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Saab 9-3 Reliability?

17 messages,  Last post on Mar 06, 2009 at 11:25 AM

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#11 of 17 Re: Saab 9-3 Reliability? [wayland1985] by baldnj Oct 22, 2007 (10:30 am)
Replying to: wayland1985 (Feb 08, 2007 6:11 pm) It unfortunately depends on the model year. The first year of the last generation 9-3 is 2003 (2003-2007). That year in particular had a number of electrical problems experienced by many owners, as this one did. Not all the problems always stay fixed, so there is risk involved in this purchase. As time passed the problems were fixed. My 2006 Saab 9-3 with luxury package and moon roof has had zero problems in 18 months at nearly 17,000 miles. But by that point the car had been built for over 5 years and the problems were worked out. The point is if you like the car enough and want to take a chance, buy it. I previously owned brand new Toyota Camry (1999) and Acura TL (2001). The Camry blew its engine at 21K while the TL blew its transmission at 31K. The point is, no car company is perfect, and all have their warts. You are just more or less likely to suffer problems depending on the model year and brand. Good luck.
#12 of 17 Warning! Change belt tensioner on Saabs by kherrick Dec 26, 2007 (8:32 am)
Have owned a SAAB 9-5 2000 wagon since 2002. Have just suffered catastrophic engine failure at 90k miles due to a failed belt tensioner. Dealer replaced timing belt at 60K and did not suggest that tensioner is just as likely to fail with same result.   We would not buy a SAAB again. It's a part time job keeping this car on the road and the quality level is miserable. Seat belts fall apart. SAAB Logo on hood completely worn away, driver passenger visor fails and good luck finding a replacement part. We have replaced two DI Cassettes and even though they were recalled in a number of early 2000 vehicles SAAB would not provide any relief. Also car is undriveable without snow tires in the slightest bit of snow.
#13 of 17 My Experience by waterdr Dec 27, 2007 (7:26 pm)
I have a 2003 9-3 with 50k on it (CPO car). I bought it at 22k 18 months ago.   When driving it home, the engine light came on. Turned out to be a smog pump and was replaced under warranty with no issues.   When taking it in for an oil change, I mentioned that the door handles were fading and the sun roof squeaked. They sent me home with a loaner and fixed everything. including finding a cracked coil spring. They replaced both under warranty.   Then one day a headlight went out. I drove it to the dealer and they replaced both under warranty.   Overall, my experience has been great. While it has been to the shop more times in 18 months then my Suburban saw in 6 years (lol), they have always taken care of everything.   I am glad to have a CPO car, BTW. Anyone looking for a used Saab, I would strongly recomend not buying private party and instead buy one from a dealer so they can certify it.
#14 of 17 Brake pad life by shihanb Jan 04, 2008 (3:33 pm)
Replying to: r34 (Feb 23, 2007 8:54 pm) I have a 2005 9-3 linear (manual) with 28K miles and the rear brakes needed replacement which is almost unheard of. One would expect the front brakes to go before the rear brakes. I complained to SAAB and the dealer explained that SAAB did that so that the front brakes would have less "dust" on them. HUH? EXCUSE ME? How about equipping the factory cars with ceramic brake pads. If this is the same people who make planes, their pilots are in trouble.
#15 of 17 9-3 2005 ARC or 2006 Sport Sedan? by swink Jan 05, 2008 (11:15 am)
2006 has low mileage (19k) and under factory warranty. 2005 has 39k miles and is CPO. Which is better?   I put LOTS of miles on the car (around 19k / yr)
#16 of 17 02 93 water pump? by Paoluccm Dec 04, 2008 (9:38 am)
My 6 yr old Saab (55K) is going on its 4th water pump. The other ones were replaced while under warranty. Growing suspicious of the dealer with the numerous repairs, we took to another mech who found the source of leak in water line or connection in water line. Unfortunately you need to practically take front end apart (4 hours labor) to get to water line. Anyone else have this problem? Would it be safe to wait a little until something else is needed to consolidate on labor costs? ( We have been replacing the water thats been leaking).   I have to say I love the performance of the car but I didn't expect the car to need so many fixes at a relatively young age (4 water pumps, both dashboard displays on fritz, driver seatbelt retractor doesn't retract again soon after it was fixed by the dealer, brakes replaced sooner than expected, onstar analog service was discontinued, etc.). We have grown weary of dealer when last year said strut was leaking after service check. We got it checked at another shop to check and there was no leak! I definetly expected the car to hold up better. My honda went up to 150K in 10 yrs, got much better gas mileage and didn't need anything other than recommended maintenance.
#17 of 17 belt tensioner failed? by aeroproblemo Mar 06, 2009 (11:25 am)
Hi All, I have a problem with my 2003 Aero. One day she became trembling, shaking and giving diesel feeling from smooth running...during the cold days. Sometimes it goes away but most of the times remains. One of the SAAB mechanic told me to change the belt tensioner another said its normal. Well I don't really want to kill her risking not to change it. If you heard anything about it let me know please...thanks. S

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