Saab 9-3 Saloon (2002 - 2011) 1.9TiD Airflow 4d (150bhp) (2006/56) 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?
In three years of ownership this has rapidly gone from the best to the worst car I have ever owned.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Frightened away from Saab by the number of major faults experienced.
Would you buy this car again and why?
No, NEVER! Too many reliability issues for a wannabe prestige brand. Local dealer extremely patronising.
What are you likely to buy next?
Alfa Romeo.
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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?
£13,000
When did you buy the car?
May 2007
Did you get a good deal and why?
Absolutely! Purchase price at the time for a 6 month old 7k car was £7000 below list and £3000 below the local Saab dealer equivalent.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Quality prestige brand image.
What was the dealer like?
Fantastic. An honest, straightforward hassle free deal.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Very soft when cornering with plenty of understeer. Delayed power response when pulling away from a standing start.
What's it like to park?
Not a problem. No parking sensors on this model but rear visibility is good.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Failed alternator. Failed front springs. Failed air inlet valve. Failed flywheel. The first two faults were repaired under warranty but the valve cost me £240 and I am now facing an eye watering £1200 bill for the flywheel.The car has only 43k on the clock! Local Saab dealer and Saab GB totally uninterested. I have been utterly disappointed with my first and LAST Saab ownership experience.
What's most practical about your car?
Decent sized boot with split rear seats.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
