Saab 9-3 Sedan

mrblonde49 · April 2003

I misunderstood you. I thought the 34K figure was the sticker. Sounds like you got a pretty good deal then, because the spread between sticker and invoice is only around 2K. I hthink the dealer gets $3500 for a vector (that's what Saab USA told me) - so they basically only made a few hundred on the deal

mrblonde49 · April 2003

Factory to Dealer Incentives:
Linear $2500
Arc $3000
Vector $3500

kyfdx · April 2003

That is a good deal. On your other question, take the rebate, then find the cheapest financing you can on your own... or maybe even your dealer can help you there. If for any reason, you sell the car before the loan is up, or have an accident that totals the car, you'll lose part of the advantage of low financing. If you buy the car and a month from now, its stolen, or you total it, then financing is worth nothing. If you take the rebate, you are $3.5K ahead.
kyfdx

james968 · April 2003

Our Credit Union had a Calculator for seeing how much the 0% saves you vs taking the money from the price. In may case it worked out cheaper to save the money. (For others it might not).

The dealer tried to offer my financing, but they couldn't match the Credit Union. (They were like .05% higher, but I've been dealing with the CU for DECADES, so I just went with the CU).

kyfdx · April 2003

Unless its a really large savings, I think its still prudent to take the rebate for the reasons listed above... If its a difference of only $10 per month advantage to take the financing, I'll still take the rebate.

regards,

kyfdx

tparki · April 2003

Are these rebates only avabile when you purchase the vechicle? GM lists the current factory-to-dealer rebate on the 9-3 as $2500. I would be leasing a Linear (with GMS) and am just wondering if I would be able to combie the $2500 factory-to-dealer with the current $2K lease support from Saab.

jparrott75 · April 2003

I felt it necessary to post my experience on here so future owners know what they potentially may be getting into...

I bought my car on April 5, 2003... I was so excited.. it is such a hot car. Today is April 24th.. My car has been in the shop 11 of the past 20 days. It is currently in the shop and is not expected to come out until May 5th.

It is the same problem...3 times over, they just aren't sure what's wrong. It keeps burning out some pump that has to do with pollution controls. All I have to say is, what a nightmare!

For those of you that have not had problems, count your blessings.

The Service Manager said my car was not the only one having these problems. (that is supposed to make me feel better, I guess)

I will continue to monitor the site and see if anyone else has figured out the problem..

Drive Safe,

J Parrott

kyfdx · April 2003

I believe carman answered this in another forum. Its $2500 on purchase, or $2000 on lease.. one or the other..not both.

hope this helps,

kyfdx

fedlawman · April 2003

I've checked gmfamilyfirst.com, gm.com, and saabusa.com and none of them indicate the incentives you listed.

Can you tell me where you found that info?

mrblonde49 · April 2003

>>I've checked gmfamilyfirst.com, gm.com, and saabusa.com and none of them indicate the incentives you listed.

Can you tell me where you found that info? <<

Called 1-800-SAABUSA.

trencher7 · April 2003

JParrot, can you go into what happened with your Arc? Did it stop running or make a certain noise?

fedlawman · April 2003

Thanks...that could make a difference in my decision.

jparrott75 · April 2003

I didn't notice a performance problem but, ever 100 miles, the check engine light would come on. They would hook it up to the computer... evidently this pump keeps burning out. (ON number 3 at the moment) They now says it is a computer problem.. SAAB will have to ship a new one from Sweeden...(they are programed specific to your VIN) So, it won't hit the dealer until NEXT Friday.. so, looking around the 5th to get it back in MY garage.. I hope (crossing fingers) this will do the trick

J Parrott

mrblonde49 · April 2003

Just wondering - while you have your car in the shop, what kind of loaner are they supplying you with?

gbronzer · April 2003

I'm looking at a 2003 Saab 93 Linear, the dealer offered me a decent price but then tacked on a $130 Dealer Prep and $250 Advertising Fee. I know the Dealer Prep is a dubious charge, but I've read that the Ad Fee can be legitimate. Has anyone else paid this fee?

kyfdx · April 2003

Both are legitimate..Both are on the factory invoice.

kyfdx

P.S.: do a search for post #1110 in this discussion for a link.

thomthor · April 2003

If I were you, I would take a look through the consumer rights supplement to your owners manual, it will explain your rights. In California, 3 times for the same problem or thirty days out of service in the first year qualifies you to have the car bought back or replaced by Saab.

jparrott75 · April 2003

RE: the loaner... the place that actually has my car - got me a rental - a ford escort with 25K miles on it.. When I called the dealer I bought it from.. they told me to return it.. they gave me a Saab 9-5

As far as Lemon Law - they get 4 times here in IL and it has to be out for 30 business days.. I don't belive it is an 4 times OR 30 days..

Thanks for the postings.

J Parrott

needashave · April 2003

Parrott - Sorry to hear about the problem with your ARC. Since its a recurring problem, it leads me to beleive that there is a solution, just a matter of finding it. I have not had any problems with my ARC and am still very excited everytime I get behind the wheel. Keep the faith, this too will pass. Enjoy the 9-5!

I'm from Illinois as well. What dealer are you working with?

rgb2 · April 2003

If you don't mind me asking, what kind of price are you getting?

Does anyone know if the GM loyalty rebate offer is still valid?

jparrott75 · April 2003

I bought my 9-3 at Exchange.. I must say I have been impressed with them.

Perillo is doing the work.. I am taking my frustrations out on them.. but, they have been acceptable. The Manager of Service seems to think it is one of the computers. I sure hope he is right. Enjoy your car!

J Parrott

p.s. He says that only 4 of the Saab 9-3's have surfaced with this problem... I guess I need to play the powerball this weekend with those odds!

code7700 · April 2003

So I wrote Saab about some other minor issues I am having with my car... and their reply was:

"While I do understand your comments and concerns, I regret that I am not able to assist with these issues."

Who the hell is supposed to help me other than the dealer working on the problems? Doesn't Saab USA take any credit for their problems?

vcjumper · April 2003

With the Subaru WRX with a Saab grille being the Saab 9-2 and the Chevy Trailblazer being brand engineered into a Saab SUV, is the 9-3 the last Saab that could be considered the least bit european/swedish in character or design? Will GM W-Body seats and power windows controls find their way into a Saab in the near future?

Is Ford doing a better job with Volvo?

40_love · April 2003

Has anyone purchased a saab in NYC area ? I'm looking for a reputable dealer

hppypaul · April 2003

If you don't mind going to NJ definitely go to Reinertsen Motors in Denville (Northern NJ), and ask for Rich Carafa. They are a saab only dealer and take good care of their customers. an excellent servce dept too.

mrblonde49 · April 2003

If you don't mind going to NJ definitely go to Reinertsen Motors in Denville (Northern NJ), and ask for Rich Carafa. They are a saab only dealer and take good care of their customers. an excellent servce dept too. <<

Small World. Same dealer, same salesman.

I agree. They have been great so far (I'm waiting for mine - a few more days!) I've called Rich every few days with questions, and he's always responded immediately

f650racer · April 2003

Wonder what this item is? The only emissions-related pump I can think of is the turbocharger. And this is the prime item distinguishing the stronger engines in the Arc and Vector. It'd be interesting to know whether any of those 4 cars with this problem are Linears.

mjwills · April 2003

I (my wife) have an 03 vector (built 2-03). I love the car (looks, performance, styling) but have a few questions. How efficient is the auto-stick? Do you need to shift a little before desired RPM due to a lack of responsiveness? Will a K&N air filter help performance? There is a nasty rattle coming from the overhead console - I had the 2 end pieces off of it - but it is in the middle - does that just pop off also (I didn't want to force it). Also there seems to be a buzzing type sound coming from the front doors - any thoughts? How are the SAAB dealers to deal with for warranty/service issues? Anyone have any other issues regarding this car? If you can help out in any way I would appreciate it. Thanks.

mjwills · April 2003

Has anyone tried the SAAB specific wax they produce? Comments on this and other products to keep the black looking great. Thanks.

needashave · April 2003

I have used the Zymol cleaner polish (liquid blue stuff)with great success. Also, I use 303 on the interior bits, body side moldings and the weather stripping.

ncgnito · April 2003

hey mjwills, just pick up my steel gray metallic Vector two weeks ago. Very happy with it too. Have also noticed the rattle coming in over the overhead console. Took a while to figure out where it was coming from. Anyway, was going to mention it to the service department. Also taking it in because the steering wheel is not quite centered which is driving me nuts. Didn't notice it on delivery. Also noticing other buzzes and rattles coming from the interior. Not a consistent thing which leads me to believe it's caused by weather (temp., humidity, etc.). Anyway, still love the car overall. Like to hear if anyone else has addressed the rattle/buzzing problems.

trencher7 · April 2003

Whenever I think twice about the 9-3 Vector I just go price a 325ci at bmwusa and compare prices. A similarly equipped 325ci which has way less power is $39,220!! The only think that it beats the Saab in is the stereo (Harmon Kardon) and the rear wheel drive. But that much for a car and only 184 HP with 175 lbs of torque? I'll take the 210 hp and 221 lbs of torque for thousands less. The only thing that is tempting is to go the G35 route. Much bang for the buck, but the 9-3 wins the character/looks competition hands down.

fedlawman · April 2003

The 9-3 Vector with moonroof and climate control has an MSRP of $34,900.

If you can live without xenons and headlight washers, a nicely loaded 325i has an MSRP of $34,500.

Of course, Saab has that factory-to-dealer incentive to sweeten the pot...

blitzin1 · April 2003

Caught today in a Northeast downpour, first time with the rain sensing wipers on the Arc- question for those of you with this setup- when I turn the car off, but leave the stalk in the "auto" position, when I turn the car on again, the wipers *do not* go back into auto mode- I have to turn the wipers off and on again to get them to work. I find this a pain in the %^&* when running errands, as I have to turn them off and on every time I get back in the car. Is this normal, or do I have a problem? Can this be "fixed" via Tech II?

sevencycles2 · April 2003

Just got my Vector yesterday after speaking with many dealers from here to Delaware. Saab of Greenwich, specifically salesman Jay Thomson had the best deal and least amount of hassle. I would definitely recommend you give them a call.

sevencycles2 · April 2003

Looking for a cargo mat for a Vector -- aftermarket or otherwise. Anyone have any info?

tgp1810 · April 2003

I'm about to take the plunge and get the Linear. My question is about the stereo, I know that it hasnt gotten the best reviews. Can anyone make a comparison to one in another vehicle (maybe to the Malibu, Impala, Escape, Ranger?). I'm just wondering if it will be sufficient for me without the upgrade. I need to lease (because of school) so Im wondering if I *need* the upgrade how that would work out.

Thanks.

bmwdoug · April 2003

Why is there no Navigation system offered in the Saab 9-3? I think Saab missed the boat on this option. Luxury sedan's should have this option.

mrblonde49 · April 2003

Rumored to be offered in US in 04. Already an option in Europe

gbriank · April 2003

How efficient is the auto-stick? Do you need to shift a little before desired RPM due to a lack of responsiveness?

-In driving one of the loaner cars while mine was in the shop, I found the auto-stick to have about a three second lag between pushing the shifter and the actual shift. Once you learn how to "time" the shifts to your acceleration, this lag can be overcome. Unfortunately if something gets in your way, you need more power and have already upshifted, you've either got to go back to "auto" mode or downshift and wait three seconds.

Will a K&N air filter help performance?

-Spooling up yes, more power no. The advent of Trionic 7 (2000-2002 9-3) and the mass airflow sensor prevent cotton filters/cold air intakes from making a performance difference. This technology was passed on to Trionic 8 (2003 9-3).

Also there seems to be a buzzing type sound coming from the front doors - any thoughts?

-Does this happen while the stereo is on? Or all of the time?

mjwills · April 2003

Thanks for the reply. Yes the radio is on when the buzzing occurs.

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?

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?

Also he said that they do not have the lock/unlock software yet (Troy, MI) haven't some of you mentioned that you have had this updated in the states?

Is the comfort close feature available here or is it just on European models?

Is there a mute button for the radio?

Thanks for your time.

mikerob · April 2003

I was told 6 weeks ago by the dealer that within 4 weeks they would receive the software update to allow the comfort features to work. That check is still in the mail along with the onstar install. Dealer is nice but apparently something wrong up the line with Saab.

needashave · April 2003

My Onstar was activated over four weeks ago! I'd call the dealer about this. 1500 trouble free miles so far.

tgp1810 · April 2003

Saab didn't offer the Navigation system as an option in the new 9-3's basically because they couldn't afford to. A nav system is as popular option as it may seem and whith Saab's low customer base, they just couldn't afford to offer it the first time out. The rumored nav system for the 04's probably isn't a rumor, but more fact. Saab has seen the overwhelming popualrity of the new 9-3's and complaints for the navigation system.

radman12 · April 2003

tgp1810 - Well I finally made the plunge a couple of weeks ago and need to find the time to update the helpful boards here.

Audio is such a matter of taste it's hard to advise someone. I'm a bit particular about my sound and so will make upgrades. However, after a couple of weeks I'm pleasantly surprised with the Linear sound. It's not going to blow you away but it's adequate. It has taken a bit of the urgency out of upgrading. That said sound is entirely from the front with no support from the rear.

Other posts have suggested simply putting in 6x9's in the rear might help however there may be caveats and I haven't done the reading yet.

Good luck. The linear is quite a car (especially coming from a '90 integra ;-)

nojalopy · April 2003

Anyone hear anything about XM being an option at some point? Has anyone added XM to their '03 9-3? I have a portable unit, but no cassette deck in the 9-3!

regfootball · April 2003

test drove a 9/3 today....SWEET. not much time to elaborate right now, but may go into depth tomorrow. A real honey of a car.

No way that Linear has only 175 hp.

bigdaddycoats · April 2003

busy and fun day!

mrblonde49 · April 2003

Well, my Steel Gray Arc arrived at the dealer yesterday, and my salesman says there's an 80% chance I can pick it up tonight. Only reason it may not be ready is that they got a lot of cars in yesterday that people are waiting for. I'm so psyched up for this, and I'll be pretty disappointed if I have to wait until Thursday (I can't pick up tomorrow)

I'll post pics when I have it...

jrosasmc · April 2003

You know, I really hope Saab puts the ignition switch of the upcoming 9-2 down on the floor, and not the column, as on the Impreza.

Saab 9-3 Sedan

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