Saab 9-3 Hatchback (1998 - 2002) 2.0t SE (154bhp) 5d (2002/02) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
Anti-image, left-field, appreciates design.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Love how practical it is.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Possibly the Aero three door version - looks brilliant but again an old model with handling issues.
What are you likely to buy next?
Depends what I need at the time; either another Saab, possibly a Volvo or Golf GTi Mk5.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Independent
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£1,100
When did you buy the car?
September 2015
Did you get a good deal and why?
Part-exchanged a 900 at a specialist.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Wanted a bigger car that was also comfortable and quick.
What was the dealer like?
Not bad, fixed some little niggles before I picked it up.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Quick when you want it to be and relaxed when you want it to be. It does suffer from body roll a fair bit however the steering is light enough to make it feel like a smaller car than it is when driving around town, which makes it rewarding. On the open road, it's 2 litre engine means you can sit at 70 upwards and the revs are low, with still plenty of power to overtake at just a touch of a toe.
What's it like to park?
Light steering so easy enough to maneuver but tricky to work out where the boot finishes.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Only the reverse light not working in the three months I've owned it so far. Was a courtesy car at a Saab indie garage so has had everything major needed already done - new clutch, new turbo.
What's most practical about your car?
A huge boot and hatchback. Five doors.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
The green-lit dials, and possibly the rarely-used night panel mode.
