Saab 9-3 Sedan

blitzin1

For all you looking into this, base MSRP on a Vector is $32,495 with Invoice/Supplier price at $30,612, and GM employee price at $29,312. Auto, sunroof, heated seats, touring an Metallic paint add $4,335 to the invoice. All before discounts.

needashave

I have put just under 1000 miles in my first two weeks of ownership with my 9-3 Arc. The car has been trouble free during this period and continues to amaze me with cool features (this coming from a 42 year old, um, adult male). If I had to pick one thing about the 9-3 that I like the best, it would have to be the aggressive appearance of the car. The design of the fenders and how the tires are neatly fitted inside gives the car a sporty yet understated look. I especially like the integrated ground effects. The interior materials are of excellent quality. Not everyone will like the fact that the 9-3 has a somewhat masculine interior appearance. The rubberized material for the cowl is very cool, providing an easily cleanable, black membrane over the cowl. The door inserts on my car are leather, and it works well with the black plastic interior sill. A friend of mine asked if the sill material was made from elephant hide (hehe, he's from Texas).

If you haven't driven the 210 HP motor, you owe it to yourself to try it before you buy. The distribution of torque is smooth across the RPM range. This coupled with a fairly weighty chassis, gives the 9-3 the feel of a mid size, with the toss-ability that the 3 series is well known for. The driving position is very comfortable, and while I can't actually see the front of the car or the side fenders, I can easily judge the distances forward, left and right. The xenon headlights are awesome providing a blueish lighting that fills the street. In my opinion, the touring package is worth the premium if only for xenons. Parking assist is a novelty but does come in handy when parallel parking. Because of its accuracy, I can judge the distance between my car and the one behind me within a few inches.

I have the black with grey interior, which I think is one of the better color combinations. The black tends to get dirty easily, so unless you are prepared to carefully maintain the exterior, I would suggest another color. However, the paint is flawless, and when just washed (just once so far) the black give the 9-3 a darth vader look.

Lots of people on this board complaining about the stereo. I happen to have the 300 watt variety and for my ears, this stereo sounds great. It could use a bit more bass response but the CDs and even the radio sound great. I like the 6 disk elevator built into the dash.

The back seat passengers have adequate leg room and visibility, with a theater seating effect raising the back seat slightly. Trunk space is enormous, and the fold down seats allow me to carry my bicycle entirely inside the car by just poping off the front tire. One last reference to the 3 series....I felt the 3 series was cramped and was worried that over time, the size would become an issue for me. Again IMHO, the 9-3 "feels" much larger in the front seat, my legs aren't as stretched out in front of me, and the rear passengers have a much needed extra inch or so of legroom. If you not 42 as yet, this may sound stupid. Your day will come.

The cons: I think the interior controls are over engineered and confusing. Now granted, once you own the car for a few weeks this becomes mute, the dash remains a bit busy. In my opinion this is a minor flaw. It would be nice to be able to switch off the 3X3 inch screen without having to go into night panel mode. No other cons.

Dollar for dollar, IMHO this cars is superior to the TSX or Passat, and comparable to 325.

Happy Friday, peace to you.

ncjudge

for the report on your Arc experience. A couple of questions--do you have the sport suspension? Any real-life gas mileage figures yet?

And I'm interested in the answer to a question asked above--does auto climate control or basic a/c have to be on to cool the glovebox?

mumbhai

Hi All,

I have been reading the Saab board here for a while and finally test drove an arc this week. I love this car! However the only dealer here in Ann Arbor, MI, keeps insisting that there is no manufacturer to dealer incentive applicable so I would end up paying a little below sticker - the 3K consumer rebate (or 0.0 % apr).

This way the 9-3 Arc with manual, touring and sports packages ends up being 33.5 - 3K so roughly $30500.

This seems to be way more than what the rest of you are paying. The dealer keeps insisting that edmunds publishes "false" or "incorrect" information because they are not the ones selling at that price.

Can someone point me to what I ought to pay for a similarly loaded Arc (or even Vector if you guys are paying under 30K for them).

Thanks a lot.

BC

needashave

I do NOT have the sport suspension. The ac is what cools the glovebox. The ac can be directed to cool the car and/or the glovebox. Not sure I answered your question.

Mumbhai:I purchased my ARC for $5000 below MSRP using the GM Supplier program. This ends up being roughly $3000 below invoice. Please email me at louv@attbi.com and I can direct you to the dealer I worked with in Illinois. This could save you $2000!

mrblonde49

I have been told by Saab USA that the rebate IS the factory to dealer to rebate. They also said that it is up to the dealer to pass it on - all of it, none of it, or somewhere in between. And that you can't combine the dealer savings with the zero financing. The reason that I know that it's NOT a consumer rebate is that it comes off the top line price of the car (before taxes & tags - which saved me an additional $180 for NJ sales tax) There is a separate line, after the taxes and tags, for rebates - this is where the consumer rebate would go. (I had the Olds rebate for an extra $1000 off - and it went on this line)

As far as not coming off the sticker much, I was able to get $1100 below sticker pretty easily. My dealer also was up front and included the full rebate from the get go. This is a big reason why I have been very happy with my dealer thus far. When I changed from Linear to Arc, I left him a message telling him what I wanted to do, and he called me back with the new pricing - and he changed the rebate from $2500 to $3000 - I didn't even have to mention it.

I would think you should be able to get minimum $4000 off the sticker for an Arc. Seems about what everyone else is getting.

Hope that helps

Depending on when the ship carrying my Arc arrives, I should be driving it in 7 to 10 days. I'm going out of my mind with anticipation

danncas

Thats a great deal. You should be happy as heck with that. The MSRP for a vector load to no end is 37.700 plus dealer prep and tax.. I will be ordering a 2004 on the oversea delivery program. My cost is predetermined 33,400. and someone else question about the 2004 changes, I have heard nothing so far. I hope they add Merlot red to the Vector choice. Doubt it though. So for me 33.400- 1000 for my travel expenses isn't bad. I was going anyway.

sumner5

I've read a few postings about trying to upgrade the pathetic stereo in the base 9-3. What's the story on the On-Star software upgrade? My car came with On-star (purchased the car March '03). Is there a software upgrade available that will improve the performance of the stereo - specifically getting more base to the rear speakers?

ncjudge

You did answer my question. Thanks. BTW, I'm another 42 year old male who thinks about things like back seat room and comfort as well as the driving experience. I'm sure you'll continue to enjoy the Arc. I'm very close to getting one myself.

needashave

Hi,

I was wondering what types of products people are using to care for the rubber, body side moldings, inside doors, etc. I have used a product called 303 in the past with excellent results. The 303 is expensive at $13 a bottle. Anybody have any favorites. Thanks.

parker19

saw ad today for 9-3 sport manuel convertible 48 month/12k/399 a month/1500 down .... since saab loses value so quickly would u say that it is better to buy or take a lease like that

tgp1810

Happy Holidays!

valuepac

Im looking a for a dealership that is willing to deal in the chicagoland area on 9-3 linears

trencher7

Anyone know where to check and compare depreciation on different models. Is it true Saabs lose value quickly compared to other manufacturers?

hydra2

Have you checked Edmunds total cost of ownership area? When you research any new car model it will be one of the choices in the left margin.

r34

valuepac - I sent emails/fax to different dealers. Patrick Saab & Saab Exchange gave me the cheapest quotes. Saab Exchange seems to be better because they have more cars and better service (Patrick & Motor Werks are Cadallic and Saab dealers and they are more "GM" oriented).

trencher7 - Saab cars depreciate a lot. Maybe the incentive is the big reason. You don't want to buy Saab without incentive. Sometimes, leasing a Saab or buying a 1-2 years olds may be a better deal.

needashave

According to Edmunds, depreciation cost on a 9-3 and comparable equiped 325, favor the 9-3. Operating costs are also lower on the 9-3. Cost per mile on average for the 9-3, $.52. For the 325, $.54. Moral of the story is buy what you like.

kyfdx

Depreciation is easily figured. Find out what the factory lease residuals are.

3yr/15K lease
residual percentage
BMW 325i. 60%
Saab 9-3 49%

Of course, these are based on MSRP, and with incentives, Saabs sell for a much lower percentage of MSRP than BMWs, so actual depreciation difference may be less.

kyfdx

trencher7

I figure the Vector or Arc is a good move over the 325. Price is about the same. The 325 has rear wheel drive but also 26 less hp. I am also bored with the 3-series body style. Here in the bay area there are so many of them I wouldn't be able to find my car in a parking lot if I bought one. Also when I check my paper, there really aren't many old Saabs for sale. I had heard BMW's keep their value, but that is neutralized by their being overpriced. You wind up paying for that "value" up front.

kyfdx

With the current incentives, you can't argue the value of the new Saab 9-3. However, if you lease, its an even better deal. The large incentive is the same, yet you are spreading it only over the 3 years of the lease. And you are also locking in the residual value, which may or may not be accurate in three years. Also, if you have reliability issues with Saab, you get three years to try it out.

kyfdx

trencher7

I figure the Vector or Arc is a good move over the 325. Price is about the same. The 325 has rear wheel drive but also 26 less hp. I am also bored with the 3-series body style. Here in the bay area there are so many of them I wouldn't be able to find my car in a parking lot if I bought one. Also when I check my paper, there really aren't many old Saabs for sale. I had heard BMW's keep their value, but that is neutralized by their being overpriced. You wind up paying for that "value" up front.

sevencycles2

Took a Vector for a test drive over the weekend, nice car. Disappointed with what the dealer is offering. The salesperson said with the 0% financing they could only offer sticker price. If the factory financing was not in place what would they offer then? sticker? I don't think so.

I get the feeling there aren't that many Vectors out
there so they can use the sticker price. Any body have a positive experience with a dealer in the northeast (boston to philly). I know this a new vehicle/design but still have hard a time paying sticker when their profit is in the 3-4k range minimum.

wassallj

I live in Lancaster PA and my local dealer, Kelly Saab, has 2 Vectors on the lot. Both are Steel Grey with grey interior. One is an automatic and the other is a stick. I found them to be real nice to deal with.

nojalopy

Invoice price I have been given by a dealer for an Arc differs from the Edmunds invoice price by almost $400 (higher from the dealer). I've seen the invoice. Advertising fees? Something else? Also, the destination charge is $675 everywhere I look on-line except Edmunds, which shows $625. Invoice says $675.

These differences are making it difficult to negotiate too fine a deal. Insights are welcome.

mrblonde49

I saw the same items on the invoice. I think it's missing on this site perhaps because those items aren't on the sticker? The $675 destination charge IS right on the sticker, so Edmunds just got that wrong

I also matched the invoice price exactly on another website, so I believe that it's valid.

I was able to get $1100 off sticker on my Arc in addition to rebates, so I didn't push the issue.

fsufan

What dealer in Jersey did you buy from? Did you lease or buy? Any options on your Arc and finally what was your total out the door? Sorry for all the questions. Thanks.

tgp1810

Anyone have any experience with any of the dealers in Lower Michigan (dealers within an hours drive from Livonia). I've heard that the Goodman Auto Group is not very people orientated. I will be using GMS. Also, another question: has anyone using the employee pricing, been able to negotiate a lower price?

Check the inside of your glove box… if your vehicle has the cooled glove box, you will find sliding cover on the side left wall.

mrblonde49

>>What dealer in Jersey did you buy from? Did you lease or buy? Any options on your Arc and finally what was your total out the door? Sorry for all the questions. Thanks. <<

Reinertsen Motors in Denville. I bought it (I put about 21K miles a year on, so I can't lease). Options were everything except Touring & Sport wheels. Sticker was $33,940. Purchase price was $28,840. ($3000 factory to dealer rebate, $1000 in Olds owner rebate, and $1100 negotiated off sticker) Total out the door of $30,880. Also got 4.89% financing for 60 months thru Saab.

Talked to the dealer yesterday. I pick up next Tuesday or Thursday!!

kyfdx

All Saabs have dealer prep and advertising fees on the invoice, that aren't shown on KBB or edmunds.. On the invoices I've seen its $130 for prep, and a like amount for ad fees, although those may vary by region. Those are legitimate fees that the dealer has to pay. I find better invoice info on KBB, but nobody shows those two fees.

kyfdx

needashave

I sat in a friends 2002 9-3 today and my 2003 9-3 is superior in every respect. For anyone that hasn't seen or driven the 2003 model, be prepared to be impressed. I'm still in awe with the performance, usability and safety that this car provides (not to mention good looks).

powerman1

What are the main differences between the Arc and Vector ? Is the Vector worth the extra $$ ?

hppypaul

While I agree that the new 9-3 is a very much improved drive compared to the prior version there is one very important aspect that is NOT in fact superior.

The next time you want to move a large piece of furniture or perhaps a 36" TV please keep in mind that you no longer have that fantastic hatchback to open. These things just won't fit in a new one. I love my 2000 9-3 because it is the most balanced car i've ever owned. Fast, good handling, great MPG and yet still practical.

polack

hate to beat a dead horse but I just bought a 9-3 Arc and I am having trouble programming the remote garage door opener that is on the rear view mirror. This is an older Raynor opener, probably pre 95. Has anyone had any success with this opener?
Polack

f650racer

As with the anti-spin and yaw-control systems (can't recall acronyms), the rear steering is taking me some time to get used to. Thankfully, the electronic gizmos can be turned off, but the rear steering obviously cannot. Eventually, I think I'll really appreciate having all this active safety stuff (in foul weather, etc.), but it seems to interefere with very hard driving in the twisties.

f650racer

After 2,000 miles:

Picks:
1. great value
2. excellent quality for the $
3. excellent balance between safety, efficiency/economy, and performance. I can't seem to get bad fuel economy, regardless of how hard I try! My 5-spd gets 23-25.5 in urban (only)driving, and 31-35 in highway only driving (at 74 mph indicated with rolling hills).
4. very good looks, but maybe just a tad too conservative (for me), but--this car gets some attention, amazing when you consider that 4-door sedans generally get none!
5. excellent engine--incredibly flexible, smooth, quiet, and refined--a big surprise to me given the turbo and only 4 cylinders--both of which typically add to noise, harshness, and a lack of smoothness and refinement.
6. fun to drive-- for the type of car the 9-3 is. I list this item reluctantly, as i'm a bit jaded and spoiled about what constitutes motoring "fun". Being a motorcyclist & motorcycle road racer (closed-courses, e.g., Road Atlanta), any car shy of a 911 Turbo, Ferrari, etc. cannot measure up to the sensations delivered by a brisk ride. The physics of riding simply trump, big-time, those felt in driving a car.

Pans:
1. The gearbox is okay, but the shifter throws are much too long, IMO. And it seems a little harder to shift at the left side (1 & 2) compared to the right (3, 4, 5, and R). Not hard at 1 & 2, just not as slick. Clutch is excellent.
2. I expect to find my "sweet spot" in the seat, but haven't yet. Anyone want to swap parchment seats from their Vector (I'll even add some $)? I'm sure I'd like the more supportive sport seats better. Overall, though, ergos are good.
2. Audio--rear speakers add zero to the sound. I picked up a pair of high end 6 x 9 Pioneers (3-way speakers that were an "opened-box" item at Best Buy for about $60) and am about to install them, per the suggestion by another member of this group. As he/she said a couple months ago, the rear package shelf appears set to accept these 6 x 9s as a simple bolt in. I'll report back on this mod.
3. only one (minor) problem to report--a minor "chirp" from the right front wheel area. At my 30 day checkup, the dealer told me that I'm not alone, and that Saab is working on a fix. My theory is that the anti-rattle springs that hold the pads firmly within the calipers are just a bit weak, allowing the pads to vibrate. The dealer thinks that the pad wear indicator is somehow contacting the disk. In any case, simply tapping the brake pedal eliminates the noise.

I also have a question (see in later posts) for this group about what's up with getting OnStar/phone installed, posted below, and a question about how oil "quality" is measured (as displayed in the SID dash info panel).

Conclusion:
I recommend the 9-3 very highly. It seems to offer more features and comparable performance (to any other car in the market segment) for a bunch less $$--on the order of $10k less $. I hope Saab/GM can make some profit at these prices, and that the 9-3 is not simply a loss leader. As word spreads, the volume of units sold will "take care of itself".

f650racer

I've had my Saab since March 8 and have yet to get any word about the Onstar installation. Anyone know how/how quickly this works and what the process is? Is there a "regular" cell phone included, and if so, can it also be programmed to use my Verizon cell phone service? TIA, Tim

f650racer

I'd hoped that the owner's materials would explain, but they didn't. It would be awesome if some sort of probe/sensor actually took readings of viscosity retention, cleanliness, resistance to high temps, etc. to arrive at the info in the dash SID. It reads, e.g., "oil quality 80%. next service in 421 days". My guess is that it is based solely on factors e.g., average speed, length of time from cranking to shutdown of engine, mileage, average miles/trip, and so forth. Anyone know? TIA, Tim

f650racer

I don't think we Linear owners have this. I can't find the switch shown in the owner's manual that would allow a panel to slide, in turn sending some cool air to the glove box. What confuses me a little, and had me searching for that switch, is that for all other features we don't get, the manual lists them as "(optional)". Still, this may be something that we can get working, with a little bit of "amatuer engineering". There is some sort of connector at the right (in) side of the glove box, and I plan to mess with it. But clearly it's not the switch shown in the manual.

f650racer

I almost never drive in nightime fog (but it's a huge pet peeve of mine that many drivers in this region rudely run the damn things continuously), but often do want more candlepower to light up the road way ahead.

Anyhoo, I was looking at my Linear's foggies, and it looks as if they only thing that keeps them from being running lights is some sort of black metal shroud that (mostly) covers the frontal area of the halogen bulb. I'm considering removing these shrouds for a test run, and if I like what I see (pun intended), then maybe installing an 80 or 100 watt unshrouded bulb.

There are some potential pitfalls-- the lens and cover may not do well at projecting light way down the road, and also these lights are really close to the road surface, while ideally, running lights are mounted at least as high as the regular headlights (above bumper). Even if they can throw light a good distance, they'd need to be aimed very differently from the aiming for fog lighting (very short forward pattern, but with wider spray of light to the sides).

Anyone else considered this mod? Input appreciated! TIA, Tim

garymfc

f650racer - please let me know how the 6x9 replacement works. According to another board, the replacement of the 4" cones with 6x9s did nothing since the signal going to the back speakers is weak and crossed over so no low frequencies travel back there, therefore it's probably a waste to put in 6X9 because they arent going to give any bass response. I'd like confirmation on this. Others have had quite a bit of success replacing the 3 1/2" cones with the cheapies at the front. Apparently it makes a nice mid range difference. http://www.saabcentral.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=8587&postda- ys=0&postorder=asc&start=200

f650racer

sorry, meant to add that in addition to being legal for "off road use only", going from our 55 or 60 watt bulbs to higher wattage, say 80, runs the risk of having the additional heat damage the lens, cover, and wiring. So, if I try a stronger bulb, I'll stop and inspect this stuff frequently until certain that it'll withstand the added heat. Tim

code7700

I have a Linear and the dual-zone AC system... as well as a switch in the glovebox to let cool air in. If you have the single-zone system (knobs vs. digital) I don't think glovebox AC is an option.

code7700

$550? Plus labor? That is highway robbery. They should be doing this for free.

mikerob

My 9-3 is one month old. First problem was "daytime running lights" which are actually full headlights. Could not get on a military base at night since could not turn them off. The dealer was able to "re-program" the computer so I could turn off the lights as per the book but now I can not use the fog lights. Anyone know of a way to fix?? Also, per the dealer, a "software update" is coming so the remote key can open and close the windows, again as per the book. I only found out the car did not have onstar installed was when I asked, upon delivery, for operation instructions. Was told within a month 4.5 weeks ago. Any word on that from anyone. During my 30 day check asked the dealer what the "customizeable features" were that he could reprogram as per the book. He had no idea. The technician found the reference in the manual and the service manager said that they would go to Saab and with two weeks get a printed listing of what can be set and how. Other than that the car mostly betters my 1999 A4 2.8 Quatro I traded in. Much more responsive and more roomy.

sa93ab

I love the new 93 especially the Vector. Looking forword to writing a review once I drive it for a while. Here is the deal:

2003 9-3 Vector
6-speed
Graphite Green
Fully Loaded

Total Price 34,258
After Discount 31,258

Sound like a good deal? or a great deal?

needashave

I picked up my ARC three weeks ago and they activated the OnStar at time of delivery. I'd check with your dealer to get the skinny on when they will activate you. I have yet to actually use the OnStar, but that's just me.

nojalopy

Sounds like you're getting MSRP minus the $3000 factory to dealer incentive. In other words, no discount from MSRP from the dealer.

mrblonde49

Sounds like you're getting MSRP minus the $3000 factory to dealer incentive. In other words, no discount from MSRP from the dealer. <<

Actually, the Vector should have a $3500 rebate. So it's $500 over sticker. Besides, you can't get a loaded Vector for 34,258

sa93ab

Besides, you can't get a loaded Vector for 34,258 <<

Not sure what you meant that...can you explain further. Here is what I am looking at:

Fully loaded Metallic Green Vector (6-speed Manual)

MSRP: $36,435
My Price: $34,248

I am debating between the 0% and the discount.

Thanks in advance...

fedlawman

I thought the Saab discount is $2500...