Saab 9-3 Hatchback (1998 - 2002) 2.0t SE (154bhp) 5d Auto (2000/V) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Not really a car for the image. A friend once said it's the car your geography teacher would drive. Oh-hum.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Again, not blown away but converted by the sheer reliability and practicality.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes - does what it says on the tin, without any problems and worth every penny.

What are you likely to buy next?

If only the image were a bit stronger, I'd take a new 9-3.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£5,000

When did you buy the car?

June 2005

Did you get a good deal and why?

I don't think it was a particularly good deal, but it was exactly the right car in excellent condition. It was from the part-ex stock of a Hyundia garage

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Having sold my lovely Volvo C70 to pay for a flat, needed something to plough up and down the motorway for work on the cheap.

What was the dealer like?

Friendly enough, sorted me a reasonable part ex for an old Audi 100 I'd taken off my mum!

What's it like to drive?

Barely need to be there. Some call it boring, but for me it's perfect - requires very very little effort. If pushed starts to understeer but straight line acceleration is great.

What's it like to park?

Find it hard to judge where the back is and always leaving too much room. Other than that fine, although it's a fair size for small garage.

Have you had any problems with the car?

One problem - the air conditioning condenser seized and broke the belt. Left me stranded and needed a low loader to take away. A £500 bill followed :(

What's most practical about your car?

It's good for anything, 4 big doors, huge boot. Good for 100's of miles and trip to the shops. No one will nick it, you hardly notice it.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Auto climate control - I've never turned it off, always just right. Very clever too.