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maybe some others can chime in here.....ever since the late 80's I have been fixed on needing a car with a 'european' 'monochrome' color scheme.
that being, bumbers, doorhandles, rub strips, all body pieces and parts should be of one color.
The 9-3 gives the choice.....base car has black rub trim, door handles, lower pieces. You can get the body color kit if you want (door handles remain black?)
Which d y'all prefer? I think the 9-3 looks good either way. Cars like the Focus look better with body color trim.
You prefer your 9-3's with body color parts trim or black trim?
Yupp dude ladies will always have the upper hand but it is surprising that cars can sometimes keep our minds of the ladies.
In our society where mistresses and whores are unacceptable , our car is almost like our mistress and rental cars our whores ;-).
I'm probably being dense, but I wasn't clear as to what you were saying w/the following comment in response to my question on whether or the 3.5 and 4" speakers were 2 ways "Yes, the Infinity's and JBL's are 2 way speakers. This is why you can disconnect the stock tweeters (just splice the speaker wire before it splits off to the 3.5 or 4" speaker and the tweeter." What I was trying to ask is whether or not the existing speakers in the car were 2-ways, making their replacement plug and play. I guess that your mesg is that they aren't and some re wiring is required as a result ? Thx
Now, has anyone else experienced the loss of power?
We do live in NY and we test drove it in pretty bad (cold & snowy) weather, but are wondering if these problems are minor or major. Have been reading/researching on the internet all afternoon....any suggestions or advice are appreciated! Also, is the vector being made as a 2004 model?
3. The 2003 headlight washers were/are problematic and have been changed for 2004.
The Vector name is still copywrited by Gerald Wiegart of the late Vector W2 hyperexotic. The licensure fee for Saab was astronomical so the Vector line has been dropped. It's too bad because that's the trim level I liked...sports chassis, metallic trim, standard body. The comparable model is now the Aero and it has a few more doo-dads IIRC.
Others here will generously let you know more.
Daryl J.
If anyone has any questions, check the link on the left side of the page or drop me an email.
Thanks for your understanding.
The car is fantatastic in fact in roughly 3 years when it's time to get a new car I am going to do something I normally don't do... Buy the same, maybe a different model but the same maufacture.
Would you then agree that the 9-3 is a good purchase?
Thanks,
Daryl
PS:
We're still considering the S-60/V-70, Acura TL, and the 9-3. I really liked the way the Saab drove, how easy it was to see out of, and the way it fit my, not-untall body.
This isn't real confidence inspiring but I am going to see how it goes for now before pursuing with the dealer further.
BTW, the new Car & Driver has a comparison test of 35K sedans with manual transmissions and the 9-3 (Arc w/sport tires) came in 6th out of 7. Although they make a few valid points they are clearly down on Saab and its GM connection. I also have to say their latest evaluation methodology is rather sloppy in that it is quite subjective. Given the company the car was tested in and the writers' sensibilities, I'd say not selecting an Aero model was rather inexplicable.
I thought this car was a blast to drive and handled very well, until I replaced it w/the Infinity G35. Unfortunately, my car was plagued with electrical and transmission problems as well, over the 7000 miles I put on it. Saab USA repurchased the vehicle back from me, under the California lemon law-no problems there. In defense of Saab, I think GM pushed the car to the market place before all "quirky" bugs were out.
There really is no comparison between these cars. Power, handling, quality control, fwd vs. rwd. stereo, etc. The Saab is just not in the same league as the Infiniti. Two completely different cars. I know some of you might disagree w/me, and hopefully you've had great success with your Saabs.
To tamale2, the Vector name is no longer available, it has been replaced by the Aero. Same car,just different name. If you can get some kind of incentive on the Saab, employee or supplier discount, its a pretty good deal, so long as Saab has resolved the quality control issues in the newer models.
You'll no longer hear any "saabstories" from me and good luck to all you Saabophiles.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
I will say that the very first time I had gone to my service center I was not overly thrilled with them, they seemed a little snobbish not like the Buick dealer I was going with my Regal. But first impressions are not always correct or could it have been my eval of them. After the first visit they can not do enough for me.
Before I had finally settled on the 9-3 I had looked at everything from the Acura, which is a terrific car, to a volvo, bmw, etc. I finally settled on the SAAB for a few reasons.
Looks - drive / performance - regular gas.
I was worried about how it would handle in the snow. Nothing to worry about, it handles like a charm.
Oh well enough bragging about it, just go drive on and experience the thrill.
Good luck with what ever car you finally select because it really dont matter what anybody else thinks it's what makes you happy.
Drivers testing methods.Where did they supposedly
find a 6 speed '04 Arc in the first place.They
have the car accelerating 0-100 in app.18 secs.
and taking over 20 secs more to go from 100-120.
Huh?!They have the frt./rear wt.distribution wrong
59%/41%,when it should be 53%/43%.Most of their
other criticisms would have been addressed by
choosing the Aero,which still would have priced
under the BMW and the 3.0A4.Still wondering where they got that 6speed Arc!LOL
lock system has failed 4x
break light 6x
break system 2x
gear box 3x
speedometer indicator 3x
fuel indicator twice
gearbox malfunction 3x
constant steering lock
yes, the lagging
blinking trip
malfuntioning audio
frozen buttons
faulty alarm system
Most of these problems coincide- the constant blinking and signals on the trip are a big nuisance. I note, these problems reoccurred after supposed repairs from the service department; at times, even on the very day I picked the car up.
(I've tried different Service locations, so I don't know/think they are at fault.)
CD system took 2 months to reinstall, and there are problems with it even still.
There are many times when my steering wheel will lock even while driving. This caused my car to be rear-ended in traffic.
The car alarm goes off by itself at any and all times during the day. The faulty fuel indicator left me bottomed without warning in an intersection.
my Saab: driving hazard.
For an average of every two weeks, I've had to bring the car in for Service.
I love my car, but it won't be for long if such problems consist.
I know that many owners are faced with problems here and there, but is my 9-3 specifically haunted with more problems than deemed normal or typical? Wanted to see what others had to say.
Best of luck
Buzz in driver door from audio-fixed in 30 minutes
car stalled momentarily in traffic(at stop light)
re-started immediately(twice)software upgrade done
no recurrance since.That would be the complete list of problems--Love the car!
FWD vs. RWD is not a matter of better or worse in my opinion, just different. For myself, I wanted FWD or AWD so the only G35 under consideration was the G35X which is prohibitively expensive. Generally speaking, although the G35 is priced well on paper in comparison to the 9-3, with the deals to be had on the 9-3 in reality it is a bit cheaper comparably equipped. This goes a ways toward explaining why not a few people choose the Saab in comparison with the Infiniti and give up some power.
For myself, I found the interior in the Infiniti lacking, although I do love its overall exterior style (except for the back end) and think it's a very good car.
I would check to make sure your e-mail actually went through. Good luck, from my previous post you can see that I was very successful in resolving my issues. My current 9-3 Arc has performed perfectly.
And they did confirm that I did not have to worry it was SAAB ordained rule !.
This was a test vehicle so I understand that every one and their momma had been in this car, but still... The power seat was broken, the plastic "Oh [non-permissible content removed]"-handle on the passenger side had fallen off, a couple of buttons were coming lose... On and on, the list of things not holding up on this car was long. I would like to hear from you guys who bought a SAAB 9-3 and have owned it for a while, what's your impression of how the interior holds up?
(1) A see a lot of posts with people complaining about the 9-3. Ever car has problems. I've had a few, but the dealer fixed the all (mainly rattles). Had a few other misc. issues -- but nothing that hasn't since been fixed. Fact is, many people will "speak up" about problems. Less people will speak about about "good news". It is human nature. But I have no issues with it. I'd rather see the "dirt" aired. This web site helped me pick my Saab 9-3 over the new A4 and Maxima. And I'm still glad I did.
(2) Is the car perfect? Heck no. But what car is? I've had many cars (expensive and cheap) and they all had their own special problems.
(3) The car rides nice. And it has a unique look. It is very fun to drive. And it was CHEAP. Especially with the "Launch Package" they sold on the 2003 models.
(4) The car gets unreal gas mileage for a good sized 4-door with a nice engine. It is no Ferrari, but it does get up and move. I have friends with smaller cars that get worse gas mileage. The EPA highway rating was 30 MPG -- but I get 33-35 MPG all the time (doing about 75-80 MPH on average). That is good. Especially for a mere 5-speed.
(5) I don't know why Saab got rid of Cosmic Blue. I'm glad I got mine. =8)
(6) There seems to be an increasing number of new 9-3s out there. I used to see none. Now I see at least three a day (one in the same lot that I park in for work).
(7) As for the message topic, "Too Many Saabs" -- I was in West Hollywood yesterday having lunch and parked in a underground garage. Walking back to my car after eating, I saw another 9-3 parked right next to mine. It was also a 2003 Cosmic Blue model. Same wheels and everything. There was another person walking next to us (towards their car) and when they split off to the let (going away from where we were -- so I knew it wasn't the person that parked right next to me) I commented to my friend, "look at that copy-cat, they *had* to park right next to me."
Then, the person who was previously walking next yelled out, "Yea, that is why I parked over here."
I swung around, and there was a 3rd 2003 Cosmic Blue model in the lot, about 5 cars down.
Heh. Oops. Me and my big mouth.
(8) Oh, Saab has been running ads here like crazy (on TV and in the paper). The finally got smart and instead of having "friendly" ads that talked only about the Saab -- they now have a commercial that bluntly compares the Saab 9-3 to the Audi A4. That is how you do marking, not that other "friendly" foo-foo.
(2) Tell them the problem.
(3) Insist (if they don't offer) they loan you a tech.
(4) Put the tech in your passenger seat.
(5) Drive around with the tech and demonstrate the problem.
(6) Now that tech actually HEARS problem, they can look for it and fix it.
Simply documenting it never works. I know this sounds funny. But it helped me a great deal.
I just have a few questions for the other owners out there:
1.) Can anyone suggest a good powered subwoofer or other stereo upgrade that is reasonably priced? The 7 speaker 150 Watt system is good, but doesn't really deliver at higher volumes.
2.) What's up with the trunk release button on the trunk lid? I just tried opening the trunk with all doors unlocked and nothing happened. If I press the button with the trunk open I hear the latch mechanism working. Also if I close the trunk and immediately press the button it will open. I called the dealer about this and the guy said that he didn't even realize there was button back there in the first place.....any thoughts? I'm pretty sure it should open if all of the doors are unlocked without needing the key fob.
I love this car and would recommend it to anyone looking for a great driver's car with personality.
Any idea when/if this may happen?
Dr. Daryl, with an enquiring mind.............
PS: After driving the Saab 9-3 Aero and 4 Acuras (TSX auto, TSX manual, TL auto, TL manual...all 2004's), the car that left me the most satisfied overall with the 'drive' was the Saab. I've not yet identified exactly why, but still that is what stuck with me the most. Especially since the TL with the 6-speed is devastatingly fast.
The big, surrounding area: too glossy for my taste and plastic looking. Couple that with the late 1970's-technology green-screen and the presentation as a whole comes off looking decidedly cheap.
But that is strictly personal opinion. :-)
FWIW, the new Acura TL and it's blue/white/red LED display does pale significantly in the sunshine. I had to turn the brightness all the way up for it to be comfortable to read at a glance. The Saab's instrument cluster was much easier to comprehend whilst driving.
Thanks for all the input too.
Cheers,
Dr. Daryl
I can't for the world comprehend why some find it "cheap". Basic maybe, utilitarian (except for the infernal infotainment system), but not "cheap".
I like the green lighting and it was a small factor in deciding on Saab over Acura; the electroluminescent gauges in Acuras seem gimmicky by comparison, as does the red lighting in many other cars such as the Mazda6s with the sport package. I find such treatments a step toward the tacky 80s digital dash in comparison with the "classic" look of the 9-3.