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Saab 9-3 Convertible

77 messages,  Last post on Apr 06, 2011 at 3:40 AM

You are in the Saab 9-3 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Saab 9-3, Convertible

Messages Page 6 of 9

#43 of 77 Annoyed by arig

Jul 23, 2007 (1:33 am)

i previosly owned 1998 Honda cr-v (awesome car) and i was about to buy a 2007 toyota rav4 cruiser L when i was put off by the long waiting list. My dad persueded me to buy a saab as he said they are mechanically well built and are reliable and sporty. I went to test drive them but felt a bit ressentfull after hearing negative feedback such as bad resale value and problems with the vehicle. I decided to go ahead and purchased a 2007 saab 93 linear convertible (black). I have had one problem so far (8 months) which is in all 2003> saab 93 convertibles which is were the rim of the left front tyre becomes smooth. I phoned saab and they said they do not recommened a wheele rotation as it is a waist of money. I am also annoyed as the 2008 saab 93 is coming out and i want to get rid of my swirl marks on the black car which are only visible in the direct sun.

#44 of 77 pumpkin coach by arig

Jul 23, 2007 (1:38 am)

I was looking for a safe car for my son and by buying a second hand saab any car in generall you are buying someone elses problems with that money rather buy a 2007 vw golf which i just bought for my son and is incredibly safe and relaible even the polo.

#45 of 77 2000 9-3 convertible by d0nman

Aug 05, 2007 (10:57 am)

Just adding my own experience... I currently own a 2000 9-3 convertible, at about 78000 miles, 5-speed base model. I owned one previously, a 2001 SE model, but it was an automatic so I didn't keep it. These cars do feel a bit "loose" in stock form and there is cowl shake, as previously mentioned. To remedy this problem, as many have done, I ordered a steering rack brace, the 6-point subframe brace, and the 22mm rear anti-sway bar, and the car literally feels better than new. I cannot believe how much fun this FWD vehcle is to drive now. For a little over $500 this car is completely transformed and for once I find myself not wanting to look into how I could get "something better." I also added the armrest/storage compartment accessory from Saab and that pretty much has perfected it. IMO, no power upgrades are even necessary, though I'm sure someday I will want to do an ECU upgrade and a sport exhaust
 
I've owned several cars, with the performance oriented ones being an '03 Nissan SE-R SpecV and a '99 Corvette, and for my main vehicle the Saab honestly wins hands-down compared to any of them. Obviously the three are in completely different classes, but the Saab is more comfortable and performs on-par or better than the Nissan (with the mods), and is more practical and easier to tool around in than the Vette. I feel like I will drive this one as far as it will reasonably go, and then move on to another 9-3 convertible. Hopefully someday I get to add another Vette to the stable too for track fun

#46 of 77 Suggestions by ivan_99

Aug 12, 2007 (10:51 pm)

I'm looking at potentially purchasing a 99 9-3 S convertible 5spd approx 70K mi...clean carfax report.
 
I'm not exactly sure which model...as the advertisement just lists 9-3 S and all I can find on the web is...Convertible, SE, and SE HOT...
 
I only will put on approx 8k mi per year so reliability isn't the highest on my list...but it definitely is a factor.
 
Other than a worn out drivers leather seat it looks great; I still have to schedule some time to go drive it.
 
Are there any particulars that I should look for? Certain tell tale signs that I have a "bad one".
 
Thanks.

#48 of 77 Power lock button on '04 Convertible by softtop

Dec 27, 2007 (11:12 am)

Forgive me if this has been discussed, I am new here. I have bought a 2004 9-3 Arc Convertible. It is a fantastic car.
The door locks seem a bit archaic though. For one thing the doors do not lock or unlock automatically, and more importantly, I can not find a power lock switch on the passenger door. The manual seems to indicate there is a twin to the one on the driver's door but mine doesn't have one.
Any help or thoughts would be welcome,

#49 of 77 2008 Reliability by heisnstein

Feb 11, 2008 (10:04 am)

I am considering a 2008 Aero convertible, but have been a little spooked by Consumer Reports' reliability survey of the 2006 model. Does anyone have any information (preferrably non-anecdotal) as to whether the 2008 model is or is not more reliable?
 
thanks.

#50 of 77 Re: 2008 Reliability [heisnstein] by eurospecialist

Feb 11, 2008 (10:16 am)

Replying to: heisnstein (Feb 11, 2008 10:04 am)
The 2008 Saab 9-3 just received the "recommended buy" from Consumer Reports. Sorry, only lists all 9-3, as does not break them down by trim level.
 
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/models/new/saab/9-3/sedan-2-0t-4-cyl/ove- rview.htm

#51 of 77 Re: 2008 Reliability [eurospecialist] by heisnstein

Feb 11, 2008 (1:05 pm)

Replying to: eurospecialist (Feb 11, 2008 10:16 am)
Actually, if you are a CR subscriber and take a look at the reliability history, the history is "average" for the sedan and "below average" for the convertible. Since CR does not assign "Recommended" to cars that have "below average" reliability, the "Recommended" status is not for the convertible. I'm curious because neither CR nor JD Power have any results for any model year after 2006.

#52 of 77 Re: 2000 9-3 convert. modifications to brace body by blynch

Mar 22, 2008 (5:06 am)

Replying to: d0nman (Aug 05, 2007 10:57 am)
Don,
 
Curious where you had this work done. Considering doing the same for my '02 SE. Love the car (only had it for a month) but drive a lot of back roads on my daily commute and would like to get rid of some of the shakes.
 
-Brian

Messages Page 6 of 9

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