CTC Review: 2008 Saab 9-3 Sedan

[si]

ugh.

I HATE rev hanging.  I'd avoid this car on that fault alone.

[superukr]

US is only place in a whole world you can buy SAAB for cheap

[TopGun]

How very un Saab interior wise. 

Here's a very SAAB like interior...

[EX SAAB OWNER]

I loved driving my Saab convertible. I loved the torque steer, the explosive turbo acceleration, the great driver's seat and instrument panel, the key in the floor. It was a great car to drive. It was also a crappy car to own. I got it used and got a deal and that was good because I spent a lot of money repairing things. The dealer (Hyatt in Calgary) could not fix 2 small but very annoying problems. They had a special Swedish mechanic and he worked on the car for an hour and then admitted he couldn't fix a faulty high beam. He admitted it!!!

I loved the look of the last model - not the latest upswept headlight one in this review - and even with all the hassle I considered getting one. Reason prevailed and I got a new Eos which was $15,000 less and had the folding hard top and actually has a resale value.

I've had an Audi and a BMW.The Saab was a better driver's car than either of those. The Eos is powerful and smooth  but some days I miss that wild ass torque steer and hang on to your hat turbo lag.

Saab has really blown a good thing. The brand has an inherent value - or else they wouldn't sell any cars - that they don't seem to be able to make much use of.

[JT816]

Mitlov Says:
Today at 09:18:43 am
Quote from: JT816 on February 13, 2008, 11:16:38 am
I don't think you can sell a vehicle today when all you do every 4-7 years is a minor refresh look to the exterior while keeping just about everything else (engines, interior, etc.) relatively the same.

"2003: All-new-generation 9-3.
2005: Wagon body style added to sedan and convertible.
2007: Turbo V6 added to engine lineup.
2008: Aesthetic restyle.  Optional AWD added.  High-performance Turbo X model (280 horsepower) added.

While Saab is taking longer than typical to release the third-generation 9-3, they've done a LOT more than typical to update it throughout the second generation.  The TSX, for example, between 2004 and 2008, received a 10-hp bump and a minor restyle in 2006.  That's it."

What I meant was how this generation of 9-3 still looks like an updated refresh of the previous generation (both inside and out). You're right about the TSX but at the same time, why would Acura mess with success? At the very least, they have a brand new 2009 TSX coming out that is different than the current generation (including rumoured new engines choices for the 2010 models).
My aunt had a 2000 9-3 which I spent some time in and I must say, the interior and exterior are not that much different than the 2008 model. She had planned to lease to  lease the vehicle for 36 months then buy back but the nuissance of constant problems/repairs even after less than 2 years made her change her mind and she was so glad to get rid of it after 36 months. Customer/maintenance service was terrible at 2 different Saab locations who charge at a premium but doesn't give back perks, quality, and services of a premium luxury brand. Funny thing is, even the Saab mechanics laugh at the stupidity of customers buying Saabs when they know reliability and quality is so poor. One of them actually told me he figures only about 1 in every 15 Saabs can make it in its first year without an unscheduled maintenance visit for something and that over 50% of them don't make it past 5 years.        

[Mitlov]

What I meant was how this generation of 9-3 still looks like an updated refresh of the previous generation (both inside and out).

But that's not what you said--you said "engines, interior, etc."  And the second-generation 9-3 has had several significant engine changes during its run.

I agree that the first-generation 9-3 and the second-generation 9-3 look very similar inside.  (Then again, Audis look very similar inside from generation to generation).  I couldn't disagree more about the outside looks.  They're not even the same body style!  (Sedan versus hatch).

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I liked the 9-5 updated front end, but don't really like any of the updates to the 9-3. Time for a redo. XWD is welcome addition tho.

[Mitlov]

I liked the 9-5 updated front end, but don't really like any of the updates to the 9-3. Time for a redo. XWD is welcome addition tho.

Really?  I'm the opposite.  I think that the new 9-3 looks great, but that the new 9-5 is the most hideous thing I've ever seen.  I particularly hate the chrome surrounds on the headlights.

[hero-shimmer]

US is only place in a whole world you can buy SAAB for cheap

I am looking for a new 07-08 93SportCombi and found American list price or TMV price of 27000US$.
If Saab Canada sells at this price,I 'll bite.
But Saab US dealer refuses to sell a brand new Saab to a Canuck and assist with export procedure.

So bye bye Saab,hello Subaru

[Giant Dwarf]

I liked the 9-5 updated front end, but don't really like any of the updates to the 9-3. Time for a redo. XWD is welcome addition tho.

Really?  I'm the opposite.  I think that the new 9-3 looks great, but that the new 9-5 is the most hideous thing I've ever seen.  I particularly hate the chrome surrounds on the headlights.

  I'm with you, Mitlov.  I like the looks of the latest 9-3..... but then, I've got a bit of a softspot for Saabs.  My dad had a couple of them and my best friend has had a lot of success with his '99 9-3.

With XWD and the turbo V6 (is a stick shift available in that combo?), it could be a very interesting car. 

James, your concern about running out of fuel when using the Night Panel is unfounded.  Unless things have changed, when using the Night Panel, if anything of 'concern' comes up (ie. running low in fuel), that warning light or guage will light up to notify you.

[Mitlov]

  I'm with you, Mitlov.  I like the looks of the latest 9-3..... but then, I've got a bit of a softspot for Saabs.  My dad had a couple of them and my best friend has had a lot of success with his '99 9-3.

With XWD and the turbo V6 (is a stick shift available in that combo?), it could be a very interesting car. 

Yep.  The Turbo X comes with either a manual or an automatic.  I'm sure that the upcoming XWD Aero will also have a manual--Saab's much better about that than Volvo--though I don't think that the details have been published yet.

My main beef with the Turbo X is that it's overpriced, like most other limited-edition top-of-the-family-tree performance cars.

[safristi]

 ....Just U 'n Me babe...............

[jochi]

As a proud owner of 2003 9-3 Vector it never ceases to surprise me how equally brilliant and frustrating this car is.  The engineers seemgingly overthought every ergonomic detail, expect for the fact that is takes a 3 step process to turn from AM to FM on the radio ().  What are some of these examples?...

When you clean your windsheild (with 3 jets spraying 6 directions), the wipers will sweep a few times like any other car.  But after it stops sweeping for 5 seconds, it will sweep one more time just to wipe off any residual fluid.

You can cutomise your radio volume and heater settings to default everytime you start the car.  So if you left the volume on full blast when you shut the car, it will revert back to a default volume.  If you leave your heated seat on, it'll shut off the next time you turn it on. 

It's the little things that bring me so much joy with this car.  Not to mention the smooth responsive turbo.  Even with the GM-ization, the 93 is all swede.  I have the impression that people who discuss this car have never driven and experienced day to day action in this gem. It's mostly hearsay and 3rd party conjecture.  Example: Saabs are expensive to maintain. Truth: synthetic oil change recommended by the manufacturer every 10000 MILES, intermediate services less than once a year. (the last one cost me $320, at the stealer)

Sure it's not perfect... the suspension is prone to noises on cold days, the ride is a little harsh (with the aero package). It's not the fastest, sharpest, or rides the smoothest, but it's less tangible attributes make up for it's lack of impirical prowess.  I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this car to anyone. 

On a side note, there's nothing dangerous about the night panel function.  There's no need to check you gas every few hours.  If you are running out of gas the fuel gauge will light up, in spite of the night panel being on, informing the driver that gas is low. Brilliant. Further to this, you can continue to check your trip computer or fiddle with the sound system as the car is in night mode.  After you check your info, the lights on the trip computer will shut off again in 10 seconds. Brilliant.

[Mitlov]

Jochi--thanks for the first-hand feedback.  I wonder if some of the "GM have ruined this car" crowds really understand that it's a platform-sharer, not a rebadge job.

It's a shame Saab has a nonexistent network where I live (nearest dealership is five hours away).  Otherwise I'd love to test-drive one.

[wing]

jochi good comments, yes I liked some of those features in buried in the settings having the heated seats turn on automatically in the morning as well as the rear defrost was nice.

Regarding the gauges, I love how people harp on one sentence in the entire review.  Of course it will light up but when the fuel is low, but I'm thinking about the trip in the middle of nowhere when low is too late and 1 hour ago was probably "low enough." as you wooshed passed the last open gas station for miles.  If you are in downtown Toronto, it's not an issue

[Giant Dwarf]

...well then Wing, ya should've better planned your trip (like a Saab-driver would).   

Jochi, thanks for the input.  The little niceties you mentioned I think are more a function of playing in that market segment (my '04 Audi had the programmable radio volume features and the 'extra sweep' of the wipers) too.

Service isn't any more outrageous for the 9-3 than it is for any of the other cars in the segment (except for BMW and Audi who offer FREE service for 3-4 yrs); but the parts costs can be wacky.  I remember my dad being both pleasantly suprised by some items costing less than those for my mom's Accord, while others were outrageously expensive. 

[ghost]

While my saabaru was in for a rare service. We took out a 9-3 Sportcombi for a spin with my 6mth old in tow. It was the Aero V6 HPT version. Comfortable. Relax. Some of the interior trims weren't up to it's asking price standard. My wife thought the LCD digi-readouts reminded her of the 80s. One of the plastic piece by the handbrake came off during the test drive. Being the V6 version it had nice pickup despite a lag b/t the transmission and the engine. Hey Pistons pay attention! Handling was alright. I wasn't expecting much. Not as tossable as the saabaru though.
Jumping back in the 92x it felt more upbeat whereas the Sportcombi was more of a tourer. Certainly a good vehicle for trips to Okanagan or down Oregon.
Did you know that the V6 Turbo is from Holden? Aren't I the Saab Specialist now eh? 
If only I can find that dang trunk release! 

[inco]

Which is from Holden - the engine, the turbo, or both?

[wing]

Ghost, that same plastic piece fell off on my car .... when my g/f tugged on it.  But yeah it is an odd piece of trim.

[articsteve]

When you clean your windsheild (with 3 jets spraying 6 directions), the wipers will sweep a few times like any other car.  But after it stops sweeping for 5 seconds, it will sweep one more time just to wipe off any residual fluid.

That is one of the most annoying features I have experienced in any car.  By the time the delayed wipe comes around it's only good for a dry smear because any residual fluid is already blown off.  Drove me mad.   

The hatch (best hatch in automotive history) and the seats, floor key, in that order, made the rest of the package some what bearable.  Removal of the hatch makes Saabs lease only units, IMO.