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Sedans Saab 9-3 Saab 9-3 Sedan
3306 messages, Last post on Oct 04, 2009 at 5:54 AM
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I'm just consfused with all the xenon replacement bulbs out there, priced from $9 to $200 a piece, which one should i get? why is this a huge differnce, i have a 2003 ARC, can i change the xenon light bulb myself ? or its a straight dealer job. ? thanks in advance. |
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Replying to: kowari (Sep 03, 2008 8:36 am) |
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I am currently trying to decide between two Saabs, one a 2006 Saab 9-3 Aero automatic, the other a 9-5 2.3T automatic, both with about 25k miles. I had initially been interested in the 9-3 only, but am realizing that they are virtually the same price used, and perhaps I can get "more bang for the buck" from the 9-5. From my perspective, here are the pros and cons on the 9-5: Pros: 4 cylinder engine = better gas mileage. I like the cooled seats, and it seems to have a bit more room. Cons: Is it too old of a design? Is the 9-3 better engineered because it is a newer platform? Which is more reliable? Which is better in snow? The 9-5 seems to have a really dated navigation, and no XM radio due to navigation. Also, I seem to have an option between Saab Certified through a dealer and GM Protection Plan from a non-Saab GM dealer. Do folks have thoughts on either/both? Appreciate any input from the Saab experts in this forum. Thanks in advance!
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Replying to: ccfdad (Sep 24, 2008 6:46 am) I am 6' 3" and i found that I fit into the 9-3 better than the 9-5 when i was test driving them, due to the better seat adjustments on the 9-3 Aero. Either one is going to be solid in the snow. I live in Vermont and I am an avid skier. Chances are my winters are more brutal than yours. Saabs stick to the roads well, do not rust, and have traction control. Be sure to buy winter tires for the car, and not all seasons. You won't get anywhere with all seasons in a freak snow storm. In terms of navigation, the 2006 was the first model to include navigation and it isn't that impressive. It's the only feature i don't have in my ride, thankfully. There's no sense in paying a premium for a feature that doesn't work well, and has been bashed in all the reviews. You'd be better off buying a Garmin or a TomTom. Navigation is overrated, and the Saab's is a DVD based navigation which is already becoming an outdated platform. I bought the car with its 50,000 bumper to bumper GM warranty intact, but for the added peace of mind, I had the salesman throw in the Saab Certified Pre Owned (CPO) Factory warranty that covers it until 100,000 miles at no extra cost. This means that Saab mechanics will work on the car and replace any and all parts with Saab factory parts at no cost to the owner. Including labor. I would definitely reccomend going with the Saab certified warranty. Saabs are great cars, but they have their quirks. The newer models seem to have minor electrical and premature rear brake wear, but nothing serious. Electrical issues (for instance, my headlamps needed to be adjusted twice; free of charge) are covered by the warranty. Saabs have rock solid engines, chassis, safety features, and transmissions. Remember this: the economy has slowed, credit standards are tightening up and lenders are being more skimpy. This indirectly means that people are going to be buying less cars, and dealers are scared so they're cutting prices. They have much less leverage than they did 3 years ago when the economy was hot. It's a buyers' market in non-hybrid vehicles. Dealers are desperate. Buy the 9-3 Aero and get it with the extended Saab Certified Pre Owned FACTORY warranty. It should cost around $1500, so get the salesman to throw it in for free, or no deal. I wouldn't have it any other way. I also got an extra set of Saab wheels with Gislavad studded snow tires thrown in too. Saab has a promotion deal with Gislavad tires. See if they keep those around the shop and get a set of four with Saab wheels. Hope that helps, let me know how it goes. |
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Replying to: cmwong (Jul 22, 2008 10:55 am) |
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| I have a 2007 Saab 93 with 30,000 miles. I was just told that my rear brakes are completely out and need replaced. After speaking with the service manager I was told that this is normal for a Saab. Most of my miles are highway miles., and I do not "ride " my brakes. I was told that I also need the rotors replaced.The total cost is over $500.00. Does anyone know of a re-call., or if this is normal? | |
| Hi everyone. First time poster. I am considering buying a new 2008 Saab 9-3. About the only thing that's holding me back is the awful things I've read about a Saab's future reliability. Consumer reports and JD Powers aren't too generous of their ratings for past Saabs in this area either. Should I buy this car, my intention would be to keep it for 8 to 10 years, so reliability is a huge factor for me. I come from a history of driving Hondas and my reliability with the Honda's I’ve owned has been fantastic, save for my current one, which is actually an Acura and has had some issues. I thought the best place to get the true facts on reliability of Saabs would be from a bunch of people who actually own the vehicle, so your opinions on this matter would be much appreciated. Thanks a ton! | |
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Replying to: iburgess (Oct 26, 2008 12:19 pm) I have a 2007 Saab 9-3. Before that I had a 1998 Saab 93. I had an issue later in the car life of my 98 and brought it to saab to get serviced. The Dealership made a big mistake and after months of dealing with General motors I was given $7500.00 off a Gm car, along with other discounts.. I was planing on purchasing a Saturn, but was told I could only buy a new Saab with the discounts.. So reluctantly I did. I thought with a 100,000 mile warranty it would be a good buy. It was not. So far I have purchased three new tires (perelli's). I was told the tires were under warranty, but because the (nail) hole was in the side of the tire it was not.. Not real sure, but because I had three issues with different tires I thought the problem was with the treads pulling the nail to the side.,(expensive). Also at about 25,000 miles my back brakes went out (I drive most highway, and never ride my breaks). Saab said this was "normal". When the breaks go out in the car, you also will need rotors as they go out simultaneously. It was over $500.00. (breaks are not under warranty). I know GM is having great sales right now on the Saab, but it is not worth it.. My father only drives hondas , his last one had over 100,000 miles.. Never had a problem.. Hope this helps..
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Replying to: iburgess (Oct 26, 2008 12:19 pm) Also had to take it in to get new speaker (went out) and my passenger side window came off the track (still a bit off when it rains).. If you do decide to go ahead and purchase, do not get the Grey interior, the interior doors are impossible to clean.. even a water drip shows... |
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Replying to: iburgess (Oct 26, 2008 12:19 pm)
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