Saab 9-3 Sedan

a98gibson

Regarding the GM employee discount, send an Email to SaabUSA through their web site and they will fax or Email the employee price list to you. Pricing is shown for all 9-3 and 9-5 models and option packages.

Discount for the Linear with launch package was around $3K.

ricoinva

To pran:

If you're in Virginia, I'd suggest Brown European Imports in Charlottesville. Peter Atkinson there matched the offer I'd gotten from Maryland. He was very straightforward throughout the process. I was out of the dealership in less than two hours.

For those who are interested in prices for a stripped down 9-3, I got $353 a month (36 mos., 15000 miles per year) with only first payment due at signing. That figure includes all taxes (3%) and fees (most were waived).

oballeani

Hello, would anyone know why here in Canada, the new 9-3 is not getting the Free Scheduled Maintenance like the US does?
Secondly, Saabs are sold at Saab/Saturn/Isuzu dealerships (here in Quebec at least). I have heard that there is a “no haggling” policy at these dealerships. Does that mean there is a sticker price and the dealer does not budge on it? And consequently, all dealers have the same price? Thanks for your feedback.

garymfc

I don't believe that is true in Canada. I've been in so far and have had the dealers take off $1500 the MSRP. I'm slowly working them down, so if you can do the same, you should try. I'm in Toronto and I've been trying to see if dealerships outside of Toronto will budge further. As for the scheduled maintenance, I wondered the same thing. It would be nice.

macrac

Hello,

I have a quick question that I'm hoping one of you lucky 93 SS Linear owners would answer for me.

On a recent test drive, the salesperson mentioned that the Linear DOES NOT require premium unleaded fuel. Is this true? I know that the Arc and Vector will require it - but I could not find any documentation stating the the Linear does not. Was the salesperson just pulling my leg?

THANKS!

hungshy

Yes, from the manual I read for model Linear doesn't need the premium gas. However, 90 is recommended. I couldn't find "90" here only "89".

rokum17

I got the following quote for a fully loaded 9-3 (auto, launch, touring, wheels), keep in mind, this includes GM employee discount:

MSRP $32,850
Cap $27,390 ($29,390 - $2,000) -- cashback is $2,500 if you buy
Residual 52% (for 10K)
Money factor .00057
Downpayment = first month + 100 DMV fees

Comes out to about $330/mo, I was gonna wipe out my checkbook right there but something made me wait for Arcs to come out, probably can get similar deal with fewer options. Just didn't want to blame myself for 3 years for not waiting a month to test drive a 210hp baby

rokum17

I don't think they offer rebates for launch package anymore...

jlp8885

Owners of the 9-3 SS
Earlier someone mentioned that you can put mid (89-91) grade
has anyone done a test with less-than-premium gas (less than 93)?
does the lower grade affect the performace? mileage? how about nvh? any pinging?

It would be great if I could use mid or regular instead of paying extra for premium while having negiligible side effects

ndboomer

Greetings Saab owners, I need advice. My wife has always wanted a Saab, but we have been dutifull parents driving our Minivan and Camry. Her 40th birthday is coming up, and I am toying with the idea of buying a used Saab convertible for her as either a 3rd car or to replace the Camry. Questions:

I can buy a '99 base convertible (5sp) off of a lease with 55k miles for $13,000. Good deal?
Can we drive the Saab as a daily driver for family of 4 (2 younger kids) or is it best as a 3rd car? What can I expect after ownership? Any and all feedback would be appreciated

oldsman01

That looks like a pretty good lease deal, however, I don't blame you wanting to wait on the Arc. That is what I'm doing. If I could lease an Arc for 36 months(w 15K annually) for under $400 a month and no more than $1000 down, I'd be very tempted to sign the papers. My biggest hurdle may be getting the dealer to give me payoff on my current car as I really don't want to try to sell it myself. I'm driving by the dealer nearly everyday to see if any new 9-3s have shown up.

dbozman

I run regular 87 octane in my 9-3. The manual, I believe, calls for a minimum of 87 octane. I've experienced no negative effects (pinging, power loss, etc.) and am averaging about 26.3 mpg in mixed (city/freeway) driving.

Oh, I got the touring and launch packages, but no sport. My 16-inch tires are the Pirellis, which seem quite grippy if a touch loud.
Dion

logic1

has 4 Arcs in. Three are already sold. They will try to hold onto one for test drives.

I am in New York for a few days for work, so I probably will not get to test drive it until next week. The sales consultant says she was thrilled with her drive, but then she is paid to be.

renee_etoile

Every night as I park my car in my huge parking garage(6 BIG levels), I am reminded of how beautiful my car is puhaha. I especially enjoy parking next to an a4/6, s60, or bmw 3 and gleefully imagining the latter car owner walking past the saab in the morning enviously glancing at the perfection of the frontal view. :P LOL. I know it's just a part of the first month of ownership craze but- man, it feels good!

Logic: haha~ who are you talking to btw? If it's Pam or Ellen, I could just imagine how they said that. HAHAHA. I can't wait until you give us the feedback on how the testdrive goes. goodluck!

logic1

Ellen. And I really like her. I've never had the opportunity to work with a woman sales consultant before. She is really honest and funny.

When I told her I liked the dolphin grey, she said while she agreed the color looks cool in the brochure, she could not stand it when she actually saw a dolphin grey car. I'm used to sales people glad handing your ever comment.

For once I cannot wait to get back from New York. I've already driven a Linear, so I hope to have some substantive differences to report.

Six stories of cars and yours is the best looking. Too cool. (and by the way, still no shots of it on your web site)

rokum17

...looks much different in real life than in the brochure. I had to ask a salesman 3 times if the car I saw on the lot was really Dolphin Gray and I still wasn't convinced.

suach

Just had my 9-3 for less than two weeks and already had a blow out tire (driver's back side). Has anyone else experienced the same problem? Went on the Tires.com website and there quite a few bad comments about these tires. Any experience replacing them for free?

freemahc

Sauch - which tires do you have? I am pretty please with my Pirelli P6's

My engine light came on this morning for the second time in 3 weeks. Arrrgh. First time it was the gas cap sensor, this time I think I might have redlined the turbo gauge, which apparently sets off the engine light as well. Well, it's about time for my 1000 mile/1 month service anyway, so I'll just have it looked at then.
It's annoying though......

needashave

Anyone know when to expect a reasonable inventory for the Arc to arrive? Happy motoring.

logic1

Arcs are just hitting the stores now. Figure in about a month there will be decent flexibility to buy off the lot.

I am back in Chicago now. I am going to try for an Arc test drive Saturday but things do not look particularly good. Probably will go sometime after work next week.

f650racer

Thanks for all the great info--it really helped. Here are the particulars on our deal:

msrp including destination $26,525 (early car)

paid $21,786 + tax, title, tag
I believe this is about dealer factory invoice + $250. My incentives were $2,500 Saab to dealer (of which $1,500 is for using a non-Saab money source), + GM owners loyalty rebate of $1,000.

bought from Kelly Saab in Chattanooga, TN, who'd just received a silver Vector (Friday the 7th). Good folks, but they're 250 miles away! My local dealer had leased an identical car one day before I stopped in to make a deal.

We bought instead of leasing, but with reservations--but ultimately, it seemed impossible to get as good a "price" on leases, and the dealers all seemed to use different numbers and formulae.

Black (oh well . . .), parchment, 5-spd, no options--just as I wanted, thought the Touring package would have been okay. I love it! Decent in twisties, great room and safety, very efficient--getting 26 mpg in mixed driving. Best tank was 30. Regular unleaded (87 USA octane) seems fine, though the owner's manual spec says 90 (AON rating, I believe, and I don't think this is the same system used in the US--I'll do some research on this).

Overall view--by far the best value among sports sedans. I drove several and liked only the A4 Quattro better (slightly) to drive, but overall it's not as much car and for a bunch more money--the gap from the BMW, Lexus (didn't much like it), Audi to the Saab stripper is approx. $10,000 and up. At current prices and incentives, the Saab is a major value.

oldsman01

I know what you mean about parking your great looking car among the bland looking masses. I still like to park my Intrigue(when it's clean) amidst a throng of Camrys, Accords, Malibus, and Tauri. Now your making me want a 9-3 even more. Call me vain, but I like to do what you do:) It's not really showing off as it is not like I'm parking an MB S-class among the plebians, in most cases the other cars are pretty much in the same price range, just alot more boring looking. And yes, the frontal view of the 9-3 is the best.

logic1, let us know if you get to test drive the Arc and what you think as soon as possible.

f650racer, thanks for the tip on the Vector in Chatt. I like in Knoxville and will be going down to Atlanta next weekend and if an Arc or Vector hasn't shown up here by then, I may have to make a stop on the way down to GA and check it out.

code7700

You really shouldn't redline a new engine (or go into the high RPMs). Doesn't matter if it is a Kia, Saab, or Lexus... the first 1,500 to 2,000 miles are needed to break-in the car (particularly piston rings and cylinder walls, final drive gears, and brake pads/disks.)

code7700

Saab Cars USA Announces Best February in History

Sales up 33% for the month; 44% for the year

Norcross, GA — Saab Cars USA reported sales of 3,598 cars last month, making it the company’s best February in its 47-year history. This represents a 33 percent increase over February 2002 (2,699 cars). Year-to-date, Saab has sold 6,149 cars in the U.S. — a 44 percent increase over 2002 (4,274 cars).

“What a fantastic month,” said Ed Peper, Saab Cars USA’s VP of Sales. “Although we were challenged by snow, ice and rain, we still managed to set a record. That’s a testament to our dealers and our product. The entire Saab line-up showed significant sales increases.”

The new Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan continued to set the sales pace with a volume of 2,127 units, exceeding 9-3 hardtop sales last February by nearly 53 percent. The 9-3 convertible was also a strong performer with an increase of 17 percent (513 cars vs. 437). On Tuesday, March 4, Saab will unveil its all-new 2004 9-3 Convertible at the Geneva Motor Show.

In addition to strong increases in new vehicle sales, Saab’s Certified Pre-owned Program also reported a strong month, selling 441 units — a 86 percent increase over 2002.

poog

I'm considering buying a '01 9-3 and I've been reading a lot of posts about bent rims and worn tires, but I haven't been able to tell if the '01 9-3s have this problem. It seemed like everyone with an '00 9-3 was having this problem, so I'm trying to find out if it was fixed for '01. Does anyone know?

mind18

Anyone know how long the leasing deals will last? After looking at the Saab again and again... I am highly considering possibly leasing one. But I won't need a vehilce until May, so I have to wait it out. I am also considering a used Saab....but is this too risky in terms of reliability?

regfootball

excellent deal congrats!

The Feb. news is good to hear.....sounds like the word is getting out on the new Saab. How much longer until the 'well kept secret' is secret no more? Watch those A4 sales tumble.

ndboomer

Last night I brought home a used 9-3 convertible (5sp) for my wife for her 40th birthday. She couldn't stop giggling when she saw it, and despite it being 10pm and the 39 degree temps, she dropped the top and took off. I couldn't go with her because of the sleeping kids, but she kept calling every few minutes to tell me how much fun she was having with the car.

She has e-mailed me and called me at work several times today raving about how much fun it is, how she got remarks about how cool the car is when she dropped kids at school, and that she feels like a kid again herself. Wow, what a reaction.

I have to admit that I loved driving the car as well and hope to if I can ever get her to pass me the keys. I think I am now doomed to driving the mini-van, at least until the kids are older.

I am just knocking wood that I get lucky on the reliability front. Thank you Saab for making the best present my wife has ever received.

hppypaul

I picked up a used 9-3 viggen convertible about a month ago for my 39th bd, and I feel the same way.
i love having the top down. The car is so much fun to drive. I can't wait for the warm weather to really enjoy it,
but I've had the top down in below 40F weather serveral times and it's not that bad.

mooselook

I occasionally hear a wierd clunk noise, either from the suspension or undercarriage. (2003 9-3 Linear) This happens intermittantly either when I make a sharp right turn or go over a dip in the road where the suspension compresses. Many times it makes a sound like a rock being thrown up and hitting the underside of the car, but I really don't think it's actually a rock because I've never seen one before I hear the noise. I've checked for obvious loose stuff, but cannot find anything. This is a long shot but, has anyone else out there experienced this with their 9-3?
--**Mooselook**--

freemahc

I hear the same thing just about every morning. As I back out of the parking spot, I get a clunk after rolling 10 feet. The car is in for the 1 month/1000 mile check up right now, and I asked the dealer to take a look so if they find anything I'll post again for you.

scott67ca

Market conditions are driving the dealers to be quite the negotiaters...Leased the Linear 9-3, loaded, GM supplier discount, lease loyalty, resulted in no money down...$340/month. Only item missing is 17" wheels.

Love the car..had a 2000 9-5 SE prior. Saab driver for life. Saab financial also waived last month lease payment on the 9-5...as mentioned, they are very eager to move these cars.

buckaroo067

I know this is an unusual comparison since these cars aren'treally in the same class, but I can't ignore the value of the Honda. For $27k I can get a loaded v6 (240 hp)honda with a voice activated Nav system, sunroof, leather, fog lights, etc.

Did anyone else consider the Honda?

kyfdx

Just my .02:
My wife has leased 3 Accords in a row. She hates the new body style. We have owned 7 Hondas between us, and from a value standpoint, Saab can't touch them. That said, and economics aside (which they never are), we'd both rather be driving an Audi, Lexus, BMW, or Saab. Right now, you can lease a Saab 9-3, that has everything the Honda has minus 65HP and nav for the same money, or possibly a little less, and scheduled maintenance is included.
I may be wrong, and current Saab owners can correct me, but the usual Saab buyer would not be cross shopping a Honda, regardless of the value side of the equation.
  The large incentives make Saab an alluring choice, when factored over just three years, less so if you purchase.

kyfdx

robr2

No the usual Saab buyer would not cross shop Honda IMHO. But GM wants (needs) to grow the brand. As such, the typical Saab buyer will become more like Honda buyers. Saab will have to get people out of other brands (including Honda) to ensure that it survives. So it would not suprise me to see people cross shop Saab and Honda.

I recently read that the greatest number of Saab conquest sales were current Honda owners.

bv73ms3

I too have noticed a 'clunk' when I back up from starting the car. It is quite noticeable but not irritating. I'm just worried that it's something bad. I think I read somewhere that that sound is the ABS engaging? I was gonna ask the dealer but if anyone has any ideas I would appreciate it. Oh also I have a slight 'buzzing' noise on both sides of the doors near the shoulder area, worse when the radio is loud or at high speeds. Now that is irritating and I definitely have to get that looked at. Those are the only 'problems' I've had with my 2 wk old 9-3.

code7700

This reply goes back to a posting from long ago (I just found the document I wanted to scan) talking about dealer invoices. When you go to the dealer, be sure to ask to see the actual invoice. It should look something like this:

http://saab93zzz.home.attbi.com/edmunds/saab.tif.

If the dealer refuses to show it to you, walk out.

The number to work from is "Dealer Net" total... minus rebates, incentives, and if you're lucky, holdback... plus the dealers commission ($250 to $500 I'd guess). It is that simple.

This isn't rocket science.

kyfdx

Very nice. Do you know what the Supplier-DRC amount is just under the GM Supplier price?

kyfdx

f650racer

My first experience with it was in hard cornering on bumpy pavement. What the heck?? Then I realized that this was the TSP system redirecting power by applying ABS to the wheel that was "light", or was losing traction. This is my theory and I'm stickin' to it (until I've had a chance to read the owner's manual).

 My wife's Q45t has a much quieter system that, I believe, retards ignition instead of applying the brakes. But then again, her car doesn't have the "overall" control system (anti-slide) that our 9-3s do, just a simple anti-wheelspin control.

This Saab system will take some getting used to, though it can be disabled--something I'll probably do when really flogging the car in the twisties. OTOH, it'll be reassuring on slick pavement as a sort of insurance against loss of control.

shades80

i have had my car since 10/02...Yes something definitely engages when you go a few feet in the car...this is normal-per dealer..other things-
Stereo sucks big time-but you all know that.
Only noise in my car is the door locks vibrating at speed..little annoyance but the only way to avoid that noise is to put on the sucky stereo..my ride is stiff-17's are loud but im use to it now..took a few weeks..love it really, the ride is the key, suspension is tight and agile..love to go fast in this car..cant imagine the arc or vector feels differently..i already have the same suspension set up..no other problems..cheers.

jabeeva

I'm in the final stages of negotiating for my own 9-3 (really excited) Just checking to see how much people have generally put down as a cap cost reduction in NY.

Also has anyone seen the Graphite Green? I can get the car in graphite green or merlot red with the launch package. I'm leaning towards the graphite green, but I'm not sold on it. I'm considering getting the car with just the launch package. Have those of you who got the touring package as well felt it was worth the extra bucks?

renee_etoile

touring pkg: two thumbs up

personally say merlot.

what interior color?

kyfdx

I wouldn't put anything down as a cap cost reduction. The lease factor for Saab is .00057, which works out to about 1.36%. So, the money you save by reducing the cap cost is negligible, and is basically lost if you total your car before the lease is up.

kyfdx

wmquan

Have those of you who got the touring package as well felt it was worth the extra bucks?

I would not have bought the 9-3 if it wasn't for the Touring Package. Perhaps one doesn't need all the features it has and thus it doesn't add up to the cost. E.g. not everyone cares about dual-zone automatic climate control but I really like it.

More important to me are the excellent bi-xenon headlights. Projector housings, auto-levelling, with headlamp washers -- these are terrific headlamps. Once you start driving with the xenons you will not want to go back to regular halogen headlights. The bi-xenons are factory-spec with all the goodies above and are superior to any aftermarket installation (which are usually illegal and cause glare problems).

jabeeva

Renee, the interior color in both is grey. I think the light color will require much more maintenance than I'm up for.

As for the touring package, I think I'll go for it. I'm not all that concerned about the headlights, but I think I'll really like the dual climate control. Now to see how much more it will cost me. I think the package is $900, which comes out to $25 extra per month on a 36 month lease. Hopefully, I can get it for an extra $20 or less. Keep your fingers crossed. Hopefully, I'll be in my new car by the weekend.

Thanks again. Your comments have been really helpful, and not just today, I've been watching from the sidelines for a while.

kyfdx

If the package is $995 and you are doing 45K mile lease, then the residual is $497.50. Even if you pay sticker for the package, it will only cost you about $15.00 per month, and only about $13.00 if you get pkg for invoice.

kyfdx

jabeeva

I'm actually doing a 30K lease. I live in NY and only drive on weekends, so that will be plenty.

Thanks again for the advice.

jabeeva

What's this holdback refund that I've read about?

protege_fan

http://www.edmunds.com/advice/incentives/holdback/index.html?tid=- edmunds.a.landing.buying..5.*

oldsman01

Drove by the Cadillac/Saab dealer Sunday and noticed a new 9-3 sitting there. It was White(not my first choice in colors) but it had the Arc wheels or at least the ones that are on the Arc in the brochure. So I turned around to have a look since the dealer was closed. You can imagine my disappointment when I peered into the car and saw it had the manual climate controls and cloth armrests. So I guess these are the standard wheels on the Linear now as the early ones were coming with an upgrade. So now they have 3 Linears in stock, one of them being the Cosmic Blue(w manual) that they have had since November.