Saab 9-3 Convertible (2003 - 2011) 2.8T Aero Anniversary 2d Auto (2007/56) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

It says that I'm a bit different. I went for the underdog; its not as showy as a Mercedes CLK Cabriolet or an Audi A4 Cabriolet and its more user friendly than the 3-Series. It also says that I know a thing or two about safety and comfort; the 9-3 Cabriolet is superbly comfortable, even in its Aero form and its one of the safest soft-top cabriolets that money can buy.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They think it's a great car. My family are quite big followers of Saab and were pleased when I bought one. My neighbours still don't understand why I bought the Saab over a Mercedes or Audi.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes, I love this car. It puts a smile on my face whenever I drive it (the so called Saab Smile). Its an unusual car in that you don't see them everwhere, in my area you could line the streets with Audi, BMW and Mercedes Cabriolets.

What are you likely to buy next?

I don't intend to change this car any time soon.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£45,000

When did you buy the car?

January 2007

Did you get a good deal and why?

I didn't get a discount or anything like that, Saab did however throw in a few little accessories and paid a year's insurance for me.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

My 3-Series Cabriolet was stolen so I was forced to change my convertible. My first car was a Saab (9000) and I loved that car so I decided to take the new 9-3 Cabriolet for a spin and fell in love with it.

What was the dealer like?

The dealer was very friendly and efficient. Once I explained the reason I was changing cars they worked very quickly to get me a new car as soon as possible.

What's it like to drive?

It is fabulous to drive, not quite as sporty as the 3-Series and it isn't as powerful. That said when I'm using the 9-3 it tends to be for cruising around the lanes between Chorley and Leeds. Once on a long and open A-Road the 9-3 is fantastic at cruising along at 60 mph with the roof down and doesn't need me to slow down when it comes to tackling tight bends.

What's it like to park?

Dead easy, its got front and rear parking sensors and has good all round visability. Even though it is quite a large car I have had no difficulty parking it in some quite narrow spaces.

Have you had any problems with the car?

I've only had one little problem with it and that was the passenger-side wing mirror would unfold. I took it back to Saab who fixed the problem very quickly.

What's most practical about your car?

The interior space considering that it is a convertible. My elderly grandparent's can get in the back seats of the car with little difficulty. The boot is large enough, even with the roof down, to take four suitcases.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The six speed automatic gear box with steptronic steering wheel controls. Thanks to this I can drive the car as I want to without having to take my hands off the steering wheel.