Used 1999 Saab 9-3 Hatchback Consumer Reviews
Used 9-3 for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Sven the Incredible
wspcarguy, 07/07/2013
1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
I bought my 1999 Saab 9-3 in Sept 99 and have never regretted it. Sven the Saab has never left me high and dry (unless the fuel pump or battery died). Super comfy for all riders and far better MPG than listed on the sticker. Easily averaged over 30 mpg on the hwy.
Bought new; now 11 years old
john, 10/09/2010
1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
19 of 20 people found this review helpful
Car requires capable mechanic - not most reliable on the road after 50K. Ignition cassette crapped out at 70K ($600 for T5), seals blew at 80K ($1800.00). I'm at 88K miles today. However, gobs of fun to drive (w/5 speed). I've installed many handling fixes (1999 base version I thought was poor) and it's great fun now. I recently drove 2007 BMW 328i wagon, 2010 MINI Clubman, 2010 Audi A3, 2010 Jetta Sportwagen, and 2011 VW GTI and decided to keep 'Helga'. None improved on the room, comfort or dramatically in handling to my old SAAB - so what if $2K yearly on repairs?; it's still cheaper than buying/leasing $25-$36K cars above. An enigmatic car, right for me.
1999 Saab 9-3 for sale near you
Showing 2 of 2 listings
- Base ConvertibleMSRP: $4,4955 mi away
- Viggen 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $26,7501,224 mi away
I'll Really Miss this Car
RBG, 09/04/2009
1999 Saab 9-3 SE Turbo 4dr Hatchback
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
Purchased new and drove it for 10 years and 187,000 miles. I expect it had another 100,000 miles in it. It ended service prematurely after it was rear ended. The vehicle did its job and all occupants walked away with no or very minor injuries. Thanks engineers and assemblers! I'll really miss this car. It did so many things well-a good blend of design, performance, build quality, economy and utility. And it was FUN to drive everyday. Others correctly point out proper routine maintenance is required. It's not necessarily expensive. Like all vehicles Saabs have quirks and some common part failures. To me they were either endearing or minor annoyances. I'm looking for another one.
Hot Hatchback
Aaron Moore, 01/21/2016
1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
I have the 4 door standard transmission version. It is a very powerful car for the price I paid and climate control works great. There are a few interior problems though. The pixels on the head unit have virtually faded away so you cant make out the time and radio stations. Not a big deal though. One other problem is that the driver side door lock made a terrible noise when it locks and sometimes wont even lock when it is cold out. The alarm system works great after learning first hand. Overall no major engine or other mechanical problems.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
'99 9-3 Still going strong
Chris Kreger, 11/29/2007
1999 Saab 9-3 SE Turbo 4dr Hatchback
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Just rolled 200K and the car still moves. Gets over 30 mpg highway and averages 26+ mpg. 3 daughters learned to drive in this car, wife drives everyday and refuses to give it up. Oil changes every 4-5000 mi w/synthetic, one tune up, one timing belt, and repair to driver's window. Car still looks good and currently no thoughts of replacing it.