USED Saab 9-3 Saloon (02 - 12)

My car

As I had driven a BMW 3 Series for two years, I decided that I wanted something a little different.

So instead of a Volvo, VW or Audi, I opted for the Saab, and unfortunately I am a little let down.

The car is fast and in my opinion good looking, but the build quality is shocking. The car rattles and shakes and is not on par with the build quality of German vehicles. The suspension creaks and what with car currently needing a new wheel bearing, whines aswell too.

The worst thing mind you, is the shocking standard stereo system. It is absolutely rubbish so upgrade if you're buying new.

My car

The car is not of the best build quality (been back to dealership six times).

Eats tyres like there is no tomorrow, 9000 miles two new front tyres. Good dealerships are few and wide apart.

My car

Sounds to good to be true, my car is two months old and has been back to the garage 10 times for major electrical faults.

In my opinion, the great SAAB assist is not worth the paper it's written on.

Neither Saab nor the dealership has offered me an adequate explanation as to why my new car has had catasrophic failures with the the engine mangement systems. Even when I picked up the car for the 9th time (more fool me!) it only lasted a few hours, despite having been in the garage for eight days.

Tomorrow I will be demanding a full refund from Saab, something the dealer and Saab UK should have pre-empted about six weeks ago, given the track history of my particular car.

If anybody would like know any further details, feel free to ask the angry bloke at your local Saab dealership!

My car

This is my second 9-3 Sport Saloon (having previously owned a 1.8t Vector). For me, the Aero offers much more pound-for-pound than its major rivals.

It's extremely comfortable (I've not come across any other manufacturer with the same understanding of ergonomic design as Saab have!), fast and understated. Fuel economy isn't too bad either - in fact the Aero is proving more economical than the Vector.

I can't say too much about the servicing costs yet, but my previous Saab was a bit above average in those respects. I've always found my local dealership to be friendly and helpful.