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.
Well-managed, stiff sports suspension, extensive standard equipment
Problems with the electronics, fuel consumption could be higher
Year: 2005
Engine capacity, l: 1,9
Fuel Type: Diesel
Gearbox: Automatic
Body type: Estate
Car description
I bought it in 2005. Body type: wagon. The mileage – 185.000 km. The car seemed to be in a good condition. I believe it wasn’t used for any company’s purposes ‘cause the previous owners really knew how to take care of it well. Before I got it I had been looking for hatchback or wagon type of vehicles. The reason for such my decision was the need to take a bike, a snowboard or other interesting things while traveling, which usually didn’t fit in a sedan car. So eventually I have chosen SAAB, because these cars are reliable enough (despite electronics), buoyant, youthful and not that often noticeable on the roads. High safety level was another factor playing an important role while selecting the right car for myself. My car was made in Sweden, in Trollhatan factory and it is equipped with ABS, ESP, traction control system, brake assist technology, 8 airbags. You will always find a standard climate control system too. The car is sporty, has a solid chassis, well-manageable on the road, but not too hard and perfectly reduces joggles or bounces on bumpy rough roads. Basically, SAAB is a kind of car which some like, others – don’t, but it doesn’t leave anyone indifferent and it is not as boring as some of its German competitors. In stead of buying a German vehicle, you can buy a well-equipped and newer SAAB for the same price.
Performance
My engine is 1.9 TID 110 kW with 150 HP and an automatic sequential 6-speed gearbox. These engines have been supplied to most of the Fiat, Vauxhall vehicles with similar years. Fuel consumption – quite high, but this is due to the specifics – I drive short distances in the city therefore the engine fails to heat up. Since I have to spend a lot of time in traffic jams, naturally it takes more fuel – approximately 10-12 L/100 km. The situation is completely different when I’m out of the town – approximately 6 L/100 km.
Reliability, running costs
I have little information about maintenance costs for not much has been replaced or fixed. Since the chassis is shared with Vauxhall, the price of the chassis parts is reasonable, I suppose.
Recommendations to buyers
In fact, there are no cars that would not need to be more or less repaired. I always recommend checking the gearbox, engine and the chassis first.