Saab 9-3 Sedan

madmax252

Sorry to hear about all the problems you've had. From personal experince and from what I've read on various Saab forums, I've learned one important thing: never buy a car in its first model year. It's good that you leased yours. You said you've had your car since 2002, so I'm assuming its a MY 2003? I've had my '05 Arc for a little over a month and things are going great (knock on wood).

 

With your experiences, I can see how you could be turned off to the brand. But then again, problems can occur with any brand and I really believe (hope) that they've cleared up a lot of the issues for the new models...so maybe theres a small chance you could give them another chance? Good luck!

madmax252

I think thats just how the car is. My service manager told me it would be best to take off the TCS/ESP when trying to get through heavy snow in my subdivision, and then turn it back on once you get onto a major road with less snow.

manthony

Even though I followed this board for quite some time before deciding to purchase an Acura TL, I still come back from time to time to see what folks have to say about their 9-3's. I'm a little surprised at how few postings there are and, in some cases, several weeks will go by without a peep from anybody. Why is that? Are there just fewer 9-3 owners out there, or is it more a case of that "state of independence" in which Saab owners reside?

hbc75

I have had my car in for tire rotations, and have had them "re program" the key remote. Not one, but both of them will work on and off. Then you have to remove the key from inside, and when you open the door, the alarm sounds. This is embarrassing, any know how to get by the alarm if the remote won't work? This will be the 3rd time they have re programmed them for me, and each time, they fail to work. Could the cold weather have something to do with it? I read that you shouldn't try it from far distances, but I haven't since I read that, and it's still failing. Any suggestions? Anyone had this issue also?

Thanks in advance!

rocharc

I have had one of my remotes stop working (out of 4) and I thought it was the battery. Dealer reprogrammed it and it is fine. This was about a month ago. No other remote problems since then.

 

I have a 2003 Arc. And for the record I got the dealer to program the "comfort close" feature which in my previous 2003 Arc they would not do, there is a new service writer at the dealership which may have helped.

 

This car seems to run really well. My only gripe is I HATE the automatic wipers. I can never get them to go at the right speed, either too slow or too fast. I would not recommend them to any future buyers if they can be avoided.

 

Look back about a year to see my previous posts on my first 2003 9-3 Arc, lots of problems before Saab bought it back.

jstraniero

exact same thing
i live on cleveland, oh
i also had some low speed groaning in the front suspension, saab replaced some bearings in the upper front suspension.
say it happened due to salt damage

hbc75

Does anyone have an easy product to use to clean the break dust. Mine is caked on since the NH winter has been rough, and I can't seem to get it clean by scrubbing with the towels at the car wash. Is there a product I can spray on and wash off, that is safe for the alloy? TIA!

mrblonde49

I use Meguiars Hot Rims wheel cleaner. I barely have to touch the wheels - wet the wheels, spray it on, wait 2 minutes, and spray off, only used the brush a little bit for a few spots, and they were completely clean.

They sell a 3 pack of it at BJ's Wholesale for 10 bucks.

Now here's the catch - it's tough to do quickly (or even at all) in the winter, because I don't really have access to a hose (I turn the outside water off so the pipes don't crack)

niikii

I bought a new 9-3 arc three weeks ago. I'm a first time saab owner.

So far, I love the car. Turbo is great! (2nd and 3rd gears are work of art!) The 4 wheel steering handling is awesome. I don't understand why this car doesn't sell more...

maximon

Terrible car, forced to sell mine (2003 Linear) after only 18 months of ownership. Out of service, more often then in service. Buyers beware, unless you like visiting your dealership every other week.

betatester

I agree with maximon that the 2003 cars are bad. I would like to believe that the 05s have improved, but I don't know. Consumer Reports rates the 03 and 04 models as much worse than average with their projection that the 05s will have the same poor performance. My 9-3 has been in the shop over 30 days in less than two years for non-routine repairs. I've had 5 new cars and this is by far the worst experience I've had reliability wise.

hungshy

I brought my saab 9-3 on 11-15-2002. and i check its birthday actually was September that year. I actually find almost no problems at all. only very minor for the first two months with rear door luck. Even dealer couldn't find out what's the problem. It heals itself. what's a amazing car. and it actually went to two accident. I wrote my post very easely ago. So I did experience how its break works. I guess you will never hit that break so hard if don't go through the face to face accident. But it did save me because i could easily turn it over and made the damage less as possible. I almost shocked because the big strong hit I felt. But I felt shocked again after I come out the car and see there were only minor damage on driver side of bumper. No damage at head light, not washer. and it's other drivers fault so the fixed fee $1800 cost me nothing. Second time was hit on wolf. It hits by saab passenger side's bumper and turn over to the door. cost the door dan. cost $2500 for bumper, again. and new door. and now still running very smooth as much as it can. I always know that if these two accident not the saab. I can't write this message easily.
By the way, every time go to dealer, they did upgrade through computer and I see more feathers and feel my car run better after that.

go8

I hope all these problems are just 1-off issues and not indicative of the 9-3. Just in case, I decided to lease instead of buy. If it turns out to be a headache, I give it right back to Saab and get a new car. We'll see how it goes.

Go8

mrblonde49

Most issues were new car bugs that every manufacturer goes thru, and have been ironed out. Your 05 should not have most of these issues. My Arc was one of the first shipped to my dealer, and I had some initial problems, none of which left the car undriveable, but were all resolved and the car has been largely trouble free for the last 18 months. Plus, having the loaner car makes any service trip a non issue for me (it’s a half mile down the road off the highway I travel on my way to work).

jbaer

Just curious are the 9-3 linear windshield wipers speed sensitive or just manually intermittent? I think they are just manually intermittent but that is suprising given the level of overall sophistication of this car. Thanks in advance.

go8

I put the 1st 45 miles on the new 9-3 today! Fun car to drive. The pick-up was better than expected and the handling was nice. Went a little too fast at times. The kids liked the car. They were in awe of the cupholders. A good 1st day.

Go8

madmax252

Congrats on your new purchase/lease! I've had my Arc 3 months and the novelty hasn't worn off yet (and I don't anticipate it doing so for a very very long time). Enjoy your new rides!

go8

Thanks! Have you noticed any growing pains? How about any negative surprises or positive surprises? One positive I've noticed was the truck space. I didn't expect the trunk to be as big. Frankly, I didn't even look at it before I got the car.

Go8

wmquan

Trunk space on the 9-3 is a huge positive, literally. I've found that comparing the stated cubic feet volume of different brands, and even different models, can be deceiving.

I don't know if some manufacturers measure/state trunk space differently. Mercedes-Benz claims the S-class's trunk isn't much bigger than the E-class's, but when I look inside, it sure doesn't seem that way.

Some of the good trunk space has to do with the shape of the trunk. The 9-3's trunk has a lot of practical volume in it. We found out that we didn't need to break out the SUV for weekend day trips because of the 9-3's trunk. We could fit our huge Mountain Buggy Urban Double stroller into the trunk, with some room left over for carryables.

I've taken the 9-3 to Costco and been able to load 95% of an overloaded shopping cart into the trunk, with proper packing. And without folding down the rear seat (which would be a pain because we have two car seats there). The paper towels or toilet paper usually have to be tossed onto a seat, however. But that's really impressive for a sporty sedan.

go8

It might be stating the obvious, but you really notice how well the 9-3 handles after driving a suburban. I like the suburban a lot, but the 9-3 is a fun car to drive. My wife took it out for the 1st time today and liked the zip in the car. It will be a cage match on the weekends to choose who drives which car.

Go8

mrblonde49

Just curious are the 9-3 linear windshield wipers speed sensitive or just manually intermittent? I think they are just manually intermittent but that is suprising given the level of overall sophistication of this car. Thanks in advance. "




They have rain sensing wipers as an option, which I beleive were available on the 2003 Linear, but is only available on Arc & Vector the last 2 years. They come on and adjust automatically to the rain volume. I don't have them (2003 Arc)

mortymer

Hello listfolks,
I am joining this forum for a sad reason. Title says it all. I just had the car serviced at dealership, and next day while going down the road the engine gets destroyed. Upon opening the engine at dealership, the cause for this was one of the buterfly valves of an intake valve had broken in half, which was then sucked in and broke that valve, which then wreacked havoc in all other cylinders.
Since I had been complaining about loss of power to dealership, I somehow feel they did not diagnose problem adequately.
Can anyone shed some light on this ? Any other cases out there ? All opinions welcome.
Thank you,
Blake

madmax252

Positive suprises: one thing that suprised me is that the dash lights and the SID lights can change brightness depending on how much light is outside. I noticed that sometimes it automatically adjusted brightness when I would drive under shady spots, then readjust itself when driving in sunny areas. The trunk is great, it's huge. Well the only complaint I really have involves the stereo...as you may already know, it's not that great. It could be worse, but then again, it could be better. And that's really it (knock on wood). I really hope that the 2005's are more worry-free than the '03 and '04 models. So far, 2500 miles and things are going well, I really enjoy it. I hope things stay this way.

go8

Positive surprises are good. I'm at 150 miles and counting. Fortunely, I have a very short commute to work. Unfortunately, I don't get a chance to take a long ride in the 9-3. I'm assuming at 1,000 miles the novelty will wear off.

Go8

niikii

I've noticed a few people replying to my post..
I'm at almost 3000 miles and I truly, truly love it. My other car is Lexus RX330 (my wife drives this one). For my 9-3, I traded Audi A4, before RX330, I had BMW 325i.

I can truly say, this is the BEST car I've ever owned. Faster than bmw or audi, handles the best, most comfortable and the best looking exterior. This car is so fun to drive.

I don't even get in my boring Lexus, (btw, it's still a new car).

For all people with past negative experiences, and people reading them... Bad experiences multiply in how they feel... Other cars have their own troubles, no matter what make.. and even japanese cars.. Good maintanence always helps..

I talked to many Saab owners in REAL person.. more than 10.. Have yet to meet anyone not completely satisfied with Saab. Some with over 150k, some with 30k, and so on...

I just don't think that Saab has particularly any more troubles than other makes.. Probably few unlucky ones.. and especially the first 1-2 years of productions.. Other cars have troubles too.. yes, Nissans, Toyotas.. too.. They are all machines..

So, that's how I look at things.. Saab's got a great spirit.. go with it!!

snaab1

Turbodiesel? Sure this wasn't supposed to be in the VW boards?

I have a few random comments/questions as a leasee of 2003 9-3 Linear 5MT w/ launch w/ 27,000 miles.

On cold winter days, I generally do not lock the car because pushing the trunk button on the key fob causes the alarm to go off (even when set for door alarm only). The alarm also tends to go off very often for no apparent reason.

I've hit 120 mph. Initial reviews said top speed is 142mph. Anyone get close to that?

When not doing 120, the car averages slightly over 33 mpg on the highway. Overall mileage is between 26-27 mpg. Are others getting about the same? I just think this is tremendous fuel efficiency for a car with decent performance. 4 cylinder fuel economy with a turbo at the ready. Why are more people not drawn to this brand? It must be the poor marketing.

The car has only called for one oil change so far (around 12,000 miles). Is that about right with what others are experiencing?

I test drove a 9-2x aero some time ago and, while it was OK, I quickly realized how nice it is to have the 9-3's low-end torque available for everyday driving. Here's another reason why more people aren't enjoying this car. They look at the 175hp listed on the window sticker (for the linear) without noticing the 195 lb. ft. of torque available at 2500rpm.

My lease runs out in 10 months, and I'm considering getting another 9-3. I hear that Saab will allow an early lease termination of 3 months for those acquiring another Saab product. Is that correct?

Recent news stories indicate Saab will make the 250hp (258 lb. ft. of torque?) 2.8 litre V6 turbo available in the 2006 9-3! Is that NOT sweet, or what? Seriously considering getting one.

mrblonde49

I can get 33 MPG on pure highway trips. I average about 25, but I'm in a decent amount of traffic each day.

The turbo V6 is confirmed. It will be in all 9-3 Aeros in 2006 (Should be out September or so)

saablcp

As far as top speed is concerned,I've yet to let my 2 year old Vector run out full but the stability at triple digit speeds is absolutely awesome.As for the claimed top speed,in 1999 two factory stock SAAB 900-SE 5-speed coupes with the 2.0 liter 185 H.P. engine ran at Talledega
superspeedway in a high speed endurance test.Average speed for 25,000 miles (yes...TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND MILES)including pit-stops was 140.709 M.P.H..In light of that acheivement I don't think the 210 H.P.,2.0 liter engines should have a problem hitting the claimed 142 m.p.h.!!!!!

pawelek

When is a new V6 turbo coming? Are there any design upgrades planned for 2006 model year?

mrblonde49

The turbo V6 is the upgrade. The rest of the car will be largely unchanged. Coming in the fall.

madmax252

The new 9-3 Aeros will have the V6 2.8T. I'm not sure if the Linears and Arcs will have the V6 or if they will keep the 4-cylinder.

mrblonde49

They will keep the 4's. Arc will keep the 210HP 2.0T. I believe that the Linear will keep the 175HP 2.0t, but there are rumors it may get the 2.0T as well

bigdaddycoats

They should drop the 2.0t and give the Linear the 210hp 2.0T. This would equal or better the competition.

beamer12

Just picked up my 9-3 Arc. I traded in a BMW 328i as it was getting up there in miles, and expensive to maintain. I'm very impressed with the design of the 9-3 both inside and out. The suspension is not as tight as it should be, and there is a little lag in the turbo. Overall, you can't beat the 9-3 for overall value and luxury. I would be very excited to test out the upcoming V6 2.8T

kjunior

Hi friends this is my first message in this forum.
Can any one compare bose audio in Mazda 6 to Harman Kardon in Linear and Arcs. Iam struggling to decide between fully loaded mazda 6 and used 2003 Saab 9.3.Also do we get 6cd changer in Saabs? Music is very important to me. The one existing in 2001 9.5 Aero seem to be just OK for me.
Any input is greatly appreciated.
Regards

mrblonde49

2003 9-3 doesn't have Harmon Karden (unless maybe if it's a convertible - which was still the oild body style). The stereo in the 9-3SS has been identified as a weak spot, especially in the Linear model. The Arc & Vector/Aero are a little better. I have an arc and changed some speakers and added an amp with a line out converter. Music is important to me, too.

530ir1150r

We ordered a 9-3 Arc Convertible yesterday for European Delivery. Anything we should know or anticipate?

saabstory3

Hi! I have owned my 9-3 Arc for exactly 3 weeks, and I absolutely love it, except for the stereo...it has the 13 speaker, 300W system, but only treble and bass control, no equalizer, and it just doesn't sound right to me. I'm big into music as well, and I have to say I'm disappointed. There is a speaker in the middle of the top of the dash, and combined with the 2 on the sides of the dash, it sounds like it's too "high"...like more sound should be coming out of the bottom...? The stereo in my Jetta was much better!

mrblonde49

The front speakers only supply high and midrange, so that's why you hear it that way. The bass in in the doors, and they are the only stock speakers that work reasonable well. The easiest imporvement is swapping ot the 3.5" front L&R speakers to a quality brand, like Infinity or Boston Accoustic. Easily done, and makes a big improvement

jlan1

First time to this forum--but glad I came accross it, especially your last comment. Never owned a saab, but right on the verge--and have been concerned about problems i heard about 03 and 04 9-3's.

I've been a bmw customer for 10 years (328, 540, x5), and am about to hand over my X5 to my (expecting in october) wife. I'm trading her VW and was looking at another 5 series, but didn't want another $900/mo pmt. I've driven the new 3 series (well done again) and most other cars in this class (audi, acura, nissan, etc).

I'm just about settled in on the 05 9-3 Aero w/Nav. Have driven it about 5 times. Not too shabby at all. Not as much punch as I'd like, but decent, smooth, and apparently about as safe as they come. Have a pretty darn good deal on a 24 mo lease w/GM pricing and rebates. Best part: About 2 bills less per month than bmw 3!

There is still a question here, though: I'm still just a little concerned with the 17" wheels which by most counts, gives a rougher ride. Even though I've driven 5 times, and can feel it (reminds me of 540 w/perf wheels), I'm concerned how it'll be over time. I live in MI, but we'll have the X5 for bad snow, but day to day driving will be the main issue.

Any input is very much appreciated before i take this little plunge.

dhanley

Well, i had a 328i and the old 9-3 at the same time, and have tested the new 9-3 thinking of moving from my 3-series.

If you are one of those BMW drivers who pushes your car, you will miss it. IE, if you gas it in corners so you can say "whoopee!" The BMW is also better at handling bad roads, and overall the quality feels just a bit better throughout.

However, based on $/equipment, and safety, the saab is a better car.

Have you compared the BMW leases with the incentives currently on the 3?

jlan1

Good point; and I definitely am a 'pusher'. To be honest, I haven't put a lot of effort on the bmw incentives for the 3....do you have some info?

dhanley

Look over in the 3-prices paid topic. I think it's $4200 back on the 330, and i think people have been leasing them for $500 a month or so.

saabstory3

Thanks for the tip. I'll definitely look into it.

cardummy

Even tho I do not smell coolant, I have had to fill the car twice in the last 6 weeks. There is no apparent leakage and it has been pressure tested without finding anything. Any suggestions.

cardummy

Same thing is happenig to me. Was there ever a final resolution?

saabstory3

I turned the treble way down to hear just the bass and I think the bass is lousy too. I'm leasing this car, so not sure how much $$ I want to spend, but I'm definitely disappointed in the sound system.

Kirstie_H

A reporter is hoping to speak with anyone who recently discussed a trade-in at a Chevrolet, Buick, Pontiac, GMC, Saturn, Saab, Hummer, or Cadillac dealership. Please respond to jfallon@edmunds.com by Tuesday, April 26, 2005 with your daytime contact info and any brief comments you care to share about your experience.

go8

Finally crossed the 1,000 mile mark! So far, so good. A lot of positive surprises with the car including trunk space, performance, and fuel consumption. Yes, the sound system stinks, but I can live with it.

Go8

bcool

I had the same problem on my '92 9000 at 181K. Nothing detected by a pressure test. Ran fine with the coolant reservoir full. OK to go. Dealer replaced tons of stuff - coolant reservoir, heater core, hoses, water pump . A few months later "white smoke" and coolant loss at a rapid rate. Guess it was blown head gasket or a cracked cylinder, but I never found out since I traded it in for a new one .