Saab 9-3 Sedan

regfootball · February 2004

i saw something in the 04 brochure that suggested a factory installed mp3 input was available soon.

rsdr · February 2004

A couple of days back me and my wife were at one of the wawa gas stations, At the same time two more 9-3s came and parked there.One might feel the exclusivity of saab 9-3 is going away, but just cannot imagine how beautiful they all looked. Absolutely beautiful, in a time of bloated looking Altima , accord , camry and even fat and obese bmws, 9-3 is a bold and a fresh design. Love the design sometimes my wife complains I look at my car more lovingly than I look ar her.

regfootball · February 2004

i know the 9-3 is hot, but still the ladies have the edge over the cars in beauty! LOL!

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?

rsdr · February 2004

black trim is good with few colors but not with all for example the other day i saw a red 9-3 with black trim, now that certainly did not look that nice. I have a dolphin gray with that the black trim looks good.
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 ;-).

mrblonde49 · February 2004

I have a Neuros, and the transmitter works OK, but the volume is lacking. On another Saab board, which I am not allowed to mention, someone figured out how to wire the aux port, and it doesn't involve a whole lot. I can't give details becqause I will just be following instructions, but it's out there...

mrblonde49 · February 2004

I like it on my steel grey. I prefer it to the body colored trim

glutz1 · February 2004

Ted, can I assume that your Aura 402's are the same dimension as their new 4000's ?

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

rsdr · February 2004

does nayone know where the Onstar hardware is in the 9-3 ss

mrblonde49 · February 2004

Is mounted under the rear shelf. You can see it from the trunk

moscowxpat1 · February 2004

On a lark took a test drive of a 9-3 Aero and was absolutely amazed at the amount of car for the price. My car is on order and will arrive in April. Ordered the built in telephone panel (ES2-7) (live in Russia and the specs differ from USA). Can anyone tell me how the GSM telephone works? Concerned that the car will arrive without the prerequisite trunk mounted box where SIM CARD is inserted. Does this gatchet come standard with the ES2-7 or do I need to order some extra equipment? The GM SAAB dealer is clueless! Thoughts?

200493aero · February 2004

I absolutely loved my 9-3 aero. could not say enough about it for the three weeks i had it. then one night, the engine light came on. I was stopped at a light, and when i tried to accelerate, the car would move VERY slowly until it hit 40km/h at which point it flew again. After changing many parts on the car including the computer system, the dealership (three weeks of having the car in the shop) has given up and is replacing the car.
Now, has anyone else experienced the loss of power?

tamale2 · February 2004

My husband and I just test drove a left-over 2003 9-3 vector and we loved it except we're a little nervous of the following: 1) check engine light came on, 2) passenger side mirror wasn't functioning properly, and 3) driver's side windshield washer nozzle wasn't functioning.

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?

drdarylj · February 2004

I'll answer the questions I've heard answers to by Those Who Know.

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.

pat · February 2004

Your Membership Agreement forbids using the Town Hall to buy or sell things ... some messages have been removed.

If anyone has any questions, check the link on the left side of the page or drop me an email.

Thanks for your understanding.

sgeiger1 · February 2004

Just purchased 2004 Saab 9-3 Linear and have been quite happy with it for the first week. After 179 miles I've noticed that the brakes (after driving for a while) squeal like crazy! I'm talking loud to the point that the girl at the drive through covered her ears when I pulled up. Called the dealer and was told that was a problem on the 2003s and my 2004 should be fine since new brake pads were used. I am going to bring in my car this week to have them check it out. I was wondering if anyone else has had this experience? I hope this is not a sign of things to come and I don't regret not buying the A4.

hungshy · February 2004

I have 2003 Saab Linear and the noise too. But only happen sometime. I heard that's computer system in the car cause it. But I didn't prove it from dealer or SaabUSA. But it did reduce the time to happen after they upgraded the computer program. You might write your comments to SaabUSA for answer.

richn2 · February 2004

I had purchased a 03 ARC 9-3 in July and since nobody knew I was getting it that the day I picked up I had driven to the Jersey shore to show it off. Ha Ha when I put on the brakes as I pulled up to my parents house everybody could hear me since the brakes made so much noise. After a few weeks of being embarassed every time I put on the brakes I finally took it back to the dealer. With out a single question they immediatly took it in the shop and installed new brakes with a havier brake pad. No more noise.

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.

drdarylj · February 2004

It sounds like most of you actually enjoy your 9-3's immensely and that most problems are minor and easily rectified.

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.

sgeiger1 · February 2004

Yes, I love the car and still glad I bought it. Just brought it in to the dealer to check the brakes. He said that the rotors might need to be cut, strange since it is brand new. He claimed the surface might be to slick. Doesn't make sense to me but whatever works. As far as the TL, great car. My parents have last years version and it has been wonderful. Not one problem and they got a good deal on it. I still feel the Saab has a bit sportier feel and a little more pizazz. The Acura comes loaded with everything and is probably a better value. It depends on what you are looking for. The Saab dealer gave me a crazy amount for my trade in which no dealer even came close. It was about $2000 more then anyone else. This made the payments quite low. I would stay away from the S60. We have 2 friend that have them and have had 4 major electrical problems. I also feel the Saab rides much better, The volvo is a little mushy and doesn't handle as well. I would also consider an Audi A4... Value wise I still think the Saab (discounted) is a much better value. Just an aside, the loaner that Saab gave me has the 215/55/16 on it and the ride is not as good a my standard 15 inch rims. I really thought there was going to be a major difference for the better especially in handeling.

3and14 · February 2004

I too have had problems with brake squeal, on my 2004 Arc. It started after 3 weeks and 600 miles. Last week I had it in for the 30 day inspection and the service person told me that he has seen this phenomenon by people who brake lightly (?) in the last few feet before stopping. He blamed brake dust (the occurrence did coincide with the car getting dirty for the first time) and the pads vibrating against the rotors or something like that and said that a few hard stops should eliminate it for a while. (what a quality fix!)

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.

sgeiger1 · February 2004

After picking up my 9-3 yesterday I was told that somehow the brake pads that were used on the 2003 had somehow made it on to my 2004. That makes no sense to me unless Saab (GM) had left over 2003s and is selling them as 2004 models... Very strange. Either way, they put new pads and rotors on the car and it is fine. No squeal and it actually stops much better then before. Hopefully this will be the last time I see the dealer at least until my 30 day check. Thanks to everyone who wrote in..... I still have not had an official response from Saab yet, so much for the 24 hour turn around time.

luba1 · February 2004

First to answer 200493aero, I had a 2003 9-3 SS w/17" wheels, sport suspension, (no longer available for 2004 on the ARC), auto.trans., and the engine light came on and I also lost full power. The car reverted to limp home mode. The next day the light went out and the car was fine. No codes came up when I brought the car to the dealer. I also had the stalling problems and they resolved it by raising the idle.

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.

laurasdada · February 2004

Shouldn't C & D have tested the Aero, not the Arc? Arc is luxury, Aero is sport. 9-3 might have fared better (I haven't yet read the article...).

richn2 · February 2004

drdarylj: I will say that I have never been as satisfied with any of the other cars that I had owned as I am with my 9-3. Now I know what they mean by thier commercial, most people who test drive will buy. This car is a true driving pleasure.
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.

mrblonde49 · February 2004

I love the car and I am very happy driving it each day. That said, if I were shopping now, I'd check out the TL. Saw on up close for the 1st time today. Though I'd have to go 5K more than what I spent on my Arc, and I don't know that I'd do that

lcp1 · February 2004

This test really has me worried as to Car and
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

renee_etoile · February 2004

A history of my car:
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.

rsdr · February 2004

You should return this car, it is unsafe. Here in the discussion group I remeber few people were able to return the car when they complained to saab. Minimum you might be able to do an exchange i.e get a 2004 saab if not money return, which has much lesser problems. Do update us how it went
Best of luck

sgeiger1 · February 2004

Kind of reminds me of my first car in high school, an $800 Fiat X 1/9. I look back on it fondly.... It was such a fun car but broke about twice a month. A $30,000 plus Saab should not have such problems. My father is going through the same thing with his 2003 MB C 230.. It has problems way beyond the car mentioned in the above article and MB will not even think of taking it back. Arbitration is next. Good luck to all....

airrich · February 2004

Could you give me the region you live in (Southeast, Northwest, etc.) I too have brakes that squeal. I am being told it is a "regional" thing.

sgeiger1 · February 2004

I am in Arizona but did not hear of a regional issue. Please let me know what you hear. I still have no response for Saab either, it has been over a week.

lcp1 · February 2004

My 2003 9-3 Vector:12,000 miles to this date---
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!

3and14 · February 2004

I am in the Chicago area. I too haven't heard anything before about this being a "regional" issue before.

3and14 · February 2004

I think you are overstating your case that the 9-3 is "not in the same league" as the G35. While I believe the G35 is the superior vehicle for most people and represents a lot of car for the money, it's not in a different class nor without its flaws.

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.

sgeiger1 · February 2004

Has anyone ever tried to contact Saab. It has been 2 weeks and still no response from them regarding my brake squeal. On the web site they say 24 hour turn around. I can see a few days but 2 weeks is to much. They just sent me the survey, can't wait to get going on that...

hungshy · February 2004

From my previous experience. Usually they will return your answer in 12-24 hours. If you leave them your phone number they even call you in person. You may try to contact them again.

renee_etoile · February 2004

I sent in my letter via website, friday. Still waiting...

rocharc · February 2004

I have had great success in contacting Saab both by e-mail and by phone. My e-mail messages got replies in 24 hours, telephone was faster and when they said they would contact me they did.
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.

rsdr · February 2004

Called SAAB customer service, did not have to wait for call back, solved my query there and then.Had called in to find out about the oil change which the dealer were not ready to do till the percentage of oil quality reduces to 4%, although the SID showed time for service.
And they did confirm that I did not have to worry it was SAAB ordained rule !.

sgeiger1 · February 2004

Thanks for all of your feedback, I will give them a call.... My wife's car is in the shop so I let her drive the Saab and I took the rental supplied by insurance. Not a bad car, 2004 Mazda 6 but I am ready to take my Saab back! You cannot compare the ride or the well thought out features. The red dash display is very distracting at night, we live in a very dark area. It makes you truly appreciate small things like night panel...

larsca · February 2004

I just went to the GM all out test drive in Irvine, CA. They had Corvettes, Cadillacs, Hummers, and SAABs (among others). Having been interesed in test driving a 9-3 for a while, I jumped at the chance to try one out on their track. This was the 9-3 with the big engine and airflow kit, so I was expecting some serious performance. Unfortunately, I'm pretty sure the turbo had broke on this particular vehicle, because NOTHING happened when I put the hammer down. It accelerated like a Geo Metro, so that must have been due to a faulty turbo charger, right?

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?

hungshy · February 2004

My Saab has 20k on it since November 2002. And everything still hold well. Even I got hit so hard on the second days of ownership, you can refer to long previous post to see what I had happen. Feel sad for that dealer did not maintain their car for test drive.

code7700 · February 2004

OK, a few things...

(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.

mjmorrow · February 2004

Hey all - I posted an early message concerned about my tires, and a clunking noise coming from the front. Has anyone else had these problems? and if so what did Saab do about them?

code7700 · February 2004

(1) Go to the dealer.

(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.

canman · February 2004

I just bought the last '03 Linear 5 speed at my local Saab dealer last week for a steal. You can't ignore a car like this when it's priced well below a comparably equipped GLS. My car has the driver's package available in 2003 and has the upgraded Infotainment system (only without the 300 Watt system). This car is a blast to drive and has every bell and whistle I'll ever need.

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.

drdarylj · February 2004

I've held off buying a Saab for the moment largely because I find the dash too shiny and the infotainment center too confusing for using whilst driving. After seeing the interior on the SportHatch and fully understanding that it is 'concept' material, I wondered if GM would simplify and handsomize the instrument center stack in the 9-3 series.

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.

mrblonde49 · February 2004

Not sure what you mean by too shiny. The entire center stack is matte black - the soft rubberized compound.

drdarylj · February 2004

The dash itself: matte
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

3and14 · February 2004

DrDaryl; as you said it's a matter of personal taste with the dash. Upon first glance I was not thrilled with it, but it has grown on me after 2 months of familiarity.

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.

Saab 9-3 Sedan

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