Used 2000 Saab 9-3 Convertible Consumer Reviews
Used 9-3 for sale
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GREAT used car - would have never bought it new
rurahrah, 01/05/2011
2000 Saab 9-3 SE HO Turbo 2dr Convertible
16 of 16 people found this review helpful
I bought this car sight unseen in Sep 2010 from a dealer (found it on Autotrader). The car had 86k miles on it and the Carfax showed it had been properly maintained. I paid $5,900, which included shipping, taxes, etc. Cheap! Prior car was a 1999 Saab 9-3 SE hatchback so I already was familiar with its quirks. I have only put about 2k miles on it so far but must say that so far it is the BEST car I have ever owned. FUN!
Regrets, my last Saab
Egmontgirl, 06/13/2005
2000 Saab 9-3 Turbo 2dr Convertible
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
This is my second Saab and regretfully my last. The first (1995 conv) had massive battery/electrical/conv. problems and this one needed a new engine. This model has a newly found defect that Saab calls "engine sludge." They are covering this problem under the warranty but beware it decreases performance until you take it in or until it strands you on the highway. I have finally decided that it doesn't make sense for me to pay the upgrade for a performance vehicle when the performance deteriorates. Alas, it is all under warranty but the fact that it needed a new engine is going to really hurt my resale value. I've loved these cars eventhough they proved to not be worth the luxury pricetag.
2000 Saab 9-3 for sale near you
Showing 2 of 2 listings
- Base ConvertibleMSRP: $12,9501,772 mi away
- Base ConvertibleMSRP: $3,9002,539 mi away
fast/dependable/flexible
djdozer, 12/11/2002
2000 Saab 9-3 Turbo 2dr Convertible
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
perfect in every way,except for the bumpers.. if you live in the city,, people of course bump in to them, and scratch them and they quickly look like s///t even if the rest of the car is perfect.. a design flaw in my opinion.. but otherwise.. great job. Standard radio/speakers// also kind of suck.
Don't even think about it
acr, 08/19/2005
2000 Saab 9-3 SE HO Turbo 2dr Convertible
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
I have owned my 2000 SE Turbo SAAB for a little over 1 yr. Over this year I have put over $3000 into it. After purchasing it the di-cassette went out, costing $700. I have had numerous oil pumps and hoses replaced each time to the shop it is $300. Then my AC compressor went out, causing the Reciever/Dryer to go out. This is $1500 to fix. Had the car back for 15 minutes and the serpentine belt went out. Over all the car has been in the shop 5 times in a year. I will be selling the car as soon as I get it out of the shop. It gets better....the part I need (receiever/dryer) is on national back order for 6 months. RED FLAG.
Mine suffered from oil sludge
2000 9-3 Conv SE 2dr, 03/02/2006
2000 Saab 9-3 SE HO Turbo 2dr Convertible
9 of 11 people found this review helpful
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!
Reliable for the first 50,000...
Peterz, 01/14/2007
2000 Saab 9-3 Turbo 2dr Convertible
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
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).
TIRES AND RIMS BAD NEWS- GREAT ENGINE
TOM BRADY, 01/05/2003
2000 Saab 9-3 Turbo 2dr Convertible
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I'm about to turn in my 2000 9-3 convertible after a 3 year lease. Over the course of 32,000 miles, I have been through 7 tires and two rims. I'm driving on a rim now that appears to be bent as I have a slow leak in the tire, but at this point, screw up, it's to the gas station every saturday for air until I turn it in. Blow outs at the slightest pot hole. I hate to say it but, it's the Saab of old. I wont be getting another despite the BEST turbo engine I've ever driven. It's a shame, if it wasnt for the friggin wheels and tires ( $250 per tire to replace), they would have a repeat customer
Very High Maintenance
stoker999, 11/09/2004
2000 Saab 9-3 Turbo 2dr Convertible
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Replaced the following items: 47K miles--serpentine belt broke, timing chain replaced. 56K miles--turbo replaced 57K miles--DI electronics replaced 58K miles--balance chain, water pump and head gasket changed With the 60,000 suggested maintenance, the repair costs exceed $6,000. Saab corporate thought this was acceptable.
Saab best car ever
Lowell HR, 08/23/2018
2000 Saab 9-3 Turbo 2dr Convertible
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
My Saab 9-3 convertible is 18 years and runs perfectly (with regular maintenance). I cannot give it up, regardless of all the upgrades it does not have.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
Love - Hate My Saab
Lisa, 07/07/2010
2000 Saab 9-3 Turbo 2dr Convertible
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
My main objective for purchasing the 2000 Saab convertible (new) was the safety features and reliability reputation, having been stranded with previous used cars numerous times. Sadly, I have been stranded 6 times in this car, the first after owning it less than a year. In addition to normal regular maintenance, the DI cassette has gone twice, seat belt replaced, water pump broke, AC compressor (broke again within 4 months) to name just a few items. I love the look of the car and used to enjoy driving it but no longer have the confidence that I will get to where I am going safely. I would not buy another Saab after my experience. My repair shop jokes about how frequently they see me each year
S-hameful A-utomobile A-lways B-roken
Used2LoveSaabs, 04/09/2007
2000 Saab 9-3 SE HO Turbo 2dr Convertible
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
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!
Fun to drive, but...
MUY, 06/16/2003
2000 Saab 9-3 Turbo 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The car is fun to drive, but interior details are cheap. At any given point in time over the last 3 yrs, something on the interior is broken. These are always small (back seat light, seat adjustment knob, gear shift knob) but annoying. I also had to replace the tires after only 19,000 miles. No help from the dealer in getting warranty relief, they claimed it was my alignment. Which brings me to my final issue, dealer service stinks. They don't even provide free coffee or a carwash, let alone a loaner car.
Saab no more
Saab no more, 05/16/2003
2000 Saab 9-3 Turbo 2dr Convertible
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Test drive it and you'll own it! Own it and you won't buy it again. I truly love my car and wish that so many quirky itmes were not wrong with it: endless squeky brackes, endless knob & button replacements, continued "engie light" on and off, just poor craftsmanship on the car. It looks great, drives great... and I hate to say that the Saab dealer service dept. knows me by name... I am swithching to BMW!
Wonderful Car
Ted, 06/07/2008
2000 Saab 9-3 SE HO Turbo 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
When I went to the dealership, I had no intention of buying a convertible, but the salesman pointed out that I could have one for about the same price, and I ended up buying one. Apparently I have good luck, because I bought the car with 103,500 miles and have had no problems at all. The car is an automatic (I would have preferred a manual), but it is still quite peppy. I install a Saab cat-back exhaust and an open air intake -- this combo has made for an AWESOME turbo sound, as well as increased response. I have been surprised by the countless convenience features of this car - all little things, but proof in the well thought out Swedish design.
love it
johnsaab 2358, 07/12/2003
2000 Saab 9-3 SE HO Turbo 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
no problems love it to death. good for my wife / kid. needs more head room
I love my Saab
cosmodoodle, 02/10/2004
2000 Saab 9-3 Turbo 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bougt mine certified with 38,000 miles for only $21,00. at this price, there is no other choice for a convert. Turbo is awsome and the car handels very well at high speeds (95+ mph) Put some 15 inch NOKIAN tires on for the winter and 17 inch low profile Potenzas for the summer
The Best Ever
Copy, 12/20/2005
2000 Saab 9-3 Turbo 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Engine starts when shut off will not start 4 hours
J.w., 04/10/2022
2000 Saab 9-3 Turbo 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The engine fires right up but once you shut it off the engine turns over but will not start for a few hours I don't know what to check
A good car but not as good ...
Stardog, 02/23/2004
2000 Saab 9-3 SE HO Turbo 2dr Convertible
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've owned my 9-3SE conv. for almost a year now. There's a lot I like about it and some things I don't. It's a great all-season car with front-wheel drive and heated seats. With the rear windscreen and heated seats I can easily have the top down on a sunny 45F day. Acceleration is good. The trunk is roomy. The fit and finish on the car doesn't measure up. There are LOTS of squeaks, rattles and windnoise. Various gauges don't work and the Saab emblem on the trunk fell off. The foot well is very crowded. For the price it doesn't measure up in comfort and luxury but it's a good car and fun to drive.