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Comments
I read many posts that said to hold the remote door opener close to the front of the mirror, etc., to program the internal remote. Here is what I found to unlock the key to success. When you're clearing the factory codes make sure that once the L.E.D. starts to blink fast, release your fingers from the the switch on the rear view mirror and the remote door opener. Then hold whatever switch you want to program simultanesly with the door opener switch and as soon as it starts to blink fast release the switch and it should be programmed. My problem was when it started to blink fast I would let it blink too long.
Polack
And in the front, I hear a plastic-on-plastic (where the locks pop-up) noise that is very annoying. Dealer is going to look at it next time I'm there. It is very subtle, but annoying.
Anyone else?
I'm almost afraid to write SaabUSA, as they always say, "sorry, can't help you, talk to dealer."
Anyone having trouble with their powered drivers seat? After hard braking my seat feels like there is too much backlash in the drive. I get a very slight movement backward when accelerating. It doesn't happen all the time, just after "spirited" driving where I stop quickly.
>Thanks for the reply. Yes the radio is on when >the buzzing occurs.
It's the speakers. This is a notorious problem with 9-3's (99-02) when the volume is set high. I am not sure if there is a fix. Anyone have any thoughts? If no one responds, head over to Saabnet.com and see if "Dean" (Saab guru) can make any suggestions.
>I pulled in the driveway over the weekend and it >started to spit and sputter - the engine light >came on. Parked it over night and went to drive >it the next morning (Sunday). Engine light was >still on and it wouldn't go over 2000 rpm (I >assumed this was limp mode). Took to dealer >today and it seemed to drive fine - not as peppy >but the light was still on. Any thoughts?
Sounds like the problem lots of folks have been discovering. Saab is gonna have a software patch for the engine management out ASAP. Call the dealer.
>Also we were supposed to go in next Monday for >the 30 day check up. Had to come in without an >appointment due to the engine problem. Asked if >we could take care of everything at once and the >service consultant said sure. We had a list of >items that needed looked at and he was mad that >we didn't list all of this when we made the >original appointment. Are all SAAB dealers like >this?
Nope. Mine takes care of me like i'm royalty. Ask to speak to the Service Manager. I find the best way to get across your message is to use "I" and "me" verbage. For instance, "When the service adviser was speaking with me at the last service, I felt as very insulted. I do not feel that I should be treated in that manner after spending over $XXX dollars of my hard earned money." Usually, they will bend over backwards to make sure you're happy.
MB C320 215 hp & 221 lb-ft @ 3,000 - 4,600 rpm
9-3 210 hp with 221 lb @ 2500 rpm
Not bad.
MB C320 215 hp & 221 lb-ft @ 3,000 - 4,600 rpm
9-3 210 hp with 221 lb @ 2500 rpm
Not bad.
looks- no need to elaborate the 9/3 is very sweet
interior- everything good. maybe could use a little bigger gauges and the dash plastic could maybe be a LITTLE nicer but otherwise it just feels like home sweet home. the seats were nice and firm. The shifter falls right to hand. Driving position is great. Only operating the radio was frustrating. Who dreamt up that BS? Overall though, loved the dash layout. Note to Saab, REAL cupholders, please.
handling- sweet, sweet, more sweet. Ride is not harsh in any way, but yet nice and firm. Very stable. Good turning, felt precise. Steering boost just about right on in all cases. Nice light front end with the 4 cyl. mill, not nose heavy like my v8 Taurus SLO. Maybe would like a little quicker steering but maybe the Vector has that. Shifter was excellent. no problems finding gears.
Power- is this thing really a turbo? Is it really a four cylinder? It can't be only 175 hp. I would guess there's about 200hp and of course lots of torque, as it only takes a blip of throttle to get the boost on, and you don't even really notice it as a turbo unless you check the boost gauge. And there's just a hint of turbo whine, almost not noticeable. Its a smooth, linear surging torque. Not Corvette style torque (brutish and uncontrolled) but just a liquid smooth flow of power from the low to midranges all the way to the top. As far as turbos I have driven my bosses A4 (maybe a 2000 or so) and this Saab is all over that Audi in every way. Average folk would maybe think its a v6 its so smooth and flexible. I recall thinking its powerband was very elastic like a rubber band. I thought the Linear had plenty for most folks by far but yet I would love to try the Vector.
Trunk's kinda small. So is the rear seat, but who cares.
Well, suffice to say I really like the car. Not having driven a 3 series I cannot say how it compares, and maybe its shy of that. Same with the newest A4. But this 9/3 I found to be a car I could rock and roll with. I like the lighter weight front end with the no lag turbo (I mean NO lag) and just about perfect size. this may just be the right combination.
Not sure how a TSX stacks up but that car has no flavor compared to this thing. Would maybe be interesting to compare the CTS and 9/3 also but I'd bet I'd prefer the leanness of the Saab.
People who buy the high end v6 Passats ought to do themselves a favor and check out the Saab as well.
"I am sorry that you are having these problems. The 9-3 is a well made car, but unfortunately we are seeing a few new model production bugs. I deeply apologize for the inconveniences these are causing you."
I've seen questions about adding XM radio and was told by the Service Mgr. about someone who had significant problems with thier 9-3 after doing just that. His exact words were "It was an absolute mess"...
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Thanks,
Marty
I am looking for a 9-3 with either the drivers package or the touring package. 15k/yr for 36 months with only first month upfront.
A month ago I was quoted $395, today I was quoted $418 and $470. I don't understand the spread and fear that with Saab out of the leasing business (surprised there hasn't been any discussion on that) lease pricing will go through the roof. They have been talking about balloon payments but most dealers readily admit that it will make the cost of ownership more expensive.
Does anyone know what this means for those of us looking to lease in the next few days?
The orange colored block for the defrost on the ACC is the same way on my Arc. Not a big deal for me
http://members.cardomain.com/jet93
I test drove a Linear and loved it, and put down a deposit. Changed my mind a few days later, and ordered the Arc without driving it first (I liked all the extras you got, in addition to the bigger turbo).
Now that I have driven both, the 210Hp engine takes the great feel of the Linear and goes a step further. I'm trying to take it easy the first few hundred miles, but I was passing some one last night and wanted to see what she had - I floored it for the first time and the thing just took off. Amazing. I had an 86 Vette and this had a similar feel to me up in that 60 to 90 MPH range. And the power is smooth all the way through - not at all peaky as you might expect with a turbo 4
a98gibson
http://www.imakenews.com/autospies/e_article000147578.cfm
I would suggest a dealer does this, using Tech 2.
In Diagnostic Mode:
Diag>2003>9-3 Sport
Body>Exterior Lighting and Horn
Low beam adjustments.
F0. Auto Low Beam also in Pos 0.
Change setting to NO
6 seconds later,lights flicker and go out. Exit.
Then:
Go to:
Fog Lights Front.
Change to Position 1 & 2 ROW (Rest of World) Program and Exit.
This will give you:
Pos 0 > No Lights
Pos1 > Fogs and 5 Watt Headlamp / Parking Light
Pos3 > Low Beam, High Beam, Manual Control of Fogs.
Hope this helps.
My ARC is the best GM I have ever owned. As the auto industry continues to consolidate, the auto maker's life cycle to bring new cars to market will continue to become shorter and shorter (ala platform sharing, fewer suppliers, higher standards). IMO, brand loyalty will soon become a thing of the past.
Happy motoring.
Parts are now readily available across the country (USA) for this car (most are interchangible with the CTS), handling as improved greatly, manu-matic transmissions are now available, problems with the manuals appear to have been fixed (since the last generation), reliability on components (DI cassette) are up, etc...
You give up some and get some back. GM of Europe, I believe, is doing a good job with their Saab counterparts to turn Saab around. Sales were just not at a high enough level to survive against the likes of BMW, Audi and MB. Are there some things I would like to change on the current vehicle, sure there are. That's why I write Saab letters and get involved in car clinics. Not to mention, Saab corporate does monitor this website along with Saabnet to get ideas. Do you have any ideas on what would make the current Saab a better car?
As for jumping to Volvo, have you driven one lately??? I have and i'm not impressed at all. Would rather acquire a 1999 or 2000 S70 rather than one of the S60's. Steering preciseness has dropped dramatically since the late '90s. It's almost like Volvo is curtailing its cars to our Grandparents (drives like a Crown Victoria). Don't even get me started on their reliablitiy. I'll stack ANY Saab against a Volvo. Saab wins hands down last generation and the current!
However, it's not like Saab has been doing particularly well in its traditional focus. Is it better to have Saab continue with the "old way" and eventually disappear, or come forward into more modern times in the global automotive market (even at the price of losing some of its "soul")?
I don't think the GM influence is as pronounced as some fears would have it. GM has been improving, and companies like Subaru still make vehicles that are distinctly Subaru.
http://europe.autonews.com/files/saab931001.pdf
Not your father's Oldsmobile...
I'm in this boat too. Never gave Saab much thought (admittedly though, they were probably out of my price range in the past). When I started looking at the 9-3, I was like, WOW. Now that I have replaced my 98 Old Intrigue (not a bad car) with a 9-3 Arc, I can honestly say that the 2 cars aren't even in the same league - and the Intrigue was one of GM's more refined models. I don't see GM when I'm in my car, I see Saab.
I'm just happy I got all those incentives.