The very day that I picked up the car from this service, I noticed a loud knocking noise coming from the steering rack when turning the steering wheel. I have had it for 3 years now and have put 90,000 miles of my own on it. The turbo is somewhat sluggish off the line, with foot-to-the-floor acceleration delayed until the turbo spools up. I do all my own maintenance and have found everything to be pretty easy to get at. The finely tuned independent rear suspension adds stability to the car and helps grip when dicing through turns and sweepers.
The fully automatic soft top roof flips down accordion-style in only 20 seconds with the press of a button. They have been completely and utterly unhelpful. The newer models don't have the Saab information Display on the dash and I don't like that cause it is easy viewing for everyone in the car. The rack-and-pinion steering is light but balanced enough to provide confidence. You really can't judge Saab by one car, especially if you don't know the entire history of that vehicle. I still own it because the resale value for the car dropped so dramatically and so quickly after I purchased it see Consumer Report , that it made sense to me to try to get as many miles out of if as I could.
Good starter car, just make sure to buy one for cheap. I commute approximately 90 kilometres one way to work every day. Tensioner for seatbelt quit working - not on warranty - paid to fix. Watch out for the 2003 models there were a lot of electrical issues that weren't addressed until 2004. Definitly a car to have with the way oil prices are going up. If maintained properly the Saab will easily go 200K miles without an issue. I own a 2003 Saab 9-3 Convertible, and my wife owns a 2006 9-7x.
Tri-level seat heaters and dual automatic climate controls are standard, while a wind deflector is optional. Interior fan won't work in extreme cold temperatures. But overall it's right there in the middle. Still, parts and service has been pretty easy and honestly that expensive. It is a very stabile and predicable car on the snow and ice. And the maintence isn't as expensive as an audi or bmw.
Four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock combined with 16-inch all-season rubber keep the convertible glued to the pavement in quick-stopping situations. On highway jaunts with the roof up, the convertible is shy of being soundproof. Power steering pump leaking - not on warranty - still leaking. I have never wished for more engine during normal driving. I had mine for 8 yrs, 9 mos, when the engine seized and died!! I get 27+ mpg driving the city streets of Atlanta and have seen 38+ on long highway cruises. They both have been great vehicles thus far.
Speed sensors on the transmission have been replaced six or seven times gearbox malfunction display leaving me with only the second and fifth gear. So, 2 months later, I am still in love with the style, look, comfort, performance and features!! I'm talking down to the cup holder! Model year 2004 Year of manufacture 2004 First year of ownership 2004 Most recent year of ownership 2009 Engine and transmission 2. Saab engineers developed the architecture for the 9-3 sedan and convertible at the same time, enabling them to design a practical, open-top car with increased structural rigidity. Tensioner for seatbelt quit working - still not working passenger side. Propelling the 9-3 convertible is a 2. They are getting tired of seeing me, as I am with them also.
Still happens from time to time, but seems to work it out itself. Faults: Distance to empty display inaccurate - on warranty - dealer explained they were all like that, and the best he could do was disconnect the feature. Rear main seal engine oil leak. General Comments: I bought this car used from a local Saab dealer. I like the fact that it comes with a 4 year 50,000 new car warranty. I have no idea what to do about it I'm getting tired of the same old song.
They have been extremely reliable and about as comfortable as you can get in a convertible. I wish I would have read comments on this page first. However, the high roof is fit for even those suffering from claustrophobia, and the large rear glass window makes for minimal blind spots. It's easy to take car of and is a daily driver. The problem remains and I use the gas gauge instead.
Our Take on the 2004 Saab 9-3 Easy to see advantages of 9-3 convertible The Saab 9-3 convertible performs two tasks most drop tops don't--it holds four adults and it allows the driver to see out the back and along the sides with the top up. I just know I would never spend 30,000 for this car brand new, but for a used car. The humpy Saab stylings of yore are transformed into a sleek, road-commanding wedge profile that conveys a sense of movement, even when standing still. It is now on the speedometer which I don't like. What an inconvenience for someone who works a lot.
For Canadians who take on a convertible as a year-round driver, a wintery day in the cockpit can be transformed into a tropical ride. I've driven over 1000 miles already in the 3 weeks of owning it and have had no problems with it so far. The dealer has been helpful, and replaced the rear main seal, heated seats, shocks. Gas mpg is around 28 and that is a mixture of city and highway. Perhaps yours is troublesome, but not all are. Saab dug into its database of 6,000 real-life road accidents to test the 9-3 against side, frontal and even moose collisions. Power steering pump leaking - on warranty - fixed.