2003 Saab 9-3 Consumer Discussions

Saab 9-3 Sedan

The straw that broke the camels back

Written by: saabenthuse on Jun 12, 2009 00:51 AM

I had a 2003 Saab 9-3 linear up until this February with the odometer reading in at about 90,000 miles. I purchased the car for $17k at the end of 2006 with 58,000 miles on the odometer. The car had the following problems: surfacing to knobs was rubbing off (by the time of purchase), passenger side vent broke, rear brakes replaced twice, front brakes replaced once, ... Read More...

Re: Reliability [markmcdonough1]

Written by: pracine on Jun 11, 2009 07:27 PM

I have a 2003 9.3 Saab arc. I too had numerous problems, including the need to replace my transmission - $4,000. Luckily, I had purchased the extended warranty. Admittedly, the dealer has been very good at taking care of anything and everything that was needed at no cost. I too love this car, particularly the design of the dashboard. I'm afraid I am going to have ... Read More...

Saab 9-3 Prices Paid and Buying Experience

Re: Just bought a new Saab [theaktuary]

Written by: bedub247 on May 25, 2009 07:49 AM

That's a good price - I recently offered $20k plus my wife's 2003 Mercury Sable for a nicely equipped '08 Aero Sportcombi XWD. Salesman acted like I was $10k away; figured I was probably $4k low and he'd at least talk to me a bit. Nope, but he has my number and expect surely he'll call back. Read More...

Saab 9-3 Sedan

Reliability

Written by: markmcdonough1 on Apr 21, 2009 09:56 AM

We have a 2003 9-3 Linear (42k miles) which is really a fun car to drive (my wife particularly loves it). But I've almost had it with maintenance issues. Mechanically the car has performed almost flawlessly, but the lesser issues have begun to kill us. Here's what's gone wrong over the years: 1. 2003: TCS module went bad, replaced under warranty. 2. 2004 or 2005: ... Read More...

Re: Saab dealer and Saab reliability [ensconced]

Written by: 2tiny on Apr 20, 2009 06:20 PM

i WOULD NOT BUY THE 2003 SAAB 9-3 ARC. IT IS THE WORST CAR THEY EVER MADE MORE PROBLEMS THAN YOU CAN BEGIN TO KNOW MY LATEST OUT OF MANY WAS THE AIRBAGS WENT OFF i WAS PARKED NO CRASH JUST WENT TO START THE CAR AND BANG. NOT FUN VERY DANGEROUS Read More...

Saab 9-3 Reliability?

belt tensioner failed?

Written by: aeroproblemo on Mar 06, 2009 11:25 AM

Hi All, I have a problem with my 2003 Aero. One day she became trembling, shaking and giving diesel feeling from smooth running...during the cold days. Sometimes it goes away but most of the times remains. One of the SAAB mechanic told me to change the belt tensioner another said its normal. Well I don't really want to kill her risking not to change it. If you heard ... Read More...

2008 GTI VS 2007 SAAB 9-3

Re: 2008 GTI VS 2007 SAAB 9-3 [craigp1]

Written by: umpark3 on Dec 26, 2008 00:01 AM

I guess you like cars with personality and less concerning about reliability. Both cars have never been praised in reliablity. But Saab tend to luz its value quicker than GTI since its under GM. Considering this, you might wanna get used Saab with good care (hard to find but worth to find). You gonna save several thousand dollars easily with used Saab. Another ... Read More...

Saab 9-3 Convertible

Re: 2003 Saab 9-3 Convertible [jeep53]

Written by: cobleighb on Dec 17, 2008 01:50 PM

bons, I recently (2 wks ago) purchased a 2003 Convertible, drove it 500 miles from Pittsburgh when the engine blew up. This car has what is called a sludge engine and it is fairly common for engines to fail at low mileage readings ( mine had 64K). Do your homework. Goggle : saab engine failure, or saab engine sludge. I have owned many Saabs and had no problems, but certain ... Read More...

Saab 9-3 Sedan

Reliability

Written by: dbodek on Nov 24, 2008 07:14 PM

I have a 2003 9-3 Arc with the 6-speed. I only have 49k on the car and have found my car to be trouble-free. Other than some factory recalls and having to replace the battery and tires (at about 40k) the car has been a low cost to maintain. I also want to add that I still have the original brake pads on both the front and rear. My dealer says that they show very little wear ... Read More...

Saab 9-3 Prices Paid and Buying Experience

2006 9-3 purchase with trade in

Written by: jkcars123 on Nov 03, 2008 10:44 AM

Hi -- Thinking about purchasing my first Saab, 2006 9-3 with 25k files plus 3 1/2 years left on bumper-to-bumper warrantee. They’re asking 19,900, which seems a bit higher than what I’ve seen on various sites for retail value. I have a 2003 GLS Passat wagon with 60k miles in good/fair condition (few scratches) that I’ll trade in. Trade in value is around 6k. If I ... Read More...