USED Saab 9-3 Saloon (02 - 12)

My car

Very smooth to drive with an excellent driver layout. Loads of gadgets and these do tend to go wrong, especially the electric windows and the dashboard-mounted 6-disc CD player tends to jump when cold.

It does tend to use fuel like it's going out of fashion, especially around town. Unlike most cars I have driven, it as taken me over six weeks to feel safe behind the wheel and driving at speed on bendy roads.

Once you have got over its light steering, it's a joy to drive. As a family car, it suits four of us very comfortably but would be uncomfortable with five.

The boot has housed both our large suitcases and bags. It performs best from third gear up and the brakes are sharp and responsive.

Although the standard seats are half leather/cloth, I would recommend the upgrade to full leather. The cloth tends to be light colours, which stain easily and is difficult to clean.

The tyres at best will last about 12,000 miles and a service can set you back around £300 -£500.

It doesn't like speed humps, pot holes and man hole covers.

Overall I'm happy with this car.

My car

This is the first Saab I have owned, it is a 2003 03reg 9-3 Aero. I have now covered 38,000 miles and it has been a pleasure to drive and own.

The cabin is outstanding, the performance is superb for a 4cyl 2.0-litre engine. Economy is around 30mpg on motorway, but drops to 25/26mpg around town.

I have had no reason to return to my dealer other than for 2 service visits at 19,000 and again at 38,000. Costs were £180 at 18,000 and £231 at 38,000 miles.

I had to replace my front set of Pirelli tyres at 17,000 miles with a pair Goodyear F1 GDS3. and have only 3.5mm left on them, so replacement will be coming up again soon.

The rear Pirellis still have 5.5mm left. Handling is great, my only criticism is low-speed ride, which picks up bumps and potholes and can be uncomfortable.

My wife's BMW 3-series rides like a Rolls Royce in comparison, however the Saab beats the BMW in every other department. In particular the clutch on the Saab is very light, whereas the BMW's is so heavy it gives me pain after only an hour's driving.

What else can I say? It's a winner - well done Saab.

My car

I have had the car a couple of weeks now and like it very much. It is extremely comfortable to drive and the equipment level of the Vector Sport is spot on.

I keep looking for niggles because What Car? seem to reduce its rating on the 93 with each passing month - only 2 blobs this month.

As yet I have not found anything to concern me. All the Audi and BM drivers I know are jealous of it looks. The 150hp engine is a dream. Motorway driving is easy. Put it in 6th and forget it.

The only thing to watch out for is the acceleration. A few times now I have found myself exceeding the limit by a margin because it gains speed so quickly and effortlessly. All in all I am very pleased I didn't go with the crowd and get a German model.

My car

The quality of the dealer (along with the competitive price) prompted me to choose the Saab over its competitors.

With regard to performance, the Aero is about as good as a 210bhp front-wheel drive saloon can get, although the car is very sensitive to tyre choice.

The extensive electronic driver aids are rarely required, as the chassis is extremely competent, with well-weighted steering response and smooth pedal action.

In contrast to some reports I have read, I do not find the (manual) gearbox to be a problem. The brakes are very reassuring and, having driven the car on the track, I can confirm that the ESP works unobtrusively and very well!

The driver's environment is fantastic, with excellent adjustment and clear controls. Bad points so far - tyre noise is excessive but expected considering the wide tyres.

I have had a repeated problem with the driver's window, which has failed to close properly on a number of occasions.

Fuel consumption is worse than advertised, but still acceptable considering the performance. The sat-nav voice commands can't be switched off, interrupting music from the excellent stereo!