How Reliable Are SAAB Cars? Are Saabs a good purchase for a used car? And if so, then which year and models make the best used Saab to buy? Why you need to buy a Saab? Are Saabs good cars and whether they are worth hunting?
There are many questions ahead of us, but there are right answers. Buying a used Saab car might save you upfront money, but it may cost you a lot more over the long term. If you decide to buy a good used car, in my opinion you might as well spend a little more to mitigate the risks of car repair, etc.
Are Saabs good to buy and, if so, why? We love them. If you want one, get one, but learn to do some work yourself. Saab makes some of the most comfortable front seats in the business, they are cool, Cheap to buy and insure (depends on the market), they are reliable/robust (1,000,000,km), Lots of power, Saab has always designed safe cars…
Peter Rhyne is his experience of Saab’s car ownership summarized in a single video clip:
When it comes to used cars, the Saab 9-3 stands as a captivating option, offering a blend of performance, comfort, and style. While the idea of buying a used vehicle may raise concerns about reliability and maintenance costs, the Saab 9-3 seems to shine through as a diamond in the rough, as claimed by many enthusiasts and owners. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the allure of the Saab 9-3, examining its various model years and key features that make it a worthy contender for your next used car purchase.
Table of Contents
The Saab 9-3 Legacy
The Saab 9-3, produced between 2003 and 2006, boasts a legacy of combining sporty performance, luxury features, and affordable pricing. It’s worth noting that the Saab brand has earned a reputation for designing cars with a focus on safety and innovation, making the 9-3 an appealing option for those who prioritize these aspects in their vehicle choice.
Model Years and Key Features
2003 Saab 9-3 Aero: A Sporty Touch
The 2003 Saab 9-3 Aero offers a blend of performance and comfort that sets it apart from its competitors. With its turbocharged engine, the 9-3 Aero delivers ample power, making it a joy to drive. The leather seats add a touch of luxury to the interior, ensuring a comfortable ride even during long journeys. The model also introduces innovative safety features, reflecting Saab’s commitment to creating secure vehicles.
2007 Saab 9-3: Evolution and Refinement
The 2007 Saab 9-3 marks a transition year, bringing refinements and improvements to the already appealing package. With upgrades in both design and technology, the 2007 model year demonstrates Saab’s dedication to enhancing the driving experience. Available in striking colors like Snow Silver, the 2007 Saab 9-3 not only offers performance but also catches the eye.
2008 Saab 9-3 2.0T: Turbocharged Excellence
The 2008 Saab 9-3 2.0T continues the legacy of its predecessors with a focus on turbocharged excellence. Equipped with a turbo engine, this model year provides an exhilarating driving experience while maintaining fuel efficiency. The leather seats and other interior features make for a comfortable and inviting cabin, perfect for both short commutes and long journeys.
Reliability and Long-Term Ownership
A crucial aspect of purchasing a used car is its reliability and longevity. Many Saab enthusiasts and long-term owners have reported positive experiences with their vehicles. The Saab 9-3’s robustness and reliability are highlighted by instances of cars reaching the impressive milestone of 1,000,000 kilometers on the odometer. This durability is a testament to Saab’s engineering and the care that owners put into their vehicles.
A Enthusiast’s Perspective
Peter Rhyne, an experienced Saab owner, expresses his satisfaction with his Saab 9-3 ownership in a video clip. After over a year of ownership and covering more than 100,000 miles, he aptly describes the 9-3 as a diamond in the rough. He emphasizes the car’s exceptional value, combining sporty performance, luxury features, fuel economy, and aesthetics into an affordable used package.
Why Choose a Saab 9-3
If you’re considering a used Saab 9-3, there are several compelling reasons to make the leap:
- Sporty Performance: The turbocharged engines in the Saab 9-3 offer a spirited and engaging driving experience, ensuring that every journey is a delight.
- Comfortable Interior: The leather seats, a hallmark of Saab’s attention to comfort, provide a luxurious and comfortable cabin for both driver and passengers.
- Safety Focus: Saab’s commitment to safety is evident in the innovative safety features integrated into the 9-3, providing peace of mind on the road.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The Saab 9-3’s timeless design and available color options, like Snow Silver, make it a head-turner wherever you go.
- Longevity: The reported instances of Saab 9-3s reaching high mileage milestones are a testament to the car’s durability and reliability.
Conclusion
In the world of used cars, the Saab 9-3 emerges as a gem worth considering. Its combination of sporty performance, luxurious features, safety innovations, and aesthetic appeal make it an enticing option for those seeking a reliable and enjoyable vehicle. While the brand is no longer in production, the legacy of the Saab 9-3 lives on through enthusiasts, long-term owners, and individuals looking for a well-rounded and distinctive driving experience. As Peter Rhyne’s experience attests, the Saab 9-3 is more than just a car – it’s a diamond in the rough waiting to be discovered.
Finally, and why he think buying used Saabs is a great deal: “After a year of ownership and over 100k miles, I can say that the 9-3 is a diamond in the rough, a ridiculously good value, combining sporty performance, luxury features, economy and good looks in an affordable (used) package…GO BUY ONE”
Yes! Very good car mine Saab Vector ss 2003 225 pk !!
I love Saab!
I have a 9.3 saab vector convertible, 2006reg well looked after, been in our family 8yrs, never had a problem,
Would recommend, value for money 💰
Pre 2003 very reliable. The last 7 years GM made them with poorer quality parts. I have 2 Saab 95s.
One 2003 95 HOT Aero 2.3 and a 2004 95 2.0 Estate. The 2004 parts wore out quicker than the 2003.
Cris Savill I have a saab 9-3 from 2008. Currently at 370 000 km. I don’t think so.
Reliable as any other car, if you take care of them
1.9tid was amazing, reliable with just with normal diesel cars issues (EGR, Alternator). 900 was ok but this stupid clutch cable was a horror.
It’s a love affair and it was fixed two days later! Back on the race track already 🙂
Mine 99 from 1969 stil works 😉
My first was a three pot Saab 96, adopted in 1966. Loved the freewheeling lifestyle. After seeing footage of some guy surviving a side swipe from a train I had to have a 9000. Sit in the cockpit of a 9000 and you’ll realise why people claim Saabs are made from jets. I got through a quarter of a million miles with the next one, a ng9-3. After many years of borrowing courtesy cars from our local Saab specialist I fancied a goose, a stately old lady. Then, another 9-3 until my current ride, a MY11 fwd 9-3x wagon, the best of the flight.
I see a lot of newer Saabs (2003+) with high mileage.
And a lot in good conditions, because the owners live their car.
I think Saab is the best choice of you want a powerful, comfortable car that is fun to drive (like German cars), but also reliable. (Like Japanese cars)
My 2001 9-3 has 289,000 miles and drives like it’s new. It’s only problems have been small ones, or repairs one would expect after high miles like suspension.
Great Motor,have a 93 2011,the last before they went into liquidation,and I absolutely love it,its a Shame they are no more …
Oui , saab est la meilleure des voitures
Engines bulletproof
Electricals fart proof at best
Some Electrical components, yes, but the wiring, nothing special except ( like most old cars) check the grounds and the plugs at the bottom of the engine bay.
Pierre Lahaie Going thru it now. My 06 9-3 has a mind of its own. New problem is hazzard lights come on when the car is off.
Hopefully there are Saab mechanics in your area! 1989 Saab 900 Conv Owner.
Great cars if only there is any metal left behind the plastic side panels under the doors.
No better, no worse than any other well maintained car. Electrics usually die though, same as the thermostats
I have owned secondhand and over ten years old Saabs.
9000 2 Ltr Turbo S
9000 2Ltr Turbo
900 Coupé 2Ltr Turbo S
900 Coupé 2Ltr Sensonic Turbo S
95 Eco Estate 2Ltr Turbo
95 Hot Aero 2.3Ltr Turbo
These 6 cars have been reliable because in the past the cars have been serviced regularly and if parts needed replacing, they were. All cars came with service history. And if they were really excellent I would pay more, if the car was very good I would pay a fair price for both parties. And if it was rough or poor service history, walk away.
Other than that, as with all cars a Baden is hell and a goodie is heaven.
Live forever if you maintain them like you should.
Saab så verden, verden så bare ikke Saab . Derfor døde Saab
Most reliable vehicle I have owned compared to Asian brands
Most reliable European brand
Reliable, yes, but you need to have a very good relationship with your mechanic, because you have to go several times a year to fix something.
My 93 sport sedan 2.2 tid has 602.000km. She Is still a miss😍😍😍 no other to say
My 9-3 NG TTiD had a couple of annoying issues like turning the engine off while overtaking on the motorway lol, inter cooler pipe cut open, and LOTS of noises coming from the cheap plastic dashboard and door panels. I would buy it again, powerful, good fuel economy, fairly comfortable ride and above all it saved my life in a nasty crash
Any car is only as reliable as it is treated and serviced – Saabs are built like tanks and sometimes neglected because of their durability and ability to withstand mistreatment ….. I encountered a 9-5 recently just going past 273000 miles ❤️
My 2006 93 Aero was incredibly reliable especially for how I treated it at 19… my TurboX is a nightmare.
Saabs are generally reliable if well maintained. The older models tend to have a better build quality, but I guess its because the newer versions were built by Vauxhall And not saab. I’ve had several 93s and the only thing I didn’t like was the cheap plastic in the cockpit.
Miss my 9-3 SC -08 no big issues With it just went on