Saab 9-3 Convertible (1998 - 2003) 2.0HOT SE 2d (2000/W) Owner Review
-
Summary
What does this car say about you?
Stylish but sensible.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
They loved the looks.
Would you buy this car again and why?
No (aside from SAAB going 'bang'). 9-3s now feel dated and the handling is worrying on the 3 door turbo hatch; sometimes unmanageable in the convertible if at speed.
What are you likely to buy next?
Replaced with a Streetwise because of a long distance/economy commute.
-
Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Independent
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£2,600
When did you buy the car?
July 2013
Did you get a good deal and why?
Yes, a good discount on list price. Buy cheap though; there's loads of these about and there's little residual in them.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Low mileage, owners, value and SAAB reputation (had many older SAABs before).
What was the dealer like?
Honest and approachable.
-
Driving it
What's it like to drive?
In a straight line below 70 and in the dry fine. Around bends, in the wet and above 70 a nightmare. There's far too much power for a Vectra derived chassis worsened by bad scuttle shake. Don't bother with the HOT; you can't use the power safely. Nor is it very economical (I struggled to do more than 300 to a tank with a light foot), despite the ECO engine.
What's it like to park?
Being a convertible; some blind spots but not particularly large so easy.
-
Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
The steering rack went but was affordable to fix. Also, rust around the windscreen frame: These are VERY COMMON.
What's most practical about your car?
Not much; it's a convertible but it can seat four in comfort.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Power roof and leather.
