Saab 9-3 SE Turbo

I had a Saab 9-3 turbo convertible. W reg for a year and I spent a fortune on it as it was always breaking down. i.e turbo went on the engine. Cam belt came off, crack in drive shaft. I loved the car when I bought it but it let me down on more than 1 occassion. I was very dissappointed. I now drive a Toyota, and what a brilliant car this is. I have not spent a penny on this car in a whole year apart from an interim service - and even that was faultless. My advice - buy a Toyota. They are the most reliable cars ever.

I bought this Saab 9-3 SE Turbo on a whim, and I think I made a good decision. My wife had a cow when I purchased it because her father had an old Saab that was always in the shop.

Well after she drove it she too likes it. It is fast, comfortable and sleek.

Now the bad, the top hydraulic system cylinder started to leak. I replaced it and then found a leak in the hydraulic hose on the other side. After I repaired the hose, a small leak started in the coolant resorvior. I replaced it then the trip computer began to have missing pixels in the display. I was able to fix it thanks to a Google search. The car also has had 2 alignments in 1 year.

All I can say is thank goodness I am a backyard mechanic, the Saab dealership wanted $1500 just to fix the hydraulics.

The Saab 9-3 SE Turbo is an excellent all round car - at home on long journeys (has a great trunk and very comfortable). Power comes in smooth and strong. Fuel consumption can be fairly high (low 20s) when booting it.

Bought the SAAB 9-3 Convertible SE Turbo secondhand a few months ago with 75,000miles on it but with perfect service history. Drives and looks as new. I would like to have heated seats so I would feel even more toasty in the winter with the top down. This car is a wolf in sheep's clothing. There may be fractions of seconds in performance terms between the SAAB and equivilent BMWs, Volvos and Audis, but the torque in that all important 50-70 range is mighty for a 1985cc engine in a car weighing 1300kgs! Ergonomics of the cabin easily the best in class and boots size too. Seats very comfortable - better than BMW or Audis I have been in. SAAB independant I take it to has same engines coming through with 200,000miles on them. They go wrong if you don't service them enough or properly. Sure, some things could be better, but nothing as good at this price. Also I find the BMW image a bit wide-boy these days, the Audi is OK but a little 90's wannabe-yuppie, and the Volvo a bit too 'Dad'. The SAAB has that 'in the know' appeal without being too smug.

For the person (Swen from Sweden) that mentioned that Fiat is a third world country car therefore implying that Italy is a third World country, please get your fact straight.

Unlike you, Italians are one of the most civilized countries in the world. Obviously Sweden is lacking class if people like your self live there.

As you mentioned (aside from the unnecessary comments), Fiats are in a different class. It's like compairing a Chevy to a Cadillac, it's just not the right comparison. There are cars out there that are truly pieces of trash, but they are faster then the luxury cars. does that mean one is better than the other? No.

Anyway, I hope Swen realizes the error in his/her way.

FIAT TURBO I.E v/s SAAB 900 Turbo... I have a friend and he has a Saab 900 Turbo 90'. We race in a 1/4 mile and my FIAT TURBO I.E 90' kick his ass!!! Fiat rulezzz!!! :)

The Saab 9-3 turbo is is a great car for those long journeys when you dont want to feel every imperfection in the road. The Power is fantastic and makes a great sound. The car oozes quality and stands out as being a classy motor in black.

Highly Recommended