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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#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?
#51 of 185 by magnetophone Aug 22, 2002 (8:39 am)
Hello, clueless! Saab has ALWAYS been FWD, even back in the days when there were no FWD cars. They have always used this layout and it is about as ubiquitous as the centre-mounted key. If you would read the foreign reviews of this car, you'd know that they have considered it to be a very capable, sporty car. If I wanted a true "sports car" like a 911 or something like that, then RWD would be necessary. But on a "sporty sedan", it is not necessary. Your search came to a grinding halt? You should have known that Saabs have always been FWD. That's like saying "Why does Saab use a turbo?" It's completely antithetical. Audi uses FWD just fine and is a very competitive Euro brand.
#52 of 185 by machiavelli Aug 22, 2002 (11:41 am)
I went to test drive it and I couldn't even find where the key went......LOL!
#53 of 185 by machiavelli Aug 22, 2002 (12:10 pm)
Geez, I just found out it was made in Sweden.... LOL!
#54 of 185 Motorweek by dl7265 Aug 22, 2002 (8:37 pm)
had a nice review, the frame is is 4x more rigid than the old one.And no torque steer .pricing from $25,900 thats more accord range than euro cars really.... DL
#55 of 185 by kirstie_h HOST Aug 23, 2002 (10:06 am)
I could be wrong, but in a country that gets a lot of winter weather, doesn't it make sense for their auto manufacturers to cater to that market by offering a lot of FWD and AWD vehicles. Doesn't that make sense? kirstie_h Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host
#56 of 185 by logic1 Aug 23, 2002 (12:22 pm)
Methinks that is what the folks at Saab have said for many a year.