2003 Saab 9-3 - READ ONLY

185 messages, Last post on Nov 04, 2002 at 6:21 AM

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What is this discussion about? Saab 9-3, BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Sedan

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#35 of 185 logic1 - what link? by kevin111 Jul 26, 2002 (2:03 pm)
Was looking throught the discussion, and have not seen a link. Could you repost the site again? Please?
#36 of 185 by logic1 Jul 26, 2002 (2:19 pm)
Go to: www.thecarconnection.com. Under the news sections. There are articles in the July 24 and 25 posts as well as a separate Saab article.
#37 of 185 thank you! by kevin111 Jul 26, 2002 (2:20 pm)

#38 of 185 by pablo_l Jul 28, 2002 (1:18 pm)
I just bought into the traditional Saab value propositions after years of owning Jagurs and getting somewhat tired of too much coziness. I think Saab's strength is its difference, and I am not sure positioning themelves smack in the square of the industry standards with 2 4-door sedans is a good idea. I think a more avantgarde update of the hatchback theme would have made them more successful, especially now that cars like the Merc C230 are validating the concept for the $30k+ market. If you get too industry-conform, at some point in time buyers will forget about the "brand values" you originally had, and will simply compare you 1:1 against the competition... and I am not sure people will pick a Saab over a BMW, Merc, Lex or Audi then... not because there is anything wrong with the car, but rather because it takes a while for the public to internalize the new value proposition...
#39 of 185 Abandonment of 'Distinctiveness' by larryjor Aug 13, 2002 (3:23 am)
My brother and I are long time Volvo fanatics (35 yrs) and currently own a '00 T6. Volvo decided to begin to evolutionize their 'look' beginning with the 850 in the early 90s, then really took off with the introduction of the S80. We are totally convinced of the rightness of this corporate change in philosophy. It is not that Volvo changed its total commitment to its core values of safety and concern for the environment. These values have NOT changed in the slightest. The Goteborg management could see the writing in the sand: the numbers must increase in order to survive and prosper. The company had to attract MORE customers. I do not find any substantial difference with what the management in Trollhattan is doing now. They need and want MORE buyers of Saabs. We think they are making the right decision. I am particularly keen on their revised look and the substantial input the engineers have done on this new platform to give it its Saab distinctiveness. The old platform and its quirky image was just that: old and not selling enough cars. Even though it is now much more in the mainstream, I think the new 9-3 has the best chance in many years of improving sales for the company, and survival IS the name of the game. Ciao, Larry
#40 of 185 by dl7265 Aug 13, 2002 (3:48 pm)
The current CAR magazine has a nice write up and several photos of the new 9 3. you can find it at barnes and noble or tke it home for $7.95. overall they praise the new car, other than saying the engine dose not feel like 175 hp and not quite as smooth as the old Saab motor. DL
#41 of 185 dl7265 - hopefully the new 9-3 can match the 9-5 in quality by kevin111 Aug 13, 2002 (9:32 pm)
The old 9-3 was not as reliable as the 9-5. The 9-5 is a very reliable car. Hopefully, the 9-3's reliability and quality will improve. The car looks nice though. The question will be the price point, and how it competes with the ton of other competitors in the entry-luxo market.
#42 of 185 kevin 111 by dl7265 Aug 13, 2002 (10:07 pm)
i bought a early 1999 production 3er and it has been more reliable if you will than any japanese product ive owned,i know most avoid a 1st year production but in my case there have actually been more issues reported with 2000-2001 models. i belive starting with the platform the new 9 3 will prove to be much more substantial.As they point out the question is has too much Saab been removed from the car ?, and how will it stand out in the crowd. However even Saab faithful cant be too disapointed in most of the torque steer being removed..... At 25k and change for a model with standard leather looks like the pricepoint will be a major selling point. Regards, DL
#43 of 185 DL - thank you for the info by kevin111 Aug 14, 2002 (9:10 am)
I thought BMW has a reputation of having problems with first year models, but not afterwards. I see with your 3er, it is not the case. It will be interesting to see how the 9-3 does in the reliability department. heck, I believe the 9-5 uses a GM V6 and has proven to be very reliable. Also, many magazines are quoting the Saab starting at just over $26K (Car and Drive, Edmunds). This will put it in direct competition with a G35 (though more standard features).
#44 of 185 by dl7265 Aug 14, 2002 (7:52 pm)
I had to think the only other 1st model year car ive owned was a 83 T bird. thinking i was Bill Elliot lol 5.0 V8 with 130 hp laughable huh ? anyways i know myself, and Mr Shipo on this board had a early production 328i only had a light bulb burn out in three years of ownership. but back to the topic at hand, as a car enthusiast i hope the 9 3 succeds. 9 3 vs a G35, o my dont want to debate that one, but im sure someone will start a thread. DL