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Does any body on the BR have experience of running a new Saab 9-3, I was interested to know how they drive, performance, economy, reliability, cost of serviving, dealer attitude etc etc...in addition given that new Saab's are based on a GM platform has SAAB reliability and performance been comprimised in any. Any replies will be appreciated. Thanks
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Hi Kal,
"Does any body on the BR have experience of running a new Saab 9-3"
Which 9.3 are you referring to ? Do you mean 9.3s in general or the newest model currently available ?
I've got a 9.3 TiD (Feb 2001) which I purchased Jun 03 with 15K and would be pleased to provide my comments should you require them.
Essential info is included in 'Car by Car Breakdown' (top left) in the meantime
Ian
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Thanks for replying, yes I have read the car breakdown section on th web site, I was referring to the very latest generation cars which I beleive came out in late 2002/2003.
In nany event how is your peforming?
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I have a 53 Reg SaaB 93SS 2.2 TiD Vector I bought new and have since done 16,000 miles.
It is generally a good car in fact the best ultra long-distance car I have had. No really significant faults except for a noisey exhaust flexi-coupling which was replaced under warranty.
MPG just keeps improving as the diesel motor loosened up, now averaging 44-45 mpg with up to 48 Mpg at steady and reasonable motorway speeds.
Things to watch out for are :- Low profile tyres on the Vector/Aero models give a bumpy ride and wear rather quickly on the front.
The only other thing is the expensive SaaB dealer service costs even compared to BMW or Volkswagen.
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Try this link to Saabscene, a site with many fora dedicated to Saab:
www.saabscene.co.uk/ubb/ultimatebb.php?/topic/21/3...l
This particular thread specifically covers reliability.
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Kal,
One thing to be aware of is the new and apparently superior diesel engine is available from mid September. It's the GM 1.9tdi in 120 and 150 bhp flavours, and worth hanging on for if your that way inclined.
CF
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Regarding Kals comments,
Yes it seems there are 2 new 1.9 SaaB diesels on the way, which are using the Fiat direct injection unit. I think these will be 120 and 150 BHP variants.
The 1.9 engine will be quieter at low speeds and tickover than the 2.2 unit, but I have heard that this engine is rather fragile in terms of reliability, used mostly in Fiats, Alfas and now the Vauxhall range.
The only real drawback with the 2.2 unit is its slightly noisier than some of the newer diesels at tickover and low speeds, but on the motorway it is magnificent on all fronts...
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Only buy it if you enjoy 60%+ depreciation after 3 yrs and parts and service charges that are second only to Mercedes. Also bear in mind that you'll be paying a hefty premium for what is just a badge engineered GM product.
GM has been expecting Saab to do a Volvo.... but hasn't been prepared to make the investment, unlike Ford. So they've ended up with Cavaliers wearing 900 bodies, 95s extending the use-by date of the 9000 to 20 years, and now rebadged GM products.
In addition, they have just transferred the engineering department to Russelheim, Germany, birthplace of such progressive masterpieces as the Calibra and Tigra.
GM are seeking a wider buyer base for the marque. In doing so, they risk losing not only the new market they are chasing, who won't be fooled into paying extra for the Saab badge when they can go to their Vauxhall dealer and get the same product for less, but also Saab's traditional buyers who would no more buy a Vectra than slice a finger off.
Badge engineering was a failed strategy in the sixties and seventies when BMC/BL tried to fool the public that a different grille, wheel covers and trim made a Wolsley out of an Austin. It didn't work then and for all the marketing smarts GM may have at their disposal, I don't believe it will work any better on this side of the millenium.
Rumour has it that Trollhatten is to be closed in around 4-5 years time, when all so-called-Saabs will be built in Opel's plant in Germany.
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I'd second that. I've been having terrible trouble sorting out an electrical fault in the glow plug circuit of my 03 reg 2.2 TiD. The saga is recounted in this thread and I'm still waiting for a sensible resposne from Saab after 6 months.
www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?f=4&t=23...8
Saab Central (www.saabcentral.com) is a also a good source of information.
I have rarely had 45 mpg from the car - 40 is more realistic in it's current state. It is, however, the most comfortable motorway cruiser I've ever driven and, if the dealer could sort out the glow plug problem and it ran well I would probably still consider another one. Sad isn't it!
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With regard to the comments concerning SaaB service costs, I completely agree !
Having not researched this before I bought one, on the basis that Audi/VW/BMW were all expensive and I couldnt see Saab being much if any different, how wrong I was !
My Saab 93 TiD is just abiout to get its first 18000 service, and no matter how I argue with the dealership I can't get this basic service down to much less than £300.
Hey come on guys this is just an oil and fuel filter change plus some oil !
However regarding the depreciation, the 93SS seems to be faring better than Saabs of old, as the 3 yr residuals seem to be holding up at about 48% depending on model.
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The old Saab 9-3/900 (approx '93 to '02) was based on the '89 to '95 Cavalier platform, the 9-5 (approx '98 to date) is based on the '95 to '02 Vectra platform so Saabs on GM platforms are nothing new.
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In fact the Saab 9000 - a truly superb car in its day was based on the Fiat Croma - a truly dire car in its day.......
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Oh come on guys
They took a Wartburg 3 cylinder 2 stroken engine renown for its unreliability and made it reliable. Similarly the Ford V4, the Triumph etc. They stood up to Ford on the rallies. They lead on built in rollcages. They lead on knock detectors, and turbos.
Sorry, that was when they were Saab. Sorry
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