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Saab 9-3 Sedan

3342 messages,  Last post on Mar 09, 2013 at 7:46 PM

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Messages Page 331 of 335

#3295 of 3342 9-3 Reliability by beep7

Sep 04, 2009 (6:18 pm)

I have had two recent Saabs. My 2005 9-3 2.0t small turbo had few problems except needed rear brakes at 20,000 miles. Other than that, a few bulbs burned out..but that was it. The car got great mileage and was very comfy. Handling was not great. The car leaned like crazy in turns..very disappointing. It felt like they left out half of the suspension. Had the car into Saab dealer for this problem. They insisted that they found no problem but kept the car for 10 days. VERY STRANGE. I had no intention of leasing another until drove the 2008 2.0T. What a difference. The car handled much better, was much faster with large turbo and 6 speed manual. Best of all with loyalty, the car cost me $229 per month. How could I turn that down? So far,car has been perfect..no problems. I'm sure the car will need rear brakes again and will argue with my dealer about that. Car is quick, comfy, handles decently, gets 25 mpg, has good brakes. It is a BMW?..No..but let's see you lease a Bimmer for $229/month. NEVER buy this car..lease it. Let them fix it..not you.

#3296 of 3342 Re: 9-3 Reliability [beep7] by jgoodrich

Sep 04, 2009 (6:37 pm)

Replying to: beep7 (Sep 04, 2009 6:18 pm)
Thanks for the input. I heard that GM discontinued leasing for '08-'09 Saabs, but I guess that was wrong. Sounds like a good deal - I can see why so many people lease Saabs rather than buying them. I prefer to buy a low-mileage used car and drive it into the ground, but the repair costs are the one thing I worry about with Saab. Buying used seems like a good deal because they depreciate so fast the first couple of years. I don't know why anyone would throw 30-40K at a new Saab unless they've got $ to burn.

#3297 of 3342 Re: 9-3 Reliability [jgoodrich] by jayrider

Sep 06, 2009 (2:47 pm)

Replying to: jgoodrich (Sep 04, 2009 6:37 pm)
The 08's had 4 years free maintenance. the 09's 3 years. They use synthetic oil and can go 10k between oil changes. New 2.0 9-3's are discounted heavily. Wouldn't be afraid to buy one -- if you maintain it well you shouldn't have any major problems for many miles. Engines and transmissions apparently are solid. Used ones have the potential for big repair bills and that seems to be a big concern of yours so you might want to pass on that option. Unless you find a real gem with a great repair history. Happy hunting.

#3298 of 3342 2009 Saab 9-3 by saabluv

Sep 07, 2009 (12:52 pm)

I live in the Northeast area and am looking to purchase an 09 Saab 9-3, automatic, sunroof, and heated seats. I've read on the board that they are heavily discounted but not sure how much of a discount I should be looking for. Does 27K sound reasonable or can I do better than that? Any advice would be appreciated.
 
Thank you.

#3299 of 3342 Re: 2009 Saab 9-3 [saabluv] by jayrider

Sep 07, 2009 (5:22 pm)

Replying to: saabluv (Sep 07, 2009 12:52 pm)
3-4k better. If you can't find one check out the passat comfort. Selling 23-24k.

#3300 of 3342 Re: 2009 Saab 9-3 [jayrider] by saabluv

Sep 07, 2009 (5:44 pm)

Replying to: jayrider (Sep 07, 2009 5:22 pm)
Jayrider,
 
Thank you so much for your reply. Currently, they are selling demos here for about 24-25K. But you think I could get brand new for the same price?
 
I was tempted to buy demo with 6,000 miles for 25K but I lose a year of warranty. That's why I'm thinking I would be better off buying new. Just wondering where I should start with price.
 
Any thoughts?
 
Thank you for your help.

#3301 of 3342 Re: 2009 Saab 9-3 [saabluv] by jayrider

Sep 08, 2009 (6:13 am)

Replying to: saabluv (Sep 07, 2009 5:44 pm)
There are saab dealers in st. louis advertising new 9-3's for under 25k. They only have a few so they are unloading them. Saab is not a big seller in this area but still has areas of the country where they are more popular and command better closeout prices. If you expand your shopping area and don't mind spending a few hundred bucks to fly in to a dealer and driving home you can probably save enough on a new one to come out ahead. Go to the auto search sites and punch in the model you want nationwide. Make calls to dealers internet site near to far and look for under 24k. Cars.com has listings in downers grove illinois for 24-25k new. Use it to get your local dealer to match or travel. Others are listed. Go from lowest price to high. good luck. I really liked the test drive i took last year but would really lean toward the passat with saab uncertainty -- parts/service.

#3302 of 3342 shift knob keeps popping off stick by shihanb

Sep 22, 2009 (6:18 am)

I have a Saab 9-3 with a manual, and now over three times the knob has popped off the stick making it impossible to put the car in reverse without spending a lot of time putting the knob back on.
 
My mechanic and i looked at it, and it appears that it is just a press fit, so the knob starts backing out and finally any upward pressure and it just pops off.
 
Has anyone else had this problem, and if so, what did you do to correct it?

#3303 of 3342 Re: shift knob keeps popping off stick [shihanb] by floatsey09

Sep 22, 2009 (7:02 am)

Replying to: shihanb (Sep 22, 2009 6:18 am)
I actually experienced the exact same problem on my 2006 9-3 Aero! it's a six speed and one day about two months ago i put it in reverse to back out of a parking spot and it popped right off. It basically took 15-20 minutes to put it securely in place along with the small spring that is compressed below it. i didn't have a mechanice look at it, and I at first thought i had to rotate the knob in a screwing motion, but that didn't work and seemed to strip the inside of the shift knob's hole. Finally i just used all my strength to push it down in place. it is slightly off center to the right by a hair, but it drives me crazy.
 
On a side note, anyone have any issues with their moonroof deciding to not close after shutting about 2/3rds the way, then reversing out again? That's happened to me 3-4 times.

#3304 of 3342 Re: shift knob keeps popping off stick [floatsey09] by gormerod

Sep 30, 2009 (12:37 pm)

Replying to: floatsey09 (Sep 22, 2009 7:02 am)
I had this same problem with my 05 9-3 Arc. The knob would just pop off when shifting in to reverse, other times while driving forward. I was able to reposition it and then slap it down in to place again (including while driving).
Eventually, the car came due for a scheduled maintenance check. The dealer fixed it free of charge with some glue. I don't remember if it was under warranty or if it was a known issue they were fixing (recall?).
I never had any problems with the moon roof, but I usually just pop it up to vent, I almost never slide it back. Sorry I can't help you there.

Messages Page 331 of 335

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