Saab 9-3

oodes

So has anyone any experience of the 9-3 ? Looking at purchasing an 08 model.
Some mixed reviews online.

biko

Moved out from an old thread.

Kopparberg Strawberry and Lime

no actual experience of it but I love the looks of it but its basically a opel vectra underneath

that put me off buying aswell as no main dealer or anything and lack of parts !

colm_mcm

That old chestnut. It doesn't share anything substantial with the vectra

biko

Why does everyone keep chanting that same old crap as soon as Saab is mentioned? So what? It also shares the Epsilon platform with several cars. And it makes it easier and cheaper to get parts.

OP, Saab 2008 is a fairly reliable car, much more so that early 2000s that had some electrical and sludge issues. Ignition coils can be an issue.
There were a lot of changes from 2007 to 2008 which is usually a case for concern but it seems to have worked smoothly.
Read some reviews online and test drive it and decide for yourself is my advice.

harg90

colm_mcm wrote: »

That old chestnut. It doesn't share anything substantial with the vectra

Ehmm accept engine, gearbox, and some suspension and brake components??

dinneenp

I have a 2002 Saab 93.
Currently looking at changing it, will probably trade it in for a 2009 Saab 93. The other main contender at the moment is a 2010 Mazda 6 but it's €2,000 more (Mazda- 1 year newer and 20,000 miles less).

I think it's a lovely car, so comfortable & great interior. ( didn't have any problems with mine, expect the turbo, cost a load to replace. the 2009 one I'm looking at doesn't have a turbo.

lifer_sean

colm_mcm wrote: »

That old chestnut. It doesn't share anything substantial with the vectra

harg90 wrote: »

Ehmm accept engine, gearbox, and some suspension and brake components??

Colm, I have to agree with harg90 on this one. Even things like the internal fan motor is the same (motor same, different connector, but it works). Of course lots of stuff is not the same, eg any of the bodywork components obviously.

I'd view the component sharing as a good thing, should leave it easier to source some parts going forward.

colm_mcm

Apologies, I was thinking of the usual Saab 95 is an 88 vectra argument

harg90

dinneenp wrote: »

I have a 2002 Saab 93.
Currently looking at changing it, will probably trade it in for a 2009 Saab 93. The other main contender at the moment is a 2010 Mazda 6 but it's €2,000 more (Mazda- 1 year newer and 20,000 miles less).

I think it's a lovely car, so comfortable & great interior. ( didn't have any problems with mine, expect the turbo, cost a load to replace. the 2009 one I'm looking at doesn't have a turbo.

Mazda 6 is a brilliant car.

in my opinion the interior of the new saabs isnt near as well finished or put together as they used to be. ya they have a styling but poor quiality plastics.

id go for the mazda 6 to be honest, but not great room in the back

oodes

Thinking along the same lines myself. Seeing lots of 9-3's on the road and they are a sweet looking motor although my mechanic has told me to steer clear. Looking at either Saab 9-3, Mazda 6 or the Volvo S40(Honda Accord would be number one choice but I cant justify the extra 3-4k) Anything after 08 for the cheaper car tax. Whats the feedback on the Mazda 6?

The Pontiac

oodes wrote: »

Thinking along the same lines myself. Seeing lots of 9-3's on the road and they are a sweet looking motor although my mechanic has told me to steer clear. Looking at either Saab 9-3, Mazda 6 or the Volvo S40(Honda Accord would be number one choice but I cant justify the extra 3-4k) Anything after 08 for the cheaper car tax. Whats the feedback on the Mazda 6?

Why not the Volvo S60, it's in the same class the 9-3, Mazda 6, Accord?

The S40 is the same class as the Focus, Astra etc...

oodes

Don't like the S60 , looks like something from the 90's. Plus the S40 is cheaper and its a much sweeter model that a focus

The Pontiac

The 9-3 might be a nicer looker than the S60, but the S60 is a superior car. And I'm an owner of a 9-3.

I agree the S40 is much nicer than the Focus, even though they're built on the same platform.

dinneenp

oodes wrote: »

Thinking along the same lines myself. Seeing lots of 9-3's on the road and they are a sweet looking motor although my mechanic has told me to steer clear. Looking at either Saab 9-3, Mazda 6 or the Volvo S40(Honda Accord would be number one choice but I cant justify the extra 3-4k) Anything after 08 for the cheaper car tax. Whats the feedback on the Mazda 6?

I sold my 02 Saab 93 and bought a 09 93 Diesel.
Very happy with it so far. The interior is a bit more plasticy that my old one but not off-putting (unlike Mondeos; I really dislike their interior around the CD player, controls area).

Was very close to getting a Mazda 6 but it was €2k more than the Saab. Mazda is a big more spacious (more leg room in the back). We have an S40 as well and out of the 3 the Volvo is probably my favourite (has comfortable leather seats).

Saabs do seems a bit cheaper I think cos a lot of people wouldn't go for one.
I asked my mechanic which he'd pick- Saab 93 or Mazda 6 and he said Mazda straight away but I got the Saab anyway.

oodes

Yep thats whats pretty tempting about the Saab's , the price is that little bit cheaper and looks great, but good to hear from some owners. I have to say I'm leaning towards the S40 at the minute but the right price on either could swing it. What size of engine you have in the S40 dinneenp?

dinneenp

oodes wrote: »

Yep thats whats pretty tempting about the Saab's , the price is that little bit cheaper and looks great, but good to hear from some owners. I have to say I'm leaning towards the S40 at the minute but the right price on either could swing it. What size of engine you have in the S40 dinneenp?

I have a beautiful, well kept 2005 Volvo S40 1.8 litre petrol.
Some things are small but nice about it-

• On the inside of the door the door handle panel sits out from the door. So you can rest your elbow on this when driving which is comfortable (please don’t reply saying you shouldn’t do this…)
• It has ‘pouches’ (or whatever you call them) to the front of the front seats, handy for keeping items in (mobile etc.)
• It has a nice area behind the CD/temperature panel which is great for storing a bottle of water.
• Leather seats are very comfortable.
• Central console unit is big, good for storage.

I'm thinking of selling it and buying a nice but cheap (tax and petrol cost) run around car as we have the 09 Saab now.

oodes

Its a good sales Pitch
Have to say I'm impressed with them myself. Diesel is the only option for me for the cheaper tax and fuel also. Thought you might have had the diesel. Can get them in 1.6, 1.8, 2.0 dsl , VRT is high on the 1.8 and 2l but you want a bit of poke also. Could be looking at 3k VRT on the 2l 09's from the north. the baxtards! ;D

dinneenp

also beware the BHP of the car.
Mine is 150, the CO2 emissions are 156 which puts it just about into the 156-170 band and makes tax 570.
The 120 BHP is lower so 'only' €390 per year.
When buying mine the dealer told me it'd be €390, sufice to say I'm not happy.

oodes

Cheers for that , that was one of the main reasons I want to upgrade , didn't know that was the case with 150 BHp models. Another point for the Volvo