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Comments
1. Can someone please explain the purpose of the right side of center area between seats. It is nice that emergency/handbrake is disguised as part of this on left side. But the other side, the right side, has this flimsy piece of plastic that broke off into my hand yet again. I also notice a slit on the top. What is this for?
2. I could swear I saw a car on showroom floor today with leather seats and cloth inserts in door and center armrest. Was I dreaming this or is this common set-up?
3. I realize it is a nice plastic, but did anyone else feel their was a heck of a lot of plastic for a luxury car in there? I mean no Wood, metal, faux carbon fiber or anything?
2/3. The cloth inserts in the doors can be found on the Linear. The Arc and Vector models get the upgraded leather inserts in the doors (which in my opinion look nicer). On the Arc models, there is wood accents along the doors and on the center area. There is also the option to get a wood insert for the stick knob. The Vector comes with (brushed?) metal inserts along the doors, the steering wheel, and in the center area. The only 9-3 model lacking these amenities, and where black plastic takes its place is the Linear. Saab Catalog does have the metal inserts found in the Vector as accessories that can be added to either the Linear or Arc.
I could be wrong, however, I don't think that the Linear has the leather inserts as an option. It's funny that you don't have wood (Arc) or metal (Vector) in your car but you do have the leather inserts. Maybe I missed something?
Not sure why it would “break off in your hand” unless you are grabbing at it. It’s there to 1) balance out the center by matching the look of the brake and 2) offer more utility by having several accessories fit in there (ice scraper, CD holder, extra cupholder). I removed it once to look at it and it hasn’t been an issue since
>>I could swear I saw a car on showroom floor today with leather seats and cloth inserts in door and center armrest. Was I dreaming this or is this common set-up?<<
From reading about this on another forum, I believe that earlier production Linears had the center cloth armrest, but have since made them leather. I believe the door inserts are still cloth. I have an Arc, so I can’t say for sure (mine are both leather)
>>I realize it is a nice plastic, but did anyone else feel their was a heck of a lot of plastic for a luxury car in there? I mean no Wood, metal, faux carbon fiber or anything? <<
Well, that was one reason that I went up to the Arc. The real wood accents definitely lend to a more luxurious look, IMO.
Keep in mind that this is considered the “near luxury” category. While the base 9-3 may have no wood trim and cloth inserts, it does have leather seats standard. I could just as easily ask why the “luxury” brands like Mercedes or BMW would even offer cloth seats. Most cars in this class have some luxury items standard, and some not. The bottom line is that you can still get the car without all the items if you don’t want them (and save $$) or get the next model up or add an option package or 2 if you do want them.
If the Linear, or say, base 325 aren’t luxurious enough for you, just add a few thousand bucks and you can get pretty much all you would want in this price range.
If you had looked at an Arc, you wouldn’t have questions 2 & 3. Though you might still have a plastic handle in your hand.
It'd be nice if I could burn MP3s to (regular) audio CDs with the CD text included. Anyone know how to do this?
CD-Text
A music CD format in which up to 5,000 characters
of CD information (title, artist, song titles, etc.) is written into the CD's
table of contents. This information is displayed when the CD is played back
on CD-Text-enabled players.
Write CD Text
(available only if your CD-Recorder supports CD-Text):
Select this option if you want to include CD-Text information, such as CD title,
artist, and track titles on the CD. This information can then be displayed on
consumer electronic devices that support CD-Text information. This option is
only available when you write in Disc-at-Once mode and if your CD-Recorder supports
CD-Text information.
When you hit the record button make sure you can see options. Select Disc-at-Once.
At the top under Copy to Hard Drive First, the option Write CD-Text should now
be selectable. If your burner doesn't support CD-Text information, you will
be unable to use this feature. Make sure that the information on your MP3 files
is correct so that the correct artist and song name are displayed. I tried to
test it out, but apparently my burner doesn't support it :-/
Hope this is of some help.
Using Nero
After dragging and dropping audio tracks into your audio layout, click on the 'File' menu and then choose 'Compilation Info'. Choose the 'Audio-CD' tab, click on 'Write CD Text on CD', and [optionally] enter the title of the disc itself and the name of its artist (maximum 64 characters).
In addition to naming the disc itself, you can also name each invidual audio track in your compilation. Just double-click on each of the audio tracks in your layout and type the title and artist information into the appropriate boxes.
VERY IMPORTANT: CD-Text information can only be written by using the disc-at-once writing method. In order to turn this on, click on the 'File' menu and then choose 'Compilation Info'. Click on the 'Burn' tab. Select 'Disc-at-Once' and also select 'Finalize CD'.
Wow I really did not mean to go off like that, so sorry.
I do have some questions regarding the 9-3. How is it to driving in snow, and I do not mean a light dusting. Anything from 3 to 6 inches. Do you get alot of ice build up when it snows.
Somebody had mentioned that the trunck is small. Is it possible to get more then 1 golf bag inside.
To anybody that responds I would like to thank you in advance.
Small? Maybe compared to a LeSabre, but it's actually very big for this class, 14.8 cu ft. For comparison:
Infiniti G35: 15 cu ft.
Volvo S60: 13.9 cu. ft.
Audi A4: 13.4 cu.ft.
MB C class: 12.2 cu.ft.
BMW 3 Series: 10.7 cu.ft.
Lexus IS300: 10.1 cu. ft.
I haven't tried it, but it seems like 2 golf bags would fit no problem. Maybe 3
Haven't drivin it in snow yet, but I'm not worried, being FWD with traction & stability control. And the fact that it's made in country with plenty of snow
The trunk is actually pretty large. I would guess you could fit 3 to 4 bags in the trunk. I only carry mine but it is pretty large (double strap with telescoping stand). The only trick you would probably have to take your woods out of the 3 inner most bags. The very rear of the trunk has an indentation for a panel the accesses the right rear taillight. This allows my bag to fit with all clubs in place. If you fold the seats done you could carry all sorts of stuff. I haul radio controlled airplanes and they have wingspans over 6ft. I work for a company that gets GM S plan. This is one of the reasons I got my ARC. The Arcs and Vectors haven't been out long enough to see snow yet so I can't help you there. Plenty of the linears have see the snow. I did go with the Arc because I didn't think the Vector wheels would deal well with snow and I didn't want two sets of wheels.
Good Luck
I live on a big hill and I have a rear drive Mercedes now. It goes up the hill, a little spinning but it goes fine. Neighbors amazed. Good tracton control Plus good tire make a big difference
#1658 of 1658 re : rgb2 by kopfschuh May 21,
QUOTE
2003 (3:28 pm)
I paid $30,500 for my vector with metallic paint, sunroof and heated seats (before tax etc, but including delivery). I had a saab loyalty discount ($500) and of course the $3500 incentive. How does this deal sound to you guys? Thanks.
Sound great. Is that with every option available too you. Like traction control, touring package and the works. ???
I'm in the Bay Area and I haven't been able to get a dealer to budge on MSRP for the Vector.
Thanks.
The local dealer treats me very well. I drove a 2003 9-3 convertible while they updated my car, then got mine back with a fresh hand wash and a complimentary full tank of gas.
a98gibson
How do you like the Vector? I have test driven one briefly and loved it, but every salesmen has tried to steer me away telling me the ride is too rough and the tires make a lot of road noise at high speeds, your thoughts on this?
Also, I haven't read anything about production of 2004 models already, where did you get this info.
And finally, any major upgrades on 2004 models that i should wait for?
Thanks again.
As for the rode noise, I think the car is pretty quiet. The only complaint is when the roof is open, the wind noise is sometimes a bit excessive.
(Smart time to introduce a convertible, heh?)
(Smart time to introduce a convertible, heh?) <<
Actually, I think it is. You know you can sell them in the spring & summer. How do you sell them in the fall? Introduce a brand new model that has people drooling
But it is not deducted from you USA. warranty. The USA warranty does not start until you pick up the car in the USA. are in your case Canada.
I'd use that as a bargaining tool.
Good Luck.
Can anyone offer some advice on haggling down the price.
Greatly Appreciated.
I would find another dealer
Bay Area person, check with a dealer in another Cali town. San Fran dealers are KNOWN for being stingy on price (even the old 9-3's), but they have good service. See if a dealer in LA or Portland would be willing to budge. If not, drop me a line and i'll get you connected up with my local dealer. Buy through them and they'll ship to ya!
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2. Supplier Program Price = Dealer Invoice amount less Supplemental Advertising (if applicable). Amount is equal to "dealer invoice"
The supplier program is the dealer invoice price. I have a listing of the current prices from Saab posted at http://mywebpages.comcast.net/tgp1810/saabprices . You will have to right click and choose save as and open in Microsoft Word. It does not include the recient price increases.
MSRP was $34,660. Invoice was $32,468. My price was $30,100. The GM "manufacturer to dealer" cash incentive of $3,000 on the Arc made this deal a reality.
Most painless car buying experience in recent memory. Dealership staff very easy going, no high pressure, no BS, motivated to sell. I had all the info I needed from Edmunds, KBB, etc. and I dealt with the sales manager.
Used the Saab web site to email the dealership. Told them exactly what options I wanted and color preferences. Said I was pre-approved by my credit union (3.25 APR for 60 mos) and mentioned I was ready to buy. Message included my purchase offer of $30,600.
Saab sales manager called the next day mentioned they've been selling Arcs and Vectors at MSRP. Although he didn't have my color in stock he found one at port in Georgia, and offered it for $31,405. I countered with $31,000 and they accepted over the phone.
I drove to dealer the next day to meet sales mgr and he showed me two Arcs that had just come off the truck. One was silver, the other black. While discussing the time required to get my color in from port, he offered the black Arc in-stock for $30,100 and I was sold.
Linear $2500
Arc $3000
Vector $3500
To the best of my knowledge, you are able to only choose the 0% financing or the cash rebate.
I have a Vector, 6spd with everything but touring. I got it for 29,500 using cashback.
You'll love driving the 6spd. Good luck.
Guess I'll have to take extra care with it, but that's OK. I haven't had a car that needed extra attention for a long time. By the way, everyone I talk to says "A black car, you'll have to keep it washed all the time!" Perhaps, but you know it just looks good in jet black. Besides, my wife insisted I get a color different from her silver Honda CR-V.
I noticed you're in Illinois; we're moving to Southern Illinois next month. Any experience with a local dealer service department?
Take care.
BTW, love my 9-3 Arc. About 1200 miles, babied so far. Interesting that the only engine break in called for is keep it below 5000 rpm for first 1500 mi. Not *too* hard to do if you don't really goose it.