Saab 9-3 Review (1998 to 2002)

Quick Summary

With the 9-3 range, Saab has aimed to offer individuality without the downsides. The larger engined models can't really be recommended as their power deployment leaves a bit to be desired, but track down any of the others and you're likely to have a sound purchase on your hands. The diesel and 2.0T models are especially good, and the convertible is one of the most suave and urbane on the market. As Swede as a nut? They just might be.

Overall:

Models Covered:(3 dr coupe, 5 dr saloon & 2 dr convertible 2.0, 2.3 petrol, 2.2 diesel [S, SE, Aero, Viggen, Airflow])

HIGH RESOLUTION SCAN

The Saab 9-3 range is the mainstay of the company's recent commercial success. Aiming to compete head-on with the likes of BMW's 3 Series and Audi's A4 models, the 9-3 represents a slightly quirkier alternative. Since acquiring Saab, parent company General Motors have done an admirable job of improving quality whilst still allowing the cars to retain their inherent 'Saab-ness.'The range consists of three-door coupes, five-door saloons and a very attractive array of convertibles with a number of somewhat complicated engine options and trim levels. For a stylish method of racking up big miles in an effortless manner, a used Saab 9-3 is a good bet.
Used Saab 9-3 for sale

History of the 9-3

The 9-3 marked a completely new philosophy at Saab. It's predecessor, the 900 range was never quite sure what part of the market to target, with a very wide spread of models. The 9-3 was launched just after the bigger 9-5 range, the '3' and '5' designations making it clear which of BMW's ranges Saab were tilting at with the new cars. A fourteen car 9-3 range was launched in March 1998, with three trim levels, base, S and SE, and four engines. These consisted of 2.0i (130bhp), 2.0T (185bhp) and 2.3i (150bhp) petrol installations and the 2.2 TiD (115bhp) diesel unit. Factor in the three body styles of three-door coupe, five-door saloon and two-door convertible with two transmission options and the available permutations start to skyrocket.To try to explain further, all engines are available with all trim levels bar the following. The 2.0 T and 2.3i engines were only available in S and SE guise in fixed roof models, and SE trim only in the convertible. The 2.2 TiD diesel engine was only offered on fixed roof five-door cars. The range was added to in June 1998 with the launch of a light-pressure turbocharged version of the 2.0T engine. Helpfully called the 2.0t, it developed 154bhp and replaced the 2.3i versions.In November 1998 another engine variant was launched, the HOT designation, basically a powerful 2.0 turbocharged unit developing 200bhp. June 1999 saw the launch of the Viggen 2.3i versions, which developed a mighty 225bhp and were available in all three body styles. September 1999 saw the introduction of the Aero models with the 2.0 HOT engine. These models boasted a striking bodykit and a lavish equipment list. The diesel range, which by now also came with three doors, also gained a short-term Airflow edition, which looked sportier and was priced to sit between the S and SE trim designations. In August 2000, the 2.0t engine was improved with extra torque, though outright power dropped to 150bhp. The turbo diesel was also improved. Meanwhile, the Viggen was dropped due to poor sales and the Aero models upgraded. In late 2001 the appeal of the 9-3 range was boosted with some tweaks to standard trim and a rethink of gear ratios resulting in a 5% improvement in economy. Saab also curiously started dubbing the three-door version the 9-3 Coupe.
Used Saab 9-3 for sale

Saab 9-3 Road Test

It has to be said that the 9-3 is a competent, comfortable and reliable car, but the exciting sports models are exciting for the wrong reasons. Any car trying to deploy 230bhp through its front wheels is on a sticky wicket and the Viggen models of the 9-3 range were never the happiest handlers, displaying chronic 'torque steer' – the condition where the car seems to veer about as its wheels scrabble for grip. Unless you find enormous tyre bills amusing, its best to stick to cars with engines no more powerful than the 185bhp 2.0T.The 2.0T models are a different story. Smooth, refined and well equipped, they are definitely the pick of the range. The turbocharged engine despatches the 0-60 increment in just 7.1 seconds on its way to a 138mph top speed – fast enough for most. The 2.0t and 2.2 TiD engines are also impressive. The diesel in particular deserves special praise, as it's testament to General Motors' development budget that Saab's first diesel engine is an absolute corker.
Used Saab 9-3 for sale

Buying a Saab 9-3

Few other manufacturers share Saab's reputation for longevity. A well maintained 9-3 should be good for at least a 200,000 miles, so don't be afraid of higher mileage cars. Just be sure that they've been given regular doses of main dealer TLC. One area which is worth checking, especially on the more powerful models, is front tyre wear. As with any powerful front wheel drive car, expecting the front tyres to cope with the demands of steering such a weighty beast and transmitting all that horsepower to the ground is a serious task. A heavy right foot can see front tyres waving the white flag within 5,000 miles, dependent upon make.With the convertible models, check the hood for signs of rips, leaks or damage. Raise and lower it a couple of times to make sure the electric motors are all in good shape and haven't been damaged by ignorant users attempting to operate the hood manually. The hood is a fully insulated triple-layer item with a proper heated glass rear window, and is one of the best on the market for insulating against wind noise. If there's a whistling or drumming at speed, the hood may well be damaged.
Used Saab 9-3 for sale

Saab 9-3 Typical Pricing

The Saab 9-3 has proved a popular and reliable addition to the Saab range and residual values are relatively firm. Opening values for the 9-3 range start at £3,175 for a five-door 1998 R-registered 9-3 2.0i, with three-door coupes around £100 more. The first of the 154bhp 2.0t cars are priced from £3,825 for a 1998 S-registered 2.0t S five-door. You'll need to find at least £5,500 to get hold of one of the five-door 200bhp HOT-engined cars, and it will be the 2.0 HOT S designation. The Viggen models are available from £6,575. Diesel cars are available from £3,875 for a 1998 R-registered 2.2TiD S five-door, and you'll need to pay another £200 for SE specification.Convertibles start from £6,975 for a 1998 R-plate 2.0i S with an SE trim being around £300 extra. Later 2.3 Viggen Convertibles are available from £10,125. Insurance ranges from Group 10 for the 2.0i models right up to Group 17 for the powerful Viggens.
Used Saab 9-3 for sale

Saab 9-3 Parts

(approx based on a 1998 9-3 2.0i) It's apparent where Saab have taken a delve into the capacious GM parts bin. Certain items are very cheap, especially for a car that competes head on with the BMW 3 Series and Audi's A4. A clutch assembly is in the region of £250, and brake pads are £50 a set for the fronts and £35 a pair at the back. A radiator is a fairly reasonable £200, and a headlamp unit is comparable to most major rivals at £170. A starter motor won't see change from £180, whilst an alternator will only see small change from £260. An exhaust system is around £310, again, not unreasonable for a classy executive car.
Used Saab 9-3 for sale