Saab 9-3 Aero Convertible 2.0T Auto 210 bhp 2005 Review

Overall Rating

Build Quality
Looks
Refinement
Value
Handling

Fuel consumption so far is poor, about 22mpg
Auto box could be better

Just taken delivery of 2005 model Saab 9-3 Aero Convertible 2.0T Auto 210 bhp 2005 sports car to replace a much loved (but impractical for high mileage) S2000 Honda.
This is the second Saab I have had, previously had a 97 model 900 Conv 2.0T, which was a great cruising car but show it a corner and it went all wobbly, and so did I very often!.
The new car is a quantum leap forward in build quality which I think matches or exceeds Audi/BMW (no contest with Mercs, which are total rubbish and the dealers a joke).
I looked at the Audi A4 3.0, but the spec is so poor compared to the Saab. The spec I have got on the Saab would have been about £43,000 on the A4 and it is not £10K better than the Saab if at all. Nice engine on the 3.0 A4 though.
I have got Sat Nav, full 13 speaker stereo (awesome - well worth it) in fact more toys than Hamleys plus a very refined and fast drive.
After the S2000 it seems a bit slow, until you look at the speedo! The performance is very different from the old Saab that was frantic and scrabbled for grip, the new car feels very secure and is unbelievably quiet with hood up at 3 figure speeds. The auto box could be a bit better, it seems a bit slow on the changes, but I have got the "tiptronic" option so can take over manually if I want.
Still running in at the moment, and it does seem very tight and fuel consumption on spirited (not too spirited, honest Saab UK!) cross country runs is about 22mpg which is a bit heavy I think.
I have a dodgy back (used to need a crane to get out of the S2000!), and I think Saab's have the best seats of any car bar none for comfort.
All in all very pleased, I wanted a refined long distance car that looks good hood up and down (wind deflector is a good investment) and the Saab is excellent value and if the reliability is as good as my last one I will be delighted with it - so far so good, no faults on delivery and an excellent handover from Ballards Saab.

Members' Comments onrevvyman's Review

• revvyman on 8th Feb 2005

  update - after 4 months and nearly 9,000 miles I am still delighted with the car, it has been faultless, not used a drop of oil (my last S2000 used as much oil as petrol!). Still think the auto box is the weakest link, a VW/Audi DSG type would be better, but still for my use, lots and lots of traffic jams I prefer the auto. It could use a bit more go, but at least the fuel consumption has got better as the engine has loosened up and it's now around 27 mpg average, which is still a bit low but better than a chelsea tractor!