Saab 9-3 Convertible (1998 - 2003) 2.0HOT Aero 2d (2002/02) Owner Review
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
I imagine it discreetly states that I like to be different, which I do!
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
They like it. It's a smart looking car.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Yes, more than likely. It's a practical convertible with oodles of power, yet on a long distance run using cruise control, I've managed to average 37mpg from a 205bhp 2.0 turbo. Can't really complain about that.
What are you likely to buy next?
Too many unknown variables to comment upon that at this moment in time!
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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?
£12,000
When did you buy the car?
September 2007
Did you get a good deal and why?
I didn't get much of a discount from the advertised price, but I felt that the car was good value for money anyway, especially considering the spec and low mileage.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
What was the dealer like?
Personable with no pressure to sell at all. A good experience. After sales care was good as well. I opted not to take out the 12 month warranty thrown in and receive a cash discount instead of the advertised price. Within 2 days of buying the car I noticed that the passenger seat would not adjust electrically, due to a misalignment of the motor and gear mechanism. The dealer took the car back from me and repaired it FOC.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Fast, refined and could cruise all day. The 205bhp turbo engine is powerful enough when you need it to be.
What's it like to park?
Like most convertibles, not great, but you get used to it.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Nothing major. A bit of interior trim on the centre console has appeared within the last 6 months, but just needs popping back into place. Also, the dash mounted CD player has stopped working, but luckily replacements can be sourced quite cheaply.
What's most practical about your car?
It's a practical convertible, which is a rare combination! The back seats fold down so you can actually load up the car. Once, albeit with some careful planning, I managed to fit in a load of camping equipment and two mountain bikes (without using a bike carrier) for a weekend away in the new forest with friends!
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
The blackout panel is cool and very useful when driving at night. Also the AS3 audio upgrade is brilliant.
