Other Saab 9-3 (2002 - 2011) models:

  • Summary

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What does this car say about you?

    I want something different. Having owned BMW's, Merc's and Audi's, I'd say the Saab is individual.

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

    They think it looks good, especially in the Aero specification.

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    Maybe. The car is let down by little things - switches and general construction of the interior isn't the best. However, you get what you pay for. Just don't expect German engineering on the interior!

    What are you likely to buy next?

    Possibly a Golf or BMW 5 series. But for now I'll stay with the Saab and see how we go.

  • Buying experience

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Didn't buy from a dealer

    Did you buy this car new?

    No

    What price did you pay?

    £5,000

    When did you buy the car?

    January 2014

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    I think so. It was up on the mileage (99,000) but seemed to have been looked after and I was prepared to spend a bit of money on it to put anything right.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    Wanted a smaller estate with a decent amount of power.

    What was the dealer like?

    N/A

  • Driving it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What's it like to drive?

    Hard ride on the aero set up, but handles well. The autobox helps with wheelspin from a standing start but you have to be gentle in the wet - lots of torque on these cars.

    What's it like to park?

    Very easy, especially after driving an E class estate for 2 years! Parking sensors help but not essential.

  • Living with it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    A one off blip where there was a lack of power up to 3,000rpm. However, for the price I paid I expected something to not be right. Going to a Saab specialist to have a once over. Other than that, fantastic to drive.

    What's most practical about your car?

    Boot space is great. Rear legroom poor, especially if you have a rear facing child seat on an isofix base and you're over 6ft in height!

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    Seats are comfortable and the general layout of the dashboard is good. Having come from an E class Merc the gadgets were never going to be as good, but compared to a 3 series it's much better for toys etc.