Otherwise, I'm amazed by the car some times. This iteration of Saab's 9-3 offers secure handling and impressive crash-test results. This defect eventually created a diamond-shaped notch in cylinder wall and head. Maybe I've just had bad luck, but that is my story with my 03 9-3. Note: Special Coverage 10086 will replace the passenger side seat belt retractor if it fails, free of charge, for the life of the vehicle. One of my main concerns is the transmission. Lots of issues associated with that year.
The only things that have gone wrong are electronic problems including bad speaker amplifier, bad passenger seat belt sensor, and the driver door lock isn't automatic anymore. Caught on inspection during oil change. There's only been little things like the cup holder that is under the back seats gers stuck all the time. Been a road warrior for me so far. Aside from that, I've had to replace both sway bar links twice which is odd to me and have a rattling noise coming from the front when it's cold out, which no shop seems to be able to figure out my guess is it's part of the strut mount gasket shriveling up.
. Its size and price tag place it in the upscale sport-sedan class, but the 9-3 doesn't measure up to tough competition. Additionally, some of its quirky controls have been improved since its introduction. If they took care of it. So I just ignore it. Stupid things like the front bumper spoiler will set you back about 300 bucks just a smallish pc. Not engine nor trans nor turbo problems but every fucking thing else has been a pain in the ass.
And the back window seals were really cheap rubber. I drive her carefully and take her to the shop all the time. You're probably thinking of the C900s which had fragile transmissions auto or stick. So I'm thinking about buying a 03+ 9-3 sedan fairly soon and was just wondering how reliable they are in comparison to the first gen 9-3s. Clutch, slave cylinder and master cylinder had to be replaced, too.
Create your own Saab flair! Ultimately was the fuel pump, which of course occurred after the engine and clutch had been replaced. Even completed two cross country trips this summer. I would like to state for the record all repairs have been completed at the dealership. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture. It's actually the most civilized convertible I've ever had. Owners may contact Saab customer service at 1-800-955-9007 or Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000.
Things that should be simple like water pump call for speical tools you will never use again in you life and your entire weekend or you can pay someone, the book calls for 1k in labor. Read about it If you own a Saab, wish you owned a Saab, or just think that Saabs are the coolest cars on the planet, välkommen! All of these are more of an inconvenience than anything. Our top-of-the-line turbocharged V6 Aero model has quick and smooth acceleration, but lacks the refinement of the best sport sedans. Just click the edit link above to personalize your username. It was sticking and using damage. The recall began on March 1, 2017. It leaks oil still after doing the oil pan and valve cover gaskets.
Good luck, and post pictures! Try for a 2005-2006 or newer, but watch for the 2. The recall began on October 6, 2015. I bought the car used with 24k, and besides having to replace a front spring warranty , the only major service I've had done on it was replacing the fuel line level sender tank indicator showed empty when full. Owners may contact Saab customer service at 1-800-955-9007. Mechanicals have been the best part of this car.
You have to remove the gas tank to repair, so the cost to repair is not worth it to me. I got the replaces with metal ones and have never had a problem. But I guess it depends on who owned it first. Engine was replaced with a used long block. It's the electrics that have caused me issues. All in all, very minor stuff.
If the drove it like hell, you could have problems. Currently has 189k+ miles and is still going pretty well all things considering. The radio still works great. And I have never had a problem. When the top's up, it's quiet and warm. I have an '06 9-3 with just under 60k on it.
But if you do buy an 03, I would get the On-Star antenna on the top replaced or buy a cap to go on it. Had a body computer issue that killed the battery and some window control switch issues. I know the og 9-3 manuals aren't the most reliable so how are the 03+ ones. . . . .