Rennteam 2.0 - EN - Forum - Saab 9-3 sedans ...Opinions anyone? - Page1

Sep 2, 2009 7:44:48 AM

awai08: Pilot; Loc: bay area, CA , United States; Posts: 381, Gallery; Registered on: Aug 4, 2007

Saab 9-3 sedans ...Opinions anyone?

Hello fellow Rennteamers,

I'm still on the hunt for a likable commuter. Seems as though I'm running out of options for an economical 4-door automobile that appeals to the car enthusiast. I'm not satisfied with my Prius because "all" it seems to do is save gas. I didn't like the Mini because it's a tad wee too small (and expensive by the ounce). The 2010 GTI looks and probably runs well, although its image may be a bit too "boy racer" here in the U.S. (i.e. I'd prefer not to have college kids line up to race me at stoplights as they did with my '03 GTI). I'd like to *not* get an Audi or BMW, since I see one on every block where I live; that speaks well for Audi and BMW but I'll pass.

So. That leaves me with my P-car and perhaps... a Saab?? Anybody here run a current 9-3? If yes, then what do you think -can a car guy be happy with one?

Feel free to answer the question however you like. All opinions are welcome!

--
2008 Boxster S

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Sep 2, 2009 9:07:04 AM

amazon: Rennteam Pro; Loc: Belgium , Belgium; Posts: 2110, Gallery; Registered on: Jul 5, 2004; Reply to: awai08

Re: Saab 9-3 sedans ...Opinions anyone?

I would not buy a saab.

It's an old car with the chassi coming from opel (GM) and the engine coming from Fiat if it's a diesel. The petrol one, I'm not sure where it comes from, probably GM. I'd rather have a volvo, for instance.

There are good alternatives to BMW and Audi though.

The Lexus IS250 for instance, or the VW passat CC if you like a 4-door coupe (don't know if it's on sale in the US though).

Good luck.

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Sep 2, 2009 2:40:43 PM

racerx: Rennteam VIP; Loc: 1985 porsche dealership , Bouvet Island; Posts: 8751, Gallery; Registered on: Jul 27, 2004; Reply to: awai08

Re: Saab 9-3 sedans ...Opinions anyone?

awai08:

can a car guy be happy with one?

Feel free to answer the question however you like. All opinions are welcome!

only if he becomes a gal

go with the gti

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Sep 2, 2009 2:56:15 PM

Super Darius: Rennteam Moderator; Loc: Italy-Como , Italy; Posts: 4084, Gallery; Registered on: Apr 7, 2002; Reply to: racerx

Re: Saab 9-3 sedans ...Opinions anyone?

Go with the GTI,i'm waiting mine(wife) from April and finally it must be at the dealer today or tomorrow..or AT LEAST past tomorrow

I think a GTI is a good compromise between price and quality,i love the one she/i had in 2006/2007,and can't wait to have home this one.

I order it silver/black,so is not too much a "boy racer" GTI and more a Golf

--
997 TT, what a car/che'mmmmmaghena!!!

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Sep 2, 2009 3:18:27 PM

REALZEUS: Expert; Loc: UK and Greece , United Kingdom; Posts: 1611, Gallery; Registered on: Oct 24, 2008; Reply to: Super Darius

Re: Saab 9-3 sedans ...Opinions anyone?

The "new" 9-3 XWD (available with a 2.0 Turbo and V6 2.8 Turbo, in Europe at least) is a very capable and fast executive saloon. The AWD system is extremely advanced also (4th Gen Haldex with an active rear diff). Would get it without a second thought since Alfas are not availabe in the States and you seem to want to avoid Beemers, Audis and Mercs.

--
FERRARI RULES!!!

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Sep 2, 2009 6:12:44 PM

JoeRockhead: Rennteam VIP; Loc: Topside , Monaco; Posts: 8033, Gallery; Registered on: Sep 17, 2007; Reply to: REALZEUS

Re: Saab 9-3 sedans ...Opinions anyone?

I had a look at the Lexus IS250 before I bought my 323i. Reviews say it handles like a minivan. The IS350 is supposed be much better and is a decent looking vehicle.

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Sep 3, 2009 8:02:43 AM

ed_moree: Rennteam Pro; Loc: spain , China; Posts: 2407, Gallery; Registered on: Mar 15, 2005; Reply to: awai08

Re: Saab 9-3 sedans ...Opinions anyone?

awai08:

Hello fellow Rennteamers,

I'm still on the hunt for a likable commuter. Seems as though I'm running out of options for an economical 4-door automobile that appeals to the car enthusiast. I'm not satisfied with my Prius because "all" it seems to do is save gas. I didn't like the Mini because it's a tad wee too small (and expensive by the ounce). The 2010 GTI looks and probably runs well, although its image may be a bit too "boy racer" here in the U.S. (i.e. I'd prefer not to have college kids line up to race me at stoplights as they did with my '03 GTI). I'd like to *not* get an Audi or BMW, since I see one on every block where I live; that speaks well for Audi and BMW but I'll pass.

So. That leaves me with my P-car and perhaps... a Saab?? Anybody here run a current 9-3? If yes, then what do you think -can a car guy be happy with one?

Feel free to answer the question however you like. All opinions are welcome!

My opinion is not to buy now the 9-3 because next year will come a totally new model that will make yours look dated... very dated. Look at the new 9-5....

--
ALL PORSCHE ARE REAL PORSCHE!!!

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Sep 3, 2009 3:02:40 PM

REALZEUS: Expert; Loc: UK and Greece , United Kingdom; Posts: 1611, Gallery; Registered on: Oct 24, 2008; Reply to: ed_moree

Re: Saab 9-3 sedans ...Opinions anyone?

The new 9-3 is at least 2 years away

--
FERRARI RULES!!!

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Sep 3, 2009 5:53:32 PM

reginos: Rennteam VIP; Loc: Nicosia , Cyprus; Posts: 12130, Gallery; Registered on: Mar 20, 2005; Reply to: REALZEUS

Re: Saab 9-3 sedans ...Opinions anyone?

Saabs are very popular here and people mostly buy them not for their own sake, but in order to avoid the usual german brands

My personal impression from driving many examples is that they are much more robust and well made compared to comparable italian and french cars and on par with some german cars. I also like their understated look. However, dynamically I've found them lacking in handling finesse with too much torque steer by present day standards. OTOH being swedish they must be excellent bad weather cars which should not be very relevant in CA.

--
It's not where you're going, it's how you get there that counts

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Sep 4, 2009 3:02:37 PM

awai08: Pilot; Loc: bay area, CA , United States; Posts: 381, Gallery; Registered on: Aug 4, 2007; Reply to: reginos

Re: Saab 9-3 sedans ...Opinions anyone?

Thanks for all the honest replies. Sounds like reception to the Saab idea is a lil' lukewarm. That's too bad, since I liked the quirkiness of one I drove in the early nineties. To see for myself, I may have to test drive one.

Re. the GTI, it was my front-runner (and may still be, depending on my impressions after I see it in the flesh) up until the Saab idea snuck up on me.

I'm trying to stay clear of the IS250/IS350 for the same reasons I'm putting off Audi and BMW. These cars are everywhere in my city, and perhaps as numerous if not more than a run-of-the-mill Toyota, Mazda or Nissan.

--
2008 Boxster S

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Sep 4, 2009 4:48:44 PM

temm: Rennteam Master; Loc: Oslo , Norway; Posts: 4122, Gallery; Registered on: Jun 24, 2003; Reply to: awai08

Re: Saab 9-3 sedans ...Opinions anyone?

I have driven every Saab from the 99 onwards, since my dad used to be a Saab-oholic, and owned two myself (9000 and 9-3)

I would not consider getting a Saab today for two reasons.

1. it's not a Saab anymore, just a rebadged Opel (thank you GM)

2. The current 9-3 is old, and based on "ancient" technology (platform, engines, gearboxes..)

If I was to write a paper on brand management today, I would write about how GM managed to completely f... up a healthy and iconic brand like Saab with a loyal customer base. No wonder GM went bust Smiley

Get a GTI is my recommendation, since you don't want to buy the best car in this class Smiley

My dad? He's just bought a Ford Focus, which should tell you all Smiley

--

10 PRINT "997.2 Carrera S rules"

20 GOTO 10

30 RUN

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Sep 4, 2009 5:58:06 PM

Super Darius: Rennteam Moderator; Loc: Italy-Como , Italy; Posts: 4084, Gallery; Registered on: Apr 7, 2002; Reply to: temm

Re: Saab 9-3 sedans ...Opinions anyone?

awai,my GTI was arrived at the dealer yesterday,next week i will have at home and i will post some pics for you.

Looks really good outside and inside,better than the V series,this one is really beautiful!

--
997 TT, what a car/che'mmmmmaghena!!!

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Sep 4, 2009 6:40:24 PM

awai08: Pilot; Loc: bay area, CA , United States; Posts: 381, Gallery; Registered on: Aug 4, 2007; Reply to: Super Darius

Re: Saab 9-3 sedans ...Opinions anyone?

Super Darius:

awai,my GTI was arrived at the dealer yesterday,next week i will have at home and i will post some pics for you.

Looks really good outside and inside,better than the V series,this one is really beautiful!

Yes, please do! Congrats, too.

--
2008 Boxster S

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Sep 6, 2009 4:49:26 PM

denn: Senior; Loc: Finland , Finland; Posts: 701, Gallery; Registered on: Jun 27, 2004; Reply to: temm

Re: Saab 9-3 sedans ...Opinions anyone?

temm:

I have driven every Saab from the 99 onwards, since my dad used to be a Saab-oholic, and owned two myself (9000 and 9-3)
...

My dad? He's just bought a Ford Focus, which should tell you all

Exactly the same situation here, except that I wasn't old enough to drive the older models. And my dad switched to a Cayenne. :)

I had a 9-3SS Aero, sold it a year ago when I needed room for a baby and a dog. It was a good car. Never had a single problem with it either. But I do agree that it is getting old, and wouldn't get one myself. I agree with your other points as well...

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Sep 11, 2009 6:01:50 PM

Super Darius: Rennteam Moderator; Loc: Italy-Como , Italy; Posts: 4084, Gallery; Registered on: Apr 7, 2002; Reply to: denn

Re: Saab 9-3 sedans ...Opinions anyone?

awai,here the pics of GTI delivered this morning.

for me is a great car!love DSG and the sound of the exhaust,i think is really a good compromise costs/quality/performance,i'm really happy!

ciaoo

--
997 TT, what a car/che'mmmmmaghena!!!

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Sep 11, 2009 7:14:59 PM

awai08: Pilot; Loc: bay area, CA , United States; Posts: 381, Gallery; Registered on: Aug 4, 2007; Reply to: Super Darius

Re: Saab 9-3 sedans ...Opinions anyone?

Very Niice!! Thanks for posting pics; I think I know what will my next car now! 4 doors, DSG, sunroof.... all great features. I especially like the interior. It looks purposeful and of good quality. How's it drive compared to your P-cars?

--
2008 Boxster S

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Sep 12, 2009 11:24:44 AM

Super Darius: Rennteam Moderator; Loc: Italy-Como , Italy; Posts: 4084, Gallery; Registered on: Apr 7, 2002; Reply to: awai08

Re: Saab 9-3 sedans ...Opinions anyone?

Well,i made only 50kms,so can't tell much

Sure the DSG is great,a lot faster than Tiptronic of my Cay S,and in manual love the little go up of RPM when you take out gears(like when i made the toe heel on the Turbo),the sound of the exhaust is better than in my former MKV GTI,and in performance..well,after drive the Turbo with 500hp,every other car seems running with the handbrake on,but i think is fast,at least as fast as a 200 hp car must be

The thing i love of my former GTI and i think this one too,is that you have all(touch screen radio,parking sensor,red calipers,18" wheels,sunroof,directional lights xenon,etc.)and costs the good price.

In these days i will use it a little more,so next week i will make a better review.

--
997 TT, what a car/che'mmmmmaghena!!!

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