problem when temperture dropped lower than 10. I send it to dearler for checking up. They didnt say much just placed a special order for me and will chnage the door lock when part arrives from "Swiss". This is the second time dealer placed special part order for my saab. Lat time one bottom's back lite on steering wheel was not function. As I observe my car dealer's(GM/Buick) service is excellent. Better than other GM/chevy dealer I have experienced.

hppypaul

For what it's worth I've driven both.

I thought the new 9-3SS was an awesome ride, however, I still want the hatch. I currently have a 2000 9-3 SE which has been absolutely perfect from GO. Just regular maintenance service and 5K oil changes. 50K later I'm real happy. My lease is up and I compared the two. Decided to go with a 2001 Viggen convertible, pre-certified with just 2600 on the clock. Cheaper than a new one, and a new convertible, plus it's a Viggen. With some of the problems I've been reading about, maybe the 10yr + old design is a better way to go since all the bugs have been worked out. The Viggen is everything I have now, with more power and better handling. Torque steer has been overhyped and ride is not harsh at all.

brucec35

As far as problems go, I think my post about ours didn't make it online.

A month ago my wife was at work and the car would start but die right after it. It was towed to the dealer and they provided a loaner. Turns out it was a loose fuse affecting the fuel pump or something. They popped it back in place and it was fine. They then proceeded to scratch the rear bumper with their car mover machine (new 9-3's require a different method than old ones, apparently) and the lower part of the bumper had to be repainted.

Getting about 25 mpg overall. Got 31mpg on one leg of highway trip, but only 28 on return leg. Bad fuel maybe?

Great trip car. Stable at 90mph and though it isn't the quietest car I've had, it's not objectionable in terms of road grain noise. But vs. BMW, I love that the Saab doesn't attract negative "attention" our BMW's did. So far zero ugly incidents vs. dozens in our BMW's.

ambull

WWW.carconnection.com reported Jan 16:
"In general terms, Saab is in worse shape than we expected," says General Motors Europe's chief executive, Mike Burns. On the other hand, he tells TheCarConnection, "Opel/Vauxhall is better than we expected, even on lower sales." For the Swedish subsidiary, its continuing poor performance is expected to result in 1300 job cuts, even as it looks for ways to improve output. Saab's problems run deep and Burns acknowledges "very few companies can build (just) 130,000 cars and make money." But with an expanded range of offerings off its new 9-3 platform, Burns insists GM is far from the point where it would have to make any tough decisions about Saab's long-term viability. -Paul A. Eisenstein

jat8

I appreciate all the comments,they have been helpful. I'm looking at a linear with auto, sunroof and heated seats in the metallic steel gray. The car also has 16" tires and the bi-xenon headlights. I have one dealer down to $26,300. I would appreciate any feedback as to whether I can do any better. Thanks

regfootball

26,3?

buy the damn thing.

tgp1810

code7700, is the link correct? It can't seem to find the page.

blitzin1

Is anyone getting an indication from their dealers as to when they will hit the US? After 2 months of deliberation and reading everything in sight, I went in to order one today, but had to walk out empty handed. I am getting seriously frustrated at the fleet manager for my dealership, who told me straight up that he has no idea when he will be getting them, or what his allocation will consist of. He also tried to tell me that pricing wasn't even set yet- I then handed him the full line price specs SAAB had faxed to me two months ago, and because of that, I am doubting everything else he is telling me. Of course, he would have taken my deposit to order one, but a straight order would have put me in a May delivery time frame, for sure.

Does anyone have a dealer who knows what he will be getting in his first allocation? At this rate, I either have to find a dealer (I'm in NY) who can tell me he has a car coming in, or I'm going to have to end up buying another make, as I just cannot wait until May. Does anyone else have better information?

jat8

Thanks regfootball, I needed some confirmation. I'll pass along something my salesman told me which may affect availibility of all Saabs. He said a shipment sank on its way to the US. If anyone has any concrete information on this let me know.

regfootball

EVEN AT 26,3 FOR A MANUAL TRANNY THAT WOULD BE A GOOD DEAL IMHO.

logic1

A ship carrying Saabs, BMWs and Volvos sank about three weeks ago off the coast of The Netherlands. It sank in relatively shallow water, but all the cars were a loss.

I believe the load was mostly Volvos, but there were several hundred Saab 9-3s aboard. The sinking may have a temporary impact on deliveries, but the Saab factory should be able to catch up soon.

I find myself agreeing with Regfootball for once. 26.3 is a very good price for a 9-3. You can easily pay more for a Passat or a Camry.