Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Common Interests info/experiences with saab 9-3s?

I am looking at a white 2003 saab 9-3 Arc with the 210 hp turbo four, 6speed, fully loaded with sunroof, heated seats, 6 disc, rainsensing wipers, xenons, rear park aid, sports suspension and 17 in wheels. its basically an aero/vector with wood interior trim. just doing some research and was wondering if anyone on here owns one or has had any positive/negative experiences with these cars? it is the new bodystyle from 2003 on. any post will be appreciated. thank you

The new 9-3's seem to lose the charm of "real" Saabs and are pretty lackluster from what I heard being based on a Vectra(?) in Europe. Baco99 is pretty knowledgeable about Saab's and might be worth sending a PM to.

a friend of mine has a 2003 and has had a number of electrical gremlins. of course, she complains a lot, so i take it with a grain of salt.

be 100% sure the car has never seen a lot of water (ie - floods). the electrical system is VERY sensitive.

aside from that it is a decent car. good power, great steering, and good handling.

go to the 93SS forum on http://www.saabcentral.com

The 9-3's are/were on my short-list. There are some great deals to be had on them. I wish they would have retained the hatch, but I think the new sedans are beautiful. If I weren't buying an 02 Maxima from a friend, the 9-3 would still be on my list. How much?

they are asking $15,500 but i car bargain down im thinking $1500-$2000. its got every possible option but auto transmission. it has a few scratches but interior is in great condition. outside is very nice too. probably wont buy this exact one. will most likely wait 6 months to a year and keep my eyes out for a similiar or better deal. i am giving my contour to my cousin when he gets his license around that time.


0, and be careful with the maxima. everyone i know who has owned a maxima automatic has had to replace the transmission just over 100,000 miles. hope yours is stick

know 3 people with late 90s maximas that had to have their transmission replaced and 2 people who sold their pathfinders because of transmission problems