Used Vehicle Review: Saab 9-3, 2003-2009

2003 Saab 9-3 Vector; photo by Greg Wilson. Click image to enlarge

Despite Saab’s origins being in a country known for wintry weather, the 9-3’s suspension doesn’t like cold temperatures; many owners posting at SaabCentral.com complain of creaking and groaning from the suspension in sub-zero temps. Most likely, say a number of 9-3 owners, the noise is caused by suspension bushings that go “rock hard” in the cold. One owner said his dealer fixed the problem by replacing “spring spacers” in the front suspension, while another said that his service department solved it by applying a revised lubricant from Saab to the anti-roll bar bushings. See this thread for more information.

A clunk from one of the doors when opening or closing is either caused by a worn “check strap” (the piece that limits how far the door opens), or a loose bolt on one of the hinges.

2006 Saab 9-3 Aero SportCombi; photo by Chris Chase. Click image to enlarge

A steering wheel lock malfunction is common; when this happens, a warning comes up in the car’s information display and you won’t be able to start the car. A common solution is to “reset” the car by disconnecting and reconnecting the battery. A battery replacement might be necessary, which suggests the problem can be caused by low voltage in the electrical system from a worn battery. Worst case, the ignition switch will need to be replaced.

Check this handy FAQ thread at SaabCentral.com.

Used 9-3 retail values, according to Canadian Black Book, range from $8,200 for a 2003 Linear model sedan with manual transmission, to $31,800 for a 2009 Aero SportCombi with automatic, power sunroof and navigation. Convertible values start at $11,425 for a 2004 Arc model with manual transmission, to $40,850 for a 2009 Aero model with automatic and navigation. The general opinion is that 2003 models are the ones to avoid; with that in mind, a basic 2005 Linear model is valued at just under $10,000 with manual transmission. As of this writing, a 2009 9-3 Aero SportCombi, with an MSRP of more than $47,000, is worth just $31,000, according to Black Book. A 2006 SportCombi is base trim is worth about $15,500, compared to its $38,000 MSRP.

2008 Saab 9-3 Aero XWD; photos by Chris Chase. Click image to enlarge

No matter the model or options load, any 9-3 will come in far less expensive than a comparable German model (3 Series, A4, C-Class), and even a similarly-equipped Acura or Lexus (TSX/TL, ES, cars that are generally less-expensive than their German competitors) is much pricier used than a 9-3; likewise for the Volvo S60. Chalk the 9-3’s poor resale values up to Saab’s relatively slow sales and the brand’s impending disappearance as part of parent company General Motors’ restructuring.

The 9-3 is a comfortable and satisfying sport sedan that also happens to be a screaming-good used-car deal at the moment. While the 9-3’s dependability is iffy, especially where the car’s electronics are concerned, a newer model with some of the factory warranty left would be an ideal choice. The 9-3’s busy on-line community works in your favour here, too, as many of the car’s common issues are well-documented in Saab-related forums. I’ll attach the same buyer-beware edict I always do to high-end cars with so-so reliability, but if you find a well-maintained 9-3 that checks out with a trusted mechanic and comes with complete service records, buy it – you’ll be hard-pressed to find another car that drives this nicely for this little money.