By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our
Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our
Visitor Agreement.
Comments
i am looking to buy a 2003 9-3..love the looks, price is right, i will prob buy the entry linear at around $27,500 when all is said and done..but here are my questions..
1. i have heard mixed things about reliability reagrding Saab in general..are they as reliable as say german cars like the 325 i or japanese cars like acura and infinity? this concerns me..not the speed or luxury features, but lasting 120,000 miles if i choose to keep it that long.
2.is it worth spending 3000 bucks more to get the bigger engine from i think 174hp to 205 hp?
thx and please advise..
eric
There is a UK news report of a variant of the 3.0 V6 making 300+ hp in a 4 wheel drive 9-3.
http://www.4car.co.uk/jsp/main.jsp?lnk=211&id=4424
I'm guessing variant refers to aluminum and maybe a biturbo.
The 9-3's new 6-speed manual can handle 295 lb-ft of torque. This leaves Saab with a few options for a N/A Aero or Viggen (2.3 turbo from 9-5 Aero, 3.0 V6 variant, new 2.8 turbo (for the 9-3X or something), future variable compression engine). There are also the Hirsch packages for the 9-5 (one gives the 2.3 turbo 305 hp and 309 lb-ft, the other 2.3 turbo 280 hp and 295 lb-ft).
My hope is that saab will offer the Hirsh packages for the 9-3, unless there is enough pressure to build a new Viggen (with a beefier transmission). The problem I see with a Viggen is that Saab is busy as hell getting the 9-3 wagon, convertible, 4 wheel drive, crossover; 9-5 sedan, wagon, 4 wheel drive, etc; 9-7, 9-3X, 9-2 desinged and for production in the next three or four years.
With some luck we could see a 9-3 4 wheel drive with the 2.3 turbo and Hirsh upgrades. Which would give you 280 hp, 295 lb-ft, beefed brakes and cross your fingers for tighter suspension. OR the 3.0 V6 variant sneaking its way in.
Is Saab listening? I WANT THIS CAR!!!
www.saabcarsonline.com does a good job of keeping up to date on Saab's activities.
Any guesses what the target for such a vehicle might be; S4, RS4, M3, S60 R?
I predict the 9-3 I just described would beat or match the S60 R, lose to the M3, new S4 and RS4 (just not enough hp). Audi has put a V8 in the new S4 with 410 lb-ft. BMW will likely follow suit with the M3 (think M3 GTR only better).
As for the engine, it depends on personal taste. 175 hp is plenty but some people want more to suit their own taste and style of driving. Test both if you are unsure.
========
General Motors is putting together an emergency turnaround plan to deal with the rapid financial deterioration of Saab Automobile AB.
The Swedish subsidiary is in deep trouble. Saab has been forced to grapple with heavy product development costs, a slow, difficult launch of the redesigned 9-3 sedan and a weak dollar - all while sales are collapsing.
On Nov. 1, two GM executives from Detroit took over as Saab's CFO and COO in Sweden. GM Europe President Michael Burns has held meetings with Saab executives to address the problems, which internal forecasts show will result in losses of $504 million this year.
That amounts to losses of $4,000 per car sold, a stunning burden for any automaker.
Saab's internal sales projections rule out a quick turnaround. Saab has cut its long-term forecast of 250,000 sales by 2005 down to 200,000 units. This year, the company expects to sell 125,000 vehicles, well short of its sales goal of 140,000 units.
==========
For full article:
http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content.mv? port_code=autoweek&cat_code=carnews&loc_code=index&content_code=07738308
(Sorry URL too long to post (take out spaces)
grr.. tests and their price restrictions
No surprise to us that the 9-3 is the best car of the competitors with the same price, the real point is that it can beat more expensive cars at least in some categories. If the comparisons show that the winning categories are what customers want then it is a real winner.
Someone should pit it against Saab USA's comparo list, (C&D are you listening?):
Linear VS Audi A4 1.8T, BMW 325i, Benz C240, Volvo 2.4
Arc or Vector VS Audi A4 3.0, BMW 330i, Volvo S60 2.4T, Benz C320, Lexus IS300
When I priced the car the way they were coming equipped (auto, 17" wheel pkg, Launch, Touring, heated seats) it looks like it's priced the same as an Arc model if you drop the Touring pkg and heated seats. Might be worth waiting for those who want the added power and features. Come resale time, I think you might take a real hit compared to an Arc that you paid the same price for.
We are going to drive a base model this weekend and see if the seats can be adjusted properly w/o power. If so, that will probably be the one we'll get. It's $4350 less than a loaded model they have sitting there in Lazer Red that we liked. In 5 years, that car might bring $2000 more than a base car at resale, if that.
For about $500/year in savings, I don't mind adjusting my seat manually the one or two times a week I get to drive it, listening to slightly less brilliant sound, not having a hole in the top, having cold buns for 5 minutes on the dozen days a year it matters here, and having to make do w/o xenons, which I have for the past 22 years w/ few problems. All these options are nice to have, but I think they take the car out of the realm of being a good value. Besides, we've owned two BMW 540's, what some call the "ultimate sport sedan" with all the bells/whistles and for various reasons didn't like them as much as we do the 9-3. How I fit in the seat, how relaxed the experience is, and how fun it is to drive is more important. I learned that more power or features isn't always equal to more fun.
I just don't think a loaded Linear makes as much sense as an Arc or Vector. You're getting close to Audi/BMW territory then. The 9-3 is a fantastic value at under $30,000, though.
Anyone getting discounts from dealers off MSRP yet? I haven't heard much pricing info here.
--** Mooselook
I don't get the lack of base model availablility either. If there were more available, I would have become a first time Saab buyer by now. I'm younger, and just now in a position to look at something in this range - and I like the 9-3 much better than some of the brands you have listed above. Further, I think the base model is pretty loaded w/out option packages (launch, touring) when comparing to aforementioned brands. Throw in some heated seats, it comes w/ 16" wheels, find the exterior/interior color combo that I want, and I'm a buyer.
One other thing that would be very helpful would be for the 0% financing to be available in longer terms (48, or 60).
I know they can't lose a ton of money on this new 9.3 launch (though it sounds as if they may have already done so), but considering the suggestions above would open the market to many more buyers in my opinion.
Any idea as to when more base models will be available, if at all? The dealership I spoke to did not offer much insight.
Further, does anyone have any input as to what will happen w/ pricing and incentives on the Linear once the Arc and Vector "hit the lots".
Any input is appreciated. Ultimately, I'll own one of these vehicles, they are too cool not to "pull the trigger", I'm just trying to gather as much data as I can, so that I am more comfortable with the purchase.
http://www.saabscene.co.uk/ubb/ultimatebb.php
My knowledge of products and pricing suggests that Saab/GM could be offering lots of packages on early models to ensure that they can secure volume pricing deals with their suppliers over the next few years.
I read that Saab produced 125,000 cars in 1998. Saab just plain needs to sell more parts/accessories starting from the launch date of each new vehicle until they start selling 250,000 vehicles or more.
So I support no base model until they hit the volume they need, it will make the packages cheaper in the long run. And it could help keep standard GM parts out of Saabs.
It is essentially replaced with a "Driver's package" that only includes the power driver's seat, the infotainment system and 6-CD changer. The sunroof is a standalone option, and the "monotone paint" is "no-charge." And, as we already know, those 16" wheels are standard.
And, according to Carsdirect, at least for the Colorado region, they're offering the 9-3 at almost $2,000 off MSRP. That puts the one I'd want, with sport pkg, touring pkg, driver's pkg and heated seats at about $29,000. Not bad for one month after the launch, eh?
I keep on thinking I'd like to replace my Passat with a 325xi, but man, there are a ton of those here in Colorado. IMHO, the 9-3 looks better and, with some proper snow tires, I'm sure I'd be fine without the AWD.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2025 MB GLE450e - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
GMS and Saab/Olds loyalty, 03 9-3 with launch, touring and sport, metallic paint, sunroof, heated seats, and sentronic is $333.59 per mo including tax. This is with 15,000 miles per year on a 39 mos lease with a total of $2000 due which includes tax, acquisition fee, first month etc.
This seems like a reasonable price but I want to get some feedback.
Combined with lousy availability of models w/ the mix of options I want, If dealers aren't discounting here and I can't find one who is within a couple hours drive of here, I will probably go higher with an Infiniti G35, or lower with an Accord EX V6, looks be damned.
Also, there are apparently no Linears w/ auto that aren't pretty much loaded. It's feast or famine.
Does anyone know the size (gallons or liters) of the fuel tank? Also the gear ratios and final drive ratios of the 5 and 6 speed manual? What are the torque numbers for the 175 and 210 Hp engines.. And what idiot designed the brochure and website?
Back to the deal, the internet manager accepted my first offer via email, except for the doc fee which I agreed to pay. Very easy to deal with, efficient(I hate lazy salesmen), and professional. They even offered to provide a loaner if it takes longer than a week to get the new car in. This works out to about $1000 off MSRP and $100 over actual invoice. This is a 5% profit for the dealer on the net invoice(including holdback). Seems fair for a very low volume make, I think. I read that they only sold 37,000 cars last year, and local dealers here only sold 35-40 cars each month. Also taking them up on nothing down, no payments for 3 months, 0% 36 month financing. The financing is worth about $1500 to $2,000, depending on your alternate use/cost of funds. The purchase also includes free Saab loaners for any service visit, including maintenance.
Some things we learned that might be helpful to others shopping:
1. the 17" wheel upgrade does not yet include the low tire pressure sensor system, but is priced at only $1000, rather than $1295 listed here and elsewhere. It will later be offered only on Arc and Vector models.
2. Onstar is not yet ready but will be retrofitted at no charge later, and they will provide 2 free years of service instead of one.
3. Saab will give you $1000 in lieu of taking the financing.
4. When the Launch package is gone, I believe that so is the body colored bottom exterior trim. Make sure you like the base trim (flat black) look if you're buying a Linear later in the year.
5. There is a new "drivers pkg" showing up at CarsDirect.com that includes only the stereo upgrade and power seats, but costs only about $995.
6. I have seen a curb weight of 3280 lbs shown on the internet at a review site, but I'm not sure if that was for the manual or automatic. The car is sized between a BMW 3 and 5 series.
7. I read one article that said even with the new 9-3 expected to sell well, Saab will lose money ($4,000/car) this year. But that GM will not let them fail. They may be more willing to deal than some have expected in order to ramp up volume and word-of-mouth on what I think will be a well respected car.
Hope this info helps others get a good deal.
I am planning to trade in my C-240 elegance for an Audi A4 1.8t or 3.0 or BMW325xi or 330i, it just happened I saw an ad outside of my home today of the new re designed 9-3, my first impression of the car was pretty nice. However, I am concern with the depericiation rate of this car and the lack of Saab dealers around Canada, fixing the car could be messy. Hope GM can add more variety to Saab line up, increase the market share in the near luxury segment similar to what Ford is giving Volvo.
If the price is right i might consider the new 9-3, in addition i like my car to be different than others and there' s too much 3 series on Vancouver' s road.
There was very little negotiation. Supposedly, the offer with these banks ends at the end of November so the sales person pushed for me to close the deal by this Friday. Ordinarily I wouldn't move that quickly but my lease is up Dec. 17th and that's after I was granted my 30 courtesy extension by GMAC.
Before agreeing to the 9-3, I was looking at another 9-5 or a CTS.
If Nav was out when the Vectors first appear next spring I'd buy one in a second. SO disappointed I have to wait for Nav. Makes no sense for them to delay it.
I am currently on the 31st month of a 39 month lease for a 2000 Volvo S80 2.9. To make a long story short, I am not buying the car at the end of the lease. Having done lots of web browsing and dropping by the New England Auto Show recently (I live in Boston), I have narrowed my car choices down to 3 - the Audi A4 (1.8T or 3.0, maybe quattro), the BMW 3 Series (325i or 325xi), and the Saab 9-3 (Linear or Arc, the Vector is almost too sporty-looking).
What I would like is some impressions on how the new 9-3 might stack up against these cars. Basically, I am looking for a car that will hold its value, that will handle well in Boston weather (snow, sleet, crappy roads), that will be trouble-free, and that I can get for slightly over invoice. I won't even think of paying MSRP. I would like to get my choices narrowed down to 3 specific choices, i.e. Audi A4 1.8T quattro with yada yada, BMW 325xi with yada yada, and Saab 9-3 Arc with yada yada, before I go in for test drives.
Thanks in advance for the help.
I have a 6'3" friend who keeps hitting his head in the rear seat in my 2001 9-3.
..reason #231 to get a new 9-3.
Wow, $4000/car sounds like a lot of money to loose. I am shocked if it's true.
I've test driven them all more than once, and owned two BMWs and currently just pulled the trigger on a Saab 9-3 Linear. My impressions are:
Audi A4: The smallest of the bunch inside. I am 6 feet tall and found it just a little too small, with my right leg rubbing the center console painfully. Nice interiors, but 1.8t models have less luxury than high end models. (manual seats, black plastic trim, etc)
- Quattro availability is a plus for weather
- Resale value is solid, if behind that of BMW
- Reliability has been spotty vs. Japanese brands, and probably a little more likely to break down than a BMW in my opinion. Quattro is complex and expensive to fix out of warranty.
- They are discounted, but due to low/no holdback, you won't be buying one at invoice price. Expect to drop roughly $30,000 driveout on a nicely equipped CVT 1.8t, and maybe $35,000 on a 3.0, plus $2000 for quattro on each. The 1.8T is underpowered with the quattro/tiptronic, so avoid that. Other options may raise price furher, of course.
BMW 325i: The ultimate driver's small sedan. They truely are nice and smooth and have decent power. Biggest negative has always been price. Other negatives are quirks like wildly optimistic speedo, bad am reception, somewhat narrow bolsters on otherwise excellent sport seats, Civic-esque rear end, and botched new front styling.
-Pricing: They have raised prices recently, so that w/ premium/sport/leather/stereo/auto they drive out at about $38,000, and other options can raise that further. Don't expect a big discount at all off of MSRP. Maybe $500, but your market may vary. Remember, this is a comfortable, but subcompact sized car. Unless you value the small handling advantages enough to pay for them, this isn't the best value. On a test track, the 3 series is king. But do you drive that way enough to justify the price differential?
-Resale value: Great as a percentage of original cost, but the car's price negates much of that in additional interest payments and tag taxes, plus it has further to fall than some of the others.
-Reliability: I never got stranded by our BMWs, but they had us in visiting the shop for little (and sometimes big) things about every other month. Mostly electrical and hardware items. Also had cats go bad at 80,000, which if not under warranty could run $2000 or more. We spent $1500 on maintenance WITH an extended warranty. (tires, scheduled maint, repairs, etc) but you may trade before 50,000.
-Weather: Rear wheel drivers supposedly don't do snow as well as front or all wheel drive. But the BMW VSC is very good and can drive on ice in their demo videos. I wouldn't drive a BMW around here when it snows, too rough on the finish and likely to get hit by a careless driver.
Saab 9-3 Arc: Even though I just bought a Linear, I would get an Arc when your lease is up. The extra power is nice to have, and many of the features now available in the Linear Launch Package will probably NOT be offered later on. (exterior body colored side trim, etc). The price differential is about $2000 for an Arc vs. a loaded Linear, and you should recoup much of that on resale. The Arc not that different from the Vector except for interior trim, body cladding, and seats. There should be a sport wheel/suspension package for the Arc that makes it handle as well as the Vector.
Pricing: Even now, I got a substantial discount w/o negotiation, splitting the difference in invoice/msrp. By summer I bet you will be able to pick one up at a great price. You're talking $32,000 to $34,000, depending on options.
Resale value: Previous Saabs haven't had great resale value, but I think that was because they weren't superior cars compared to the competition. The new 9-3 may well develop a good reputation and resale will improve. Still, this is not its strongest feature.
Reliability: Older Saabs had problems. The latest Saab 9-5s have been great. So it's hard to say for sure, but the 9-3, if they learned from the 9-5, should be reliable. Loaner cars should help ease the pain.
Weather: Front wheel drive and stability control are pluses here. Tire choice also matters, of course. No awd available yet. But I hear some talk that that is overrated for winter weather. I dunno, I don't drive in snow much.
Finally, as a Volvo driver, I assume you value safety. All are good safe cars, but in a European test I saw on the internet, the Saab came in first, the Audi and BMW were a little behind it. Makes sense, it's the newest design. All weigh about the same and are roughly the same size, with the Saab a little bigger inside. If I had never owned a BMW, I might have ordered a decontented BMW 325 coupe instead, but I found the 9-3 seats the most comfortable, the styling my favorite, and the lack of snob appeal refreshing. I bet you'll get let in in heavy traffic more in your Saab.
want to be different. . go for the 9-3