SAAB Reviews

Long term Review: Should I buy a Saab 9-3 2003-2006

Unveiling the Timeless Appeal: Exploring the Saab 9-3 Legacy and Its Allure in the Used Car Market

Reliable Saab

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…

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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”

Goran Aničić
the authorGoran Aničić
For over 15 years, Goran Aničić has been passionately focused on Saab automobiles and everything related to them. His initial encounter with Saab cars took place back in 2003 when the first Saab 9-3 and sedan version were introduced. At that moment, he was captivated by the car's Scandinavian design logic and top-notch engineering, and everything that followed stemmed from that first encounter. Later on, through his work at the editorial team of the Serbian automotive magazines "Autostart" and later "AutoBild," he had the opportunity to engage more closely with Saab vehicles. In 2008, he tested the latest Saab cars of that time, such as the Saab 9-3 TTiD Aero and Saab 9-3 Turbo X. In 2010, as the sole blogger from the region, he participated in the Saab 9-5ng presentation in Trollhättan, Sweden. Alongside journalists from around the world, he got a firsthand experience of the pinnacle of technological offerings from Saab at that time. Currently, Goran owns two Saabs: a 2008 Saab 9-3 Vector Sportcombi with a manual transmission, and a Saab 9-3 Aero Griffin Sport Sedan from the last generation, which rolled off the production line in Trollhättan in December 2011.

8 Comments

  • 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.

  • 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.

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