The second-generation 9-3 model went on sale in early 2002. The biggest change is that there is no version of the hatchback left. The car is powered by 4-cylinder or 6-cylinder V-shaped atmospheric or turbo engines, the most powerful of which is a 250 hp 2.8-liter V6 turbo engine. 9-3 like all Saabs is a front-wheel drive car with four-door sedan, station wagon and two-door convertible bodies. The car has many innovative safety features. The 9-3, like the Opel Vectra, is built on the global GM Epsilon platform, which has been further extended to accommodate four new cars - the Chevrolet Malibu / Malibu Maxx, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura. However, Saab has heavily modified this platform (60%) to accommodate the four-wheel drive system and other Saab-specific features.
Sporty and at the same time aggressive look, well-equipped, quite powerful, but has economical engine
Front panel is worn out; sometimes strange scratches can be heard in the interior
Year: 2004
Engine capacity, l: 2,0
Fuel Type: Petrol
Gearbox: Mechanical
Body type: Saloon
Car description
I bought this car almost 10 months ago. Since I’m not crazy about any concrete brand, I’ve chosen this vehicle randomly. My other option could have been Volvo S60 but after trying both of them and due to better mobility, more “lively” engine eventually I’ve made a decision to go for SAAB. The mileage the car has done during those months is 15.000 miles and I can tell that this vehicle still keeps surprising me in a good way. The car looks sporty, has 17 inch rims, is quite low and has a sleek silhouette. It also has stylish thresholds and aero trim. Inside the car you’ll find all equipment needed: air conditioner, leather interior, electric car mirrors and windows etc. Of course, don’t expect too much comfort for this is a more “sporty” model; but stability at any speed and confidence in this vehicle will compensate everything.
Performance
It has 2.0 turbo engine with a manual transmission and 129 kW – enough powerful; however it doesn’t have that type of “crazy” traction which could be felt in case of AERO model (I’ve tried it, with 154 kW and believe me it runs like a beast consuming 22 mpg which is unavoidable). My vehicle is already 10-year old, but the engine is still “alive” and it doesn’t require much oil. Since it’s designed to run on petrol, I had no major problems and I hope I won’t have any in the future.
Reliability, running costs
Once I changed only the generator and that was all. I think models like this don’t lose their value, because of two reasons: first, they’re not very common; second, the choice of gasoline/petrol engines used for the manual transmissions is not that great either. Finally, don’t be naive to sell the car after a couple of years for the same price – this never happens :)
Recommendations to buyers
If you are about to buy SAAB, find a qualified mechanic and ask for help to find the right car for you.
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