How Reliable Are SAAB Cars? Are Saabs a good purchase for a used car? And if so, then which year and models make the best used Saab to buy? Why you need to buy a Saab? Are Saabs good cars and whether they are worth hunting?
There are many questions ahead of us, but there are right answers. Buying a used Saab car might save you upfront money, but it may cost you a lot more over the long term. If you decide to buy a good used car, in my opinion you might as well spend a little more to mitigate the risks of car repair, etc.
Are Saabs good to buy and, if so, why? We love them. If you want one, get one, but learn to do some work yourself. Saab makes some of the most comfortable front seats in the business, they are cool, Cheap to buy and insure (depends on the market), they are reliable/robust (1,000,000,km), Lots of power, Saab has always designed safe cars…
Peter Rhyne is his experience of Saab’s car ownership summarized in a single video clip:
When it comes to used cars, the Saab 9-3 stands as a captivating option, offering a blend of performance, comfort, and style. While the idea of buying a used vehicle may raise concerns about reliability and maintenance costs, the Saab 9-3 seems to shine through as a diamond in the rough, as claimed by many enthusiasts and owners. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the allure of the Saab 9-3, examining its various model years and key features that make it a worthy contender for your next used car purchase.
The Saab 9-3 Legacy
The Saab 9-3, produced between 2003 and 2006, boasts a legacy of combining sporty performance, luxury features, and affordable pricing. It’s worth noting that the Saab brand has earned a reputation for designing cars with a focus on safety and innovation, making the 9-3 an appealing option for those who prioritize these aspects in their vehicle choice.
Model Years and Key Features
2003 Saab 9-3 Aero: A Sporty Touch
The 2003 Saab 9-3 Aero offers a blend of performance and comfort that sets it apart from its competitors. With its turbocharged engine, the 9-3 Aero delivers ample power, making it a joy to drive. The leather seats add a touch of luxury to the interior, ensuring a comfortable ride even during long journeys. The model also introduces innovative safety features, reflecting Saab’s commitment to creating secure vehicles.
2007 Saab 9-3: Evolution and Refinement
The 2007 Saab 9-3 marks a transition year, bringing refinements and improvements to the already appealing package. With upgrades in both design and technology, the 2007 model year demonstrates Saab’s dedication to enhancing the driving experience. Available in striking colors like Snow Silver, the 2007 Saab 9-3 not only offers performance but also catches the eye.
2008 Saab 9-3 2.0T: Turbocharged Excellence
The 2008 Saab 9-3 2.0T continues the legacy of its predecessors with a focus on turbocharged excellence. Equipped with a turbo engine, this model year provides an exhilarating driving experience while maintaining fuel efficiency. The leather seats and other interior features make for a comfortable and inviting cabin, perfect for both short commutes and long journeys.
Reliability and Long-Term Ownership
A crucial aspect of purchasing a used car is its reliability and longevity. Many Saab enthusiasts and long-term owners have reported positive experiences with their vehicles. The Saab 9-3’s robustness and reliability are highlighted by instances of cars reaching the impressive milestone of 1,000,000 kilometers on the odometer. This durability is a testament to Saab’s engineering and the care that owners put into their vehicles.
A Enthusiast’s Perspective
Peter Rhyne, an experienced Saab owner, expresses his satisfaction with his Saab 9-3 ownership in a video clip. After over a year of ownership and covering more than 100,000 miles, he aptly describes the 9-3 as a diamond in the rough. He emphasizes the car’s exceptional value, combining sporty performance, luxury features, fuel economy, and aesthetics into an affordable used package.
Why Choose a Saab 9-3
If you’re considering a used Saab 9-3, there are several compelling reasons to make the leap:
- Sporty Performance: The turbocharged engines in the Saab 9-3 offer a spirited and engaging driving experience, ensuring that every journey is a delight.
- Comfortable Interior: The leather seats, a hallmark of Saab’s attention to comfort, provide a luxurious and comfortable cabin for both driver and passengers.
- Safety Focus: Saab’s commitment to safety is evident in the innovative safety features integrated into the 9-3, providing peace of mind on the road.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The Saab 9-3’s timeless design and available color options, like Snow Silver, make it a head-turner wherever you go.
- Longevity: The reported instances of Saab 9-3s reaching high mileage milestones are a testament to the car’s durability and reliability.
Conclusion
In the world of used cars, the Saab 9-3 emerges as a gem worth considering. Its combination of sporty performance, luxurious features, safety innovations, and aesthetic appeal make it an enticing option for those seeking a reliable and enjoyable vehicle. While the brand is no longer in production, the legacy of the Saab 9-3 lives on through enthusiasts, long-term owners, and individuals looking for a well-rounded and distinctive driving experience. As Peter Rhyne’s experience attests, the Saab 9-3 is more than just a car – it’s a diamond in the rough waiting to be discovered.
Finally, and why he think buying used Saabs is a great deal: “After a year of ownership and over 100k miles, I can say that the 9-3 is a diamond in the rough, a ridiculously good value, combining sporty performance, luxury features, economy and good looks in an affordable (used) package…GO BUY ONE”
Yes! Very good car mine Saab Vector ss 2003 225 pk !!
I love Saab!
I have a 9.3 saab vector convertible, 2006reg well looked after, been in our family 8yrs, never had a problem,
Would recommend, value for money 💰
Pre 2003 very reliable. The last 7 years GM made them with poorer quality parts. I have 2 Saab 95s.
One 2003 95 HOT Aero 2.3 and a 2004 95 2.0 Estate. The 2004 parts wore out quicker than the 2003.
Cris Savill I have a saab 9-3 from 2008. Currently at 370 000 km. I don’t think so.
Reliable as any other car, if you take care of them
1.9tid was amazing, reliable with just with normal diesel cars issues (EGR, Alternator). 900 was ok but this stupid clutch cable was a horror.
It’s a love affair and it was fixed two days later! Back on the race track already 🙂
Mine 99 from 1969 stil works 😉
My first was a three pot Saab 96, adopted in 1966. Loved the freewheeling lifestyle. After seeing footage of some guy surviving a side swipe from a train I had to have a 9000. Sit in the cockpit of a 9000 and you’ll realise why people claim Saabs are made from jets. I got through a quarter of a million miles with the next one, a ng9-3. After many years of borrowing courtesy cars from our local Saab specialist I fancied a goose, a stately old lady. Then, another 9-3 until my current ride, a MY11 fwd 9-3x wagon, the best of the flight.
I see a lot of newer Saabs (2003+) with high mileage.
And a lot in good conditions, because the owners live their car.
I think Saab is the best choice of you want a powerful, comfortable car that is fun to drive (like German cars), but also reliable. (Like Japanese cars)
My 2001 9-3 has 289,000 miles and drives like it’s new. It’s only problems have been small ones, or repairs one would expect after high miles like suspension.
Great Motor,have a 93 2011,the last before they went into liquidation,and I absolutely love it,its a Shame they are no more …
Oui , saab est la meilleure des voitures
Engines bulletproof
Electricals fart proof at best
Some Electrical components, yes, but the wiring, nothing special except ( like most old cars) check the grounds and the plugs at the bottom of the engine bay.
Pierre Lahaie Going thru it now. My 06 9-3 has a mind of its own. New problem is hazzard lights come on when the car is off.
Hopefully there are Saab mechanics in your area! 1989 Saab 900 Conv Owner.
Great cars if only there is any metal left behind the plastic side panels under the doors.
No better, no worse than any other well maintained car. Electrics usually die though, same as the thermostats
I have owned secondhand and over ten years old Saabs.
9000 2 Ltr Turbo S
9000 2Ltr Turbo
900 Coupé 2Ltr Turbo S
900 Coupé 2Ltr Sensonic Turbo S
95 Eco Estate 2Ltr Turbo
95 Hot Aero 2.3Ltr Turbo
These 6 cars have been reliable because in the past the cars have been serviced regularly and if parts needed replacing, they were. All cars came with service history. And if they were really excellent I would pay more, if the car was very good I would pay a fair price for both parties. And if it was rough or poor service history, walk away.
Other than that, as with all cars a Baden is hell and a goodie is heaven.
Live forever if you maintain them like you should.
Saab så verden, verden så bare ikke Saab . Derfor døde Saab
Most reliable vehicle I have owned compared to Asian brands
Most reliable European brand
Reliable, yes, but you need to have a very good relationship with your mechanic, because you have to go several times a year to fix something.
My 93 sport sedan 2.2 tid has 602.000km. She Is still a miss😍😍😍 no other to say
My 9-3 NG TTiD had a couple of annoying issues like turning the engine off while overtaking on the motorway lol, inter cooler pipe cut open, and LOTS of noises coming from the cheap plastic dashboard and door panels. I would buy it again, powerful, good fuel economy, fairly comfortable ride and above all it saved my life in a nasty crash
Any car is only as reliable as it is treated and serviced – Saabs are built like tanks and sometimes neglected because of their durability and ability to withstand mistreatment ….. I encountered a 9-5 recently just going past 273000 miles ❤️
My 2006 93 Aero was incredibly reliable especially for how I treated it at 19… my TurboX is a nightmare.
Saabs are generally reliable if well maintained. The older models tend to have a better build quality, but I guess its because the newer versions were built by Vauxhall And not saab. I’ve had several 93s and the only thing I didn’t like was the cheap plastic in the cockpit.
Miss my 9-3 SC -08 no big issues With it just went on
I had a dosen of saabs and compare to other cars, modern, full of tech ,i trust simple Saabs more as far as relaliablity
I think the critical thing with these cars is the cam belt being changed at (each) 60,000 mile interval and the oil change each year. Have owned a few Saabs over the years!
Of course they are reliable, SAABs are excellent cars with an excellent reputation! The styling is unique!
One of the best cars I’ve ever owned…
The engine is basically just a LSJ ECOTEC but its turbocharged, its a very reliable engine, the electric faults are the main problem of this car.
Pretty damn reliable. I’m a saab technician and plenty of saabs that come into the shop have over 250,000 miles on them
Mines 28 year old and I still smile every time I drive it
My 9-3 from 2010 with the 2 liter turbo has only 310000km, but still shining, looks and feels great.
Before I had a German car from 2005 with the same mileage, but on the same age that car had much more troubles.
I also have a car from Japan, same reliability, but the saab drives with much for fun and comfort.
For me is the Saab the best of all, a car with a soul, drives great, and reliable.
Let’s face it if you own a SAAB today it’s going to be a bit of a survivor. Mines 19 years old now and it’s one of the newer ones. It’s reliable in the fact it still works. Lots of niggly things fail but this all come with age. It’s never actually let me down though. But does it drive like new? No. Does it put a smile on your face? Yes
To James Killan
just get a set of new front wishbone rubbers and maybe dampers and it will feel almost new. I also upgraded from standard spring/dampers to 2014 model sport setting on my 2005 sedan. Worked great! Not especially expensive either. If unique Saab parts would be difficult to find abroad the I suppose the GM-Opel chassi parts should be possible to use. I bought new aftermarket rear calipers a couple of years back and payd 50 dollars each which is really good. Brake disks and pads are also really cheap.
I’ve had Saabs exclusively for the last 14 years and had no major issues , there is general maintenance like any other car and things wear out but I wouldn’t hesitate to buy another . Currently my son , husband and myself all have Saabs which are used as dailys x
1999 9³ SE Sport HOT has not had a fail to proceed in the 7 years I’ve had it, AC lovely and chilled (serviced every 4 years or so), heated seats work lovely. The aerial did need a new mast though!
I’ve had 3 Saab 93’s, run each to nearly 250k miles and never had a serious problem with any of them. If you take proper care of them they are extremely reliable cars
My 93 aero TTid 180 i sold last year with 290,000 miles on it it was the most faithfull reliable car i ever had.
I think and really hope that SAAB 9-3 NG 2002 – 2012 are a god choice!
You are having 3 different cars 4-D, Sport-Combi and very popular 9-3 Cab, build from the start with high demands!
Up to 2006 no problem, GM took over and ruined the Brand.
Bought new Our 2001 Aero convertible 96500 miles still going strong a bit quirky but still a lot cheaper to maintain than any new car and less depreciation.
I have owned three 9-3 NG’s. Two first ones had around 250K miles when I sold them, my current 2.0t is around 200K at the moment. All have been reliable, no issues. Door locks work as they wish, other than that normal maintenance and upkeep has been enough. Enjoy every day the comfort, power and still good looking design of this car!
I drive about 50 miles a day 5 days a week and i have had my car 93 1.9 tdi since feb this year and nothing had gone wrong with it.
I own 4 9-5 TiDs. 2 saloons and 2 wagens. Love them. Oil and filter changes regularly. Brakes and pads like any car. Mi 40’s to lower 50’s mog depending on gearbox and journey. Most comfortable cars you’ll ever drive.
Things will go wrong but the engines if well maintained they are good for 250000, 500000 etc compared to other cars, Saab are well engineered.
My 2004 has just broken down the first time since ive owned it, she wouldnt run, and when it did it was like it was 2 cylinders. After Henry Coombe had a play we found the throttle body had given up, a day later and shes back on the road and giving more smiles again,didnt cost the earth to repair, and thr first time ive had to fix something that stopped it driving. You cant have a reliable 22 year old car. It needs love, but also likes being driven hard too. 💪💪💪💪👌👌👌👌
I paid £750 for my Areo Ttid with a 110,000 miles. Its at 132,000 only paid for servicing every 10,000 miles. I’m doing 20,000 miles a year for work. We have a newish Mercedes 7 seater which I bought outright for £38,000 I put the miles on the Saab, and get paid by work at 45 ppm. I love driving it and it makes me money. Going to get this car to 300k
I was saying to my friend: a guy would offer me a million dollars if I was able to drive back and forth from Quebec to Vanvouver to Quebec with no mechanical work allowed. I would choose my 9-3 2.0 with 134,000 km over a brand new BMW. Having also owned Beemers, new, in 2009 and 2011, I know it would not do it. My Aero probably would. Reliable? Yes for sure.
Saab 93 NG are rock solid most of the time if properly maintained… which isn’t hard. Oil, coolant, brakes, etc. mainly. They can get electrical gremlins… but uh, like all new cars have that now, lol
Ive got 304k on my 2003 93 linear I bought it with 196k on it and have just done regular oil changes, sparkplugs twice on it, and it has a BCB tune on it. Though the 2nd owner who bought it at 68k had to do new balancing shafts and timing on it… 😅 and ive just recently acquired an 07 Aero that has 244k
I’ve owned 20 plus Saabs I’m not good at maintenance and only one really gave me any issues a clutch went on my 96 9000 t on the way to Ocean City. Minor issues but overall great cars and very reliable and like I said I’m not good with maintenance and they never really giving me many problems. Current 2008 9-3t 2.0 standing in front of it you would never even know the car was running , like a Toyota or Honda no sound whatsoever. They’ve been great to me as well as Volvos but better than Volvo