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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#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
#45 of 185 DL - the more competition the better! by kevin111 Aug 14, 2002 (10:08 pm)
The BMW 3-series is still the standard for entry level luxury cars (even though some G35 owners would debate that), but the more competition and cost savings that occure the better it will be for the average buyer. Personally, I am not a Saab fan, but hope it does well. The better it does, the more other car manufacturers will have to rework their cars to compete. This happened with BMW when the IS300 came out (base models had more standard features).
#46 of 185 kevin by dl7265 Aug 15, 2002 (7:59 pm)
guess there arent any Saab posters left, oh well, i just posted on the 3er board of my disgust with t a $750.00 price increase on the 3er for MY 03.So much for competition huh ? Guess BMWNA dont think they have any.... far as the extra standard features they also raised the invoice price 1% that year , negating the extra features.What are you shopping for btw ? DL
#47 of 185 DL - you will laugh by kevin111 Aug 17, 2002 (10:28 pm)
Actually, I just recently bought a Subaru WRX. I had tested a used 3-Series with the sport suspension, and the car was not for me. The G35 intrigued me, but did not come with a stick, could not get it below MSRP, and needed a car. I will be interested when another comparison test happens with the Saab. The previous one was known as a fun car, if you can get by its idosyncracies. One last item on the Saab 9-3. The one item that bothers me is the center console layout. Too many buttons. The buttons are small and all are the same size. I know it is minor, but that was the only thing I noticed about the interior that I did not like. A loaded Saab 9-3 below $30K? It will sell, and be a major competitor.
#48 of 185 no teasing by dl7265 Aug 19, 2002 (10:29 am)
Congrads on your purchase ... wagon or sedan ? . I want to like the Subies, my recent trip to the Poconos were all over the place. Unfortunatly a few things keep me away. One is i cant set in a cloth car without getting a nasty shock! And the other is its a little on the smaller side.Not any worse than a IS mind you, matter a fast to me that IS300 is a joke at 36k, should have been a yota at 24k.. good luck DL
#49 of 185 Thanks DL by kevin111 Aug 19, 2002 (2:31 pm)
I ended up getting a sedan. I actually liked the the cloth seats in the WRX, but did see one with aftermarket leather coverings. Looked really nice. The new 9-3 should be bigger on the inside (from the pictures) and definitely looks more luxurious than the WRX. Also, Saabs have a reputation (if I remember correctly) as being a very good bad weather vehicle. Finally, snow tires might help your current car. People on these boards have been praising the Bliztaks for their bad weather handling.
#50 of 185 just doesn't make sense??? by philly2002 Aug 22, 2002 (8:32 am)
Saab is a luxury car? Yeah right? Saab wants to compete with the big european carmakers? Fat chance. I just received a promo mailing card regarding the 2003 9-3 and decided to investigate further. My search came to grinding halt when I discovered that the Saab is a FWD vehicle!! If I'm going to drive a "sports sedan" I must have RWD or an optional AWD system at my disposal. Why isn't Saab stepping up to the plate?