Saab 9-3 Sportwagon (2005 - 2011) 1.9 TiD Vector Sport (150bhp) 5d Auto (2005/55) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
A sense of style and individuality.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
I don't know, neither do I care!
Would you buy this car again and why?
No. The build quality is not up to German standards and the Alfa Romeo / Fiat designed diesel engine is harsh at low speeds and under hard acceleration.
What are you likely to buy next?
Mercedes E430 CDI saloon (4 litre V8 diesel only available in mainland Europe in LHD) or Mercedes C350 Estate with all the toys (My previous car was a Mercedes C250 Turbodiesel 5 cylinder 2.5 litre W202 which I ran to 213,000 miles: I loved it).
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Didn't buy from a dealer
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£7,000
When did you buy the car?
June 2011
Did you get a good deal and why?
Yes. £7,000 for a car in immaculate condition, which had cost £30,000 new, with only 43,000 miles on the clock, Full Saab main dealer service history and 10 months extended warranty.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
From a trusted work colleague with & with 10 months extended warranty.
What was the dealer like?
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Very powerfull, it has a Hirsch engine management upgrade producing 175bhp. It will cruise happily at 120mph on unrestricted German Autobahns. But it is also light and easy to drive in town with it's auto gearbox and light PAS.
What's it like to park?
Easy due to the electric mirrors and Park Distance Control, although I wish it also had this on the front like Mercedes.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Yes 1. Inlet manifold and rear suspension bushes replaced under warranty. 2. Front anti-roll bar drop links replaced out of warranty, at my expense.
What's most practical about your car?
It's large load capacity. Anything you can buy from Ikea will fit in a Sedish estate car! Also has roof rails. Roof bars and a tow bar added by me. The ultimate practical car.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Business pack: Integrated Radio, CD, Sat Nav and Telephone. The car has it's own phone number, how cool is that!
