2000 Saab 9-3 Consumer Reviews

It's what you know about high output

Written by: derekdrl on 05/21/2008

Vehicle

2000 Saab 9-3 4 Dr STD Turbo Hatchback

Review

First of all I hear people talking about sludge in a turbo motor, only thing is if you ask 90% of them people they were using conv. Oil (its a high output motor that needs synthetic motor oil) 2nd thing is there are some things wrong like the hud (heads up display) big deal, but in comparison to other vehicles in class small problems are worth the 10k in savings, I've made my Saab a full blown race car and beat it up pretty bad and things have gone wrong but the heart of the vehicle is as strong as the day I bought it. So what I'm saying is if you are cheap on parts and service (I. E. - synthetic oil every 3k miles and premium gas then that's what happens). It's not a Ford!

Favorite Features

sports car for good price

Suggested Improvements

Bigger factory brakes and HUD worked, and stiffer springs

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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stay away from this car

Written by: Anna on 05/15/2008

Vehicle

2000 Saab 9-3 4 Dr STD Turbo Hatchback

Review

I must say , it is a great car if it is drivable. Everything in this car broke, starting with trunk lock and ending with the engine. The extended warranty for oil sludge is the biggest scam. The Saab admits that there is the problem but at the same time they the requirement for the warranty is all oil change receipts from the beginning. I am the second owner of this car. I am missing only 2 oil receipts from the first owner ( 20,000 & 30,000 miles). The Saab Corp. refused to replace my engine because I am missing these 2 oil receipts. The worst service ever. After thousands of $$ I spent on this car , it is a junk now worth $0. I am preparing for a law suit now. Stay away from Saab

Favorite Features

fun to drive(when it drives) and design

Suggested Improvements

leave the same body and build reliable car inside

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Fast, fun and functional.

Written by: menzo on 10/08/2007

Vehicle

2000 Saab 9-3 2 Dr Viggen Turbo Hatchback

Review

This is the definitive Saab. Best Saab ever, only the '78 99 turbo compares. It is not a typical 9-3. It has improved suspension, wheels, brakes, aerodynamics, seats, electronics, computer settings for the engine (higher horse power). Overall it is a pleasure to drive. Instant acceleration, great cornering, handling and control when braking at high speeds. Because of the high torque it does have torque steer which is most noticable at lower speed acceleration. 31+ mpg highway - 29 mpg country road commute. This car is for you if you enjoy windy country roads taken at fast speeds.

Favorite Features

Plush leather seats with side restraints that keep you locked in when diving into corners. Suspension gives it a stiff ride but worth it for the performance. Instant acceleration, can pass almost anything anywhere. Stealth appearance, looks like a 9-3, moves like a Porsche.

Suggested Improvements

Better SID (display units crap out).

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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S-hameful A-utomobile A-lways B-roken

Written by: Used2LoveSaabs on 04/08/2007

Vehicle

2000 Saab 9-3 2 Dr SE HO Turbo Convertible

Review

I bought my Saab used in 03 with 52000 miles on it, expecting to keep it for 10 years. The car has been a constant repair nightmare and all issues are apparently well known problems with this model. The worst issue has been the engine completely blowing at 96,000 miles due to "sludge" build-up. It cost me about $7,000 to replace mine. I have been stranded twice due to DI cassette failure and twice for serpentine belt failure. I have also had to replaced the AC compressor. Do not buy!

Favorite Features

The car is gorgeous, fast, good on gas, and great even in snow.

Suggested Improvements

7 out 8 people found this review helpful

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Reliable for the first 50,000...

Written by: Peterz on 01/14/2007

Vehicle

2000 Saab 9-3 2 Dr STD Turbo Convertible

Review

The car was fine for the first 50K, after that everything that could go wrong did. I maintain the car religiously, keep it in a garage and still it is a headache. For the past 12 mos my repair bill average $550 a month (three towings so far), including turbo for $1900, fuel pump assembly $550 and (yes!) a driver seatbelt for $470 (and I use a solid local repair shop not the dealer that charges a first born).

Favorite Features

Car general design (attractive and eye catching), roof retraction system, drive comfort.

Suggested Improvements

Quality of parts and assembly, left foot rest for driver (it should be straight, not tilted to the side), extended warranty option (although I know why it is now NOT being offered).

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Fun to drive

Written by: Turbolover on 12/10/2006

Vehicle

2000 Saab 9-3 4 Dr SE HO Turbo Hatchback

Review

This car is amazing. It is extremly fun to drive. Interior is comfortable, not to mention the huge trunk space. Only problem is the display unit is starting go, a problem Saab fixed on the newer models.

Favorite Features

Turbo!!, Interior, trunk space, stereo.

Suggested Improvements

Display unit

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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2000 Saab 9-3

Written by: Zach on 11/05/2006

Vehicle

2000 Saab 9-3 4 Dr SE HO Turbo Hatchback

Review

I bought my 9-3 SE with 56k, and a year and a half later I have 85k. It turns out that the Cat. converter was mounted too close to the oil pan, thus overheating it, boiling the oil, and causing the infamous sludge problem! I've had my car in the shop 3 times to have it brought back to life after losing oil pressure while driving - not good. The oil screen clogs with sludge and is expensive to remove and clean. This makes the engine work harder and I had to have the timing chain replaced - it was too slack. My last saab 9000 is now 15 years old and still going, I thought another would be a good buy, but I was VERY wrong. Stay away form the '00 and '01 9-3se

Favorite Features

Turbo, body styling, ignition.

Suggested Improvements

Cat. Converter problem, cupholder, heated seats standard.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Mine suffered from oil sludge

Written by: 2000 9-3 Conv SE 2dr on 03/01/2006

Vehicle

2000 Saab 9-3 2 Dr SE HO Turbo Convertible

Review

I bought my Saab 2000 SE Turbo Convertible as a Certified Used vehicle. After having the car for 2 months, the engine completely blew (as well as the Turbo and catalytic converter) because of a known issue with this 2000 model -- oil sludge. I fought and fought and fought for MONTHS with Saab corporate to fix my $15,000 used lemon. Saab Corporate kept insisting that I PROVE the vehicle had proper maintenance (i.e. oil changes) throughout its life. BUT I had JUST bought the vehicle from a Miami dealer as a CERTIFIED USED vehicle. That, by definition, means the vehicle had a proper maintenance throughout its history. Saab eventually replaced engine, turbo and now the car is fantatic!

Favorite Features

After the fix by Saab corporate, the car cannot be beat -- its like a new car -- and i treat it like a baby.

Suggested Improvements

The visibility when the soft top is up is HORRENDOUS. i often feel like I'll get into an accident because of the poor visbility. When the top is down, I'm king of the world, and I can see how everyone else looks at the car when I drive past them. Pure jealousy. So...it's a toss up.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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The Best Ever

Written by: Copy on 12/20/2005

Vehicle

2000 Saab 9-3 2 Dr STD Turbo Convertible

Review

I was a little reluctant to get the new Saab (back in 2000) but something made me to for 3 years later. This convertible is the best ever. In California never Had a problem. It is amazing how fast you can pass any car with the turbo. Even in California this car is an icon and everyone watches you pass. I am proud I made the best decision.

Favorite Features

Fast electric cover (just 14 seconds) super torque.

Suggested Improvements

Cup holders!!!!

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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My 4th Saab, 2nd 9.3

Written by: Pete on 09/14/2005

Vehicle

2000 Saab 9-3 4 Dr SE HO Turbo Hatchback

Review

Bought this vehicle with 32K on it last July. Put about 30K on it in 1 year. Have had no issue issues with the car besides normal maintenance. Great gas milage for the size and performance. Nice highway driving and comfortable. I very pleased with vehicle to this point.

Favorite Features

Turbo- Nice acceleration for a 4 cylinder. Excellent in NY winters. Radio controls. Safety of this vehicle-rear fog, front log comes on while turning, seats, misc items.

Suggested Improvements

Cup holder-what a surprize. Heated seats should get warmer.

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