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Comments
Do you plan to make mods? Remember the difference between Trionic 5 and 7 engine management... Have you posted on Saabnet.com yet?
What interested me the most in the catalog was a picture of the interior of a Euro spec 9-3. The picture had a nice disclaimer that stated that the color nav screen was only available on the Euro version. However, in the same picture you could also see the controls for the side view mirror and, instead of just having the button that tilts the mirror down when you reverse, there was another button next to it with an icon that looks like it folds the mirrors in. Does anyone know if there is a way to get that installed on a North American 9-3? I have to pass through a very narrow driveway to park at work and I now have to stop, lower both front windows and then manually fold in both mirrors. I am not looking forward to doing this in the rain.
RSDR, I'm either getting used to the way the 9-3 shifts gears or maybe the car is adapting to my driving style. I no longer notice the untimely shifts.
If I compare it to the last few vehicles I owned (a suburban and an accord ) the 9-3 seems to as reliable as the Honda, and way more reliable than the Suburban. It's also alot more fun to drive.
Sadly, my wife is considering selling it. She has decided she wants a Honda Pilot. This leads to my only complaint about the 9-3. It depreciates quickly!
http://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/0306.htm
(2) Was just at Saab web site, why is Cosmic Blue no longer a color?
It took me a bit longer to get the vehicle than I would have liked thanks to the dealer "accidently" dealer trading the car to another dealer and then having to locate one and get it trucked in. Oh well, just another car dealer story to tell.
Anyway, the dealer offered me some cash towards some Saab accessories to make up for the oops. Has anyone added either the single or dual sport exhaust to their 9-3? I was looking primarily at the single, but haven't seen a price on it yet or heard any feedback on it, all opinions are appreciated. Also, the locking wheel nuts, $83 from the dealer sounds steep to me, anyone picked up some nice ones elsewhere for cheaper?
I know its been said here a hundred times but thanks for all the great info on this board, it was one of the main reasons I went with the Arc.
Thanks,
JD
jaydoll, very good price. I have a Vector equipped the same way, but sacrificed an extra 2k discount b/c I needed to lease for tax purposes. Still, I think you managed to shave a bit more off than just the additional 2,000. The car you got is worth much more than you paid...
I still love my car. Tremendously fun to drive and getting better every day...except...I am having two issues. One very minor, the other less so. Or maybe I'm insane. Did have the door buzzing, which the dealer fixed no problem. But I also have a strange sound coming from under the gearbox. Best way to describe it is a pling sound. Emptied all the change, switched out my keychain etc to be sure - and it's still there. It's random, too - i.e. it doesn't hapen in relation to going over bumps or anything like that. The dealer of course could not hear it, tho next time I suppose I'll go for a spin with them. Any thoughts? I wondered if it could be a spring...I figure if it was electrical, the car would tell me.
Here's the second issue. Maybe it's my imagination, but the shifting seems to feel a lot rougher than it did a month ago. When I had my 30 day check-up I mentioned this. They tightened a widget and said the car is "shifting to specs." But I swear the gears were smooth as silk upon delivery, and are now quite different. Has anyone else experienced anything like this? Does anyone have any idea what it might be?
Thanks much.
I will take delivery of my car on Friday or Saterday. I am coming from a Audi A4 3.0 6 speed which was the smoothest shifting car I have ever driven. I have test driven a lot of cars including many BMWs. Here are my comaprison thoughts- Audi 6 speed definitely [non-permissible content removed] smoother, no notchiness at all. The Saab has a slight amount of notchiness going into 2nd but it wasn't enough to bother me (based on brief test drive). Both seem to have long throw.
I have never heard of a shifter getting stiffer as it ages unless the alignment gets messed up. If it gets any worse, I would take it back to the dealer and demand that they fix it. The pling noise and the harder shifts are probably related. Where did you get the car from?
How many miles do you have on it? What do you make of this oil change schedule or lack of? Last but not least, I am in the N.E. If we get a winter that is anything like last winter, with the Pirelli 17" tires you are going no where. I am considering swapping to a Continental Conti extreme contact which is a M+S rated performance tire to gain a comfort level if I am out and about in the car and it starts to snow. What are your impressions of the Pirelli tires on wet pavement, dry pavement and noise?
Regards,
JD
It's notchy going into 3rd as well - but definitely 2nd and 3rd are the gears that feel odd. My wife also felt it was different than when we picked it up, and maybe you're right - it could be related to the spring sound under the gearbox. I got my car in Boulder - tho a resident of Denver - and the service at the dealer is excellent, so this is more of an annoyance than a real concern. After all, the cars are totally covered. (As an aside, the purchase was a breeze. I researched online, called them with what I wanted to pay, and they actually beat it - all over the phone! I tried a dealer in Denver, where they said something to the effect of "I can't even get that deal. Those numbers are impossible." No sale for them.)
As for the tires, I drove two Colorado winters (coming from the Westc coast) in a 94 900 SE with low profile tires, and never had a problem with traction. What CAN be an issue is clearance - with the ground effects the Vector sits really low to the ground. I'm curious to know what you have priced those winter tires at, though. And after I take the car over the Pass in a few weeks (with some snow likely) I may be ready to immediately get snow tires!
I too have a pling sound. As best as I can tell it seems to be coming maybe from under the front passenger seat. It kind of sounds like a spring type noise. Only happens every now and then. Dealer was not able to find it. But as soon as I drove off it happened again.
I noticed that your dealer was able to fix the door rattling. How did they do it. I have been to two dealers and they have no idea how to fix it. Thanks.
I got it into my Saab dealer today and they've already given me a call. They say they checked with the Saab tech center and they believe it is a programming glitch. They have hooked it up to get a download from Saab.
Have others who have experienced the stalling had the same fix? I just want to make sure this does fix it. It's scary enough for it to happen at 35 mph. I sure don't want to experience it at 70 mph.
The car is still amazing, though. On my way to work every now and then I find myself wishing for an autobahn so I can really put it through its paces.
And yes, the police in Vail DO drive Saabs (at least they did 14 years ago) but I'm sure they use snow tires. I think the reason is because they need the turbo for the high elevations. Base altitude at Vail is around 8000 feet above sea level if I recall correctly.
I did notice that the shift is a bit notchier than my Audi A4 6 speed. But it wasn't enough for me to really object to it. Really bad notchy feeling may mean that something is binding up. Don't wait if it's that bad, get it looked at. Regarding tires, I am not so much looking for a true snow tire as one that will get me home from work if it starts snowing. The problem with the Pirellis is tht you will have no stoping power. Based on where you live, I would call Jim at tire rack (I think he is at ext 346) and he can set you up with 16" rims with snows for approx $500-$600. I am really interested in the Continental Extreme Contact which is a M+S rated performance tire so it should be really good on wet pavement and also get me home in light to moderate snow. If it's really snowing heavy and i have to go out, I will take the Tahoe.
Hee is the links to the reviews on the Continental at Tirerack.com
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Continental&- tireModel=ContiExtremeContac
JD
Be proactive
JD
My DOOR BUZZING was fixed with what the service guy called "dumb-dumb" tape. This has been a common problem, and every dealer should be aware of it - tho even mine pleaded ignorance until I asked (we were on the phone) "Are you online?" I had him go to Google, type in '9-3 door buzzing' and plenty of related links popped up. There are even some fixes posted, but I can barely change a tire, let alone pop off the doors. I think the problem has to do with space between the bar that houses the locks and the windows. Anyway, tyhe service guys knew what it was immediately. They had it overnight, and it hasn't buzzed since.
Jaydoll, you're right about the tires. As for the post about elevation and turbo - that's true, the turbo helps, but the FWD is the main thing for them. And yeah, obviously they use snow tires. Significant snowfall in Denver actually isn't that common anymore - a winter day is often in the 50s or warmer. But still, when it snows it really comes down, and since we're all from Texas and California here, no one knows how to drive! I'll follow up on your tip.
Someone posted about the PASSENGER SEATBELT light. The seat is weight-sensitive, so make sure it's clear of any bags, etc. I had it come on once before I moved my laptop to the floor. I've read other problems - even in reviews - about electronic difficulties - ie "Theft Deterrent System Failure" etc. (I myself 6-7 times could not start my car at first - until I realized I was putting in the key and turning it instantly - which won't work with this system. Because the key is coded, the computer needs a second to register everything and unlock the wheel. No problems at all now.) Anyway, the dealer can fix this easily, and Jaydoll is right - take the loaner and don't take no for an answer.
The pling is less frequent than it was before. I'm thinking it's a spring, as well. As for my notchy gears, I swung into the dealership and got into a couple 04's right off the trailer. Checked the gears - and they felt the same as my car. A friend who owns a Porsche and is much more car savvy than I am said sometimes new cars will "settle" into where the gears should be. I didn't really understand a word he said, but basically his point was the gears may have felt different at the beginning, but the likelihood was that it wasn't quite right to start with, and now is. Since I picked my car up with 4 miles on it, this could be the case... Anyway, I drove the hell out of it for a couple days and it feels great. And the handling, etc. is just superb. It's a blast on the freeway.
I really love Saabs - I love that there still aren't too many of them, I love the design, the handling, the safety, etc. And this new Saab is light years away from our 01 9-5 and my old 900SE, while still retaining the quirks and uniqueness. The thing about Saab (and especially GM) is that they are on a full tilt mission to boost sales and make the car ubiquitous. The service should be excellent all around, and the cars are totally covered, so don't wait with issues. Call the dealer, and they will fix it. The incentives on these cars are in place to gain marketshare, and the dealers are there simply to see this takes place.
I thought you have a 03 9-3. Isn't it a bit early to be thinking extended warranty? Alot can happen in 4 years.
Vector6,
I just got the 9-3V today. Here are my 1st 70 mile inpressions:
Not as much torque as my A4
Seems to shift fine without a lot of clunking. Maybe just a bit going into first.
What's with the 2 degree temp increments on the climate control? I hope I can change that.
Noise- more cabin noise than the A4 but shocked to report that the Pirelli P zero tires are less noisey than the Michlen Pioletrs on my A4.
Asthtics- Car looks great in the sterling grey.
Overall more room in driver area than the A4.
So far it seems to fun to drive, looks great and goes good.
Im now lokking into the Pirelli P zero nero with it's M+S rating as an alternative to a snow tire/rim change over.
Stay tuned.
1) when letting go of the accelerator on a hill (while going less than 10 m/h), instead of stopping the car jerks forward 2 or 3 times and sometimes stalls. (could this be a computer problem). More generally, the car is a little jerky when tapping on the accelerator in stop and go traffic.
2) when starting the engine after car has been sitting for a while the exhaust makes a very loud noise (like that of a bad muffler). The noise goes away after car has been driven for a few seconds.
3) the side of front leather seat has a small sharp object protruding-it has not broken through the leather but I am afraid it might. Clearly this is shoddy workmanship but is there any realistic way to get the dealer to fix the problem short of having the seat replaced (which I doubt he will be willing to do)?
2)Good to know someone else too heard this noise from exhaust, the initial sound is certainly not healthy but I have been noticing it for a while and surely enough noise goes away after half a minute, that part is consistent and looks like since you too have it, it might be normal anyway you could ask your dealer about this when you go for your first month inspection and pass on what you unveil.
Noisey driver side door window. Also, when I kill the obnoxious radio display, I loose all gauge functions including speedo, tach, temp and boost. Is there something I am missing? LAst but not least, sound system just flat out sucks
Are oil changes included?
thanks.
It's only for 3 years, 36k, not the full length of the warranty. Seems oriented toward leasers in that sense, minimizing out-of-pocket costs during a three year lease.
Yes, the "free maintenance" was oriented toward those that lease. Not to reduce out of pocket costs for the consumer, but for GM. Most of these cars come back driven VERY hard and GM is ensuring the "basic" maintenance is done to the vehicle. I am currently in a SmartBuy, BUT I do have my oil changes done more often than what is covered under the "free maintenance".
As for the maintenance being "free", it was added to the 9-3 some three years ago and the price of the car was adjusted appropriately ($900 more). It isn't free....
Volvo has begun adding included maintenance as well, with an obligatory price increase.
I actually prefer that it's built into the price (even in limited form). There are a lot of expensive dealers that try to gouge the service costs. The Acuras I've owned have wildly different service costs depending on the dealership you go to and the state you're in.
Any idea of how accurately the Saab computer sets the service interval to? On some vehicles, it's not based on analysis of the oil but analysis of recorded driving conditions, against the expected correlation to oil conditons. I think on some vehicles (e.g. MB's), it's based on both driving conditions and a sensor that actually analyzes the oil (through a lighted optical reader that "sees" through the oil).
Is the scheduled maintenance for every Saab? My parents are going to lease a 9-5 wagon and are having some trouble with the dealer getting the car. As a result the dealer said they would throw in oil changes in addtion to the maintenance. I thought it was all the same.
Also are rebates applicable to a lease? Is Saab still offering rebates?
Thanks.
I posted last time that the dealer had fixed all the dorr noise problems and fixed OnStar, well both problems are back.
2 weeks ago I locked my keys in the car and called Onstar for help. They told me they could connect to the car but they couldn't unlock the doors, some problem with the OnStar system.. take it to the dealer they said.
Also after going on a long road trip (Northern MI) the passenger side door speaker area still rattles and the panel where the seat belt comes out (right over the drivers shoulder) still buzzes with bass.
I bought a nice car for a pretty penny, I am very seriously considering returning the car under lemon laws if the OnStar system fails again or the door rattle isn't fixed. I can't keep taking mornings off to go to the dealer!
Regards,
Mumbhai
1) Saying they'll throw in 5k oil changes, beyond the >10k computer-scheduled ones. In which case I'd get it in writing.
2) They're being deceitful. In which case I'd go to a more reputable dealer.
I don't know the current state of rebates, but some do not apply to the discounted leases.
Have others here gotten the OnStar remote unlocking to work okay? I guess I should "pretend" to have a lock-out to test it and make sure it works?
I am just irritated at the dealers chronic inablity to find these "noise" problems that I report. I usually don't have time to wait there in the morning till he has time to go on a drive with me so he usually blows the problem off as couldn't find it.
Cheers,
BC
As for oil changes, I am not sure. There are those folks on these boards that say "Change your oil every 3,000 mi. or else..." and then there are those that say "Do what ever the car's computer says. It's backed my the manufacturer". I have an '01 and change the oil every 5,000 miles no matter what. Even though it is a SmartBuy, I want a clear conscience in knowing who ever buys this car will get one with a well taken care of engine and body.
mjwills: Yes, Scheduled Maintenance has been included with the 9-5 since the 2000 model year (added Mar. 2000). wmquan makes a good point, get details in what the advisor means and GET IT IN WRITING. It's great when that service advisor develops amnesia when you bring your car in for $500 service cycle... Saab is still offering some rebates. Go to GMFamilyFirst.com and it should have a listing of discounts by region. I also believe there is still an owner loyalty discount.
mumbhi: You have a right to be frustrated. Sad to say, you aren't the only one. On the bright side, some folks on other Saab boards have found fixes for the annoying sqeaks in the doors and rattle sound from the rear fenders, rear stop lamp and a few others. Norcross is purportedly looking into these.
hightide199: Is this the 30 day checkup? If so, yes they should be able to help you with a majority of the issues. Are you having issues with squealing brakes? If so, there is a TSB out for it. Lastly, make sure that ALL of the software upgrades have been done (stall issue, stereo and OnStar).
Drivers side door buzz by the door lock is driving me crazy.
Sun roof- open it while moving and risk hearing loss.
Night panel light kill- Great idea except why kill all guage functions except speedo?
I want my trade-in back
2.)At least in the manual they should specify when the oil should be changed, and if they say go by the computer should it not be okay, yes of course if the computer or oil purity etc sensor is not working right then we have a problem otherwise it should be doing what it should be. The manual specifically mentions things like no over revving for first 3000 miles etc, not to start the car immediately after ignition,do not shut of the ignition immediately after a stopping etc etc, why would they not mention about the oil change. Like in my VW they had specified 5000 miles oil change.
As I've posted before, the door buzz is an easy, overnight fix. If your dealer is cagey, call around or push them to check themselves. It's a documented and even expected problem - like a Jaguar not starting when there's 5% humidity or Pontiacs having a shelf-life of 6 months before all that plastic trim looks tacky. Can't speak for the door handles, but again - push. They'll fix it, because like I've said, they need this badge to grow. And growth will come of a groundswell of happy owners.
Jaydoll, sorry to hear your problems. Hang in there. I think you were lucky with your Audi - I looked at them, and between what I thought was kinda bland styling and the constant complaints of Audi owners/friends, steered clear. Nonetheless, get your issues addressed and you'll be much happier. I have about 1,500 miles now and cannot wait for a roadtrip out west. The car gets better and better...
There are always issues with new models. See Taureg. See the FX35 (the hatch WARPS and won't close when exposed to...get this...sunlight!). For electronics, see the BMW I Drive or whatever the heck that disaster is called. See...the Pinto.
What you're all driving was recently labelled "The safest sedan being built today." It's a beautiful, fast car, and has some ingenious touches. It is not, sadly, completely perfect. But nothing out there is. And while this car is not cheap, I'd say for the performance and luxury it is a much better bargain than the competitors, and much cheaper to run (Mine now averages almost 28 miles to the gallon). On the negative side put the problems if you like, but talk to friends first. I know Volvo, Infiniti, and BMW owners with new cars that are always in the shop for truly severe faults. (A note: BMW introduced complete maintanence because of horrific problems with quality control. Free new clutches was not them "giving back to the buyer" - it was a desperately needed fix).
Whew. Also, I think it says in the manual that ONSTAR CANNOT unlock the 9-3. Same is true of my 9-5. Something to do with theft deterence, maybe?
Oh - and OIL CHANGES. Your on board computer determines when you need to change the oil based on factors such as temperature, driving conditions, etc. Don't change the oil before the computer says so - you're just wasting your money. You could wait for the 10k check-ups, but likely your auto will flag you every 5k or so. Those oil changes are not free, but should be about 40 bucks at the dealer, cheaper if you go elsewhere. By contrast, I looked at Land Rover. Sheduled maintanence was between 350 - 500 dollars a YEAR. However, they would fill the tank for free...!
PS I am not a dealer nor even a shareholder. Just love the car and the brand and hate to see it denigrated so.