Item: Used Saab 9-3 Saloon 2002 - 2012
Author: What Car? Team

What is it like?

Ownership cost

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Saloon

<p dir="ltr">Find a good example and Saabs make famously great used cars; they are generally well priced, well equipped and reliable.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The firm was declared bankrupt in 2012, so any used models on the market are now generally old and at the budget end of the spectrum.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Barring collectors’ curiosities, you’ll find the 9-3 and larger 9-5 filling the classifieds, in saloon, estate and convertible variants. Petrol and diesel options are available, and the brand’s long-time link-up with parent firm General Motors means that they were generally well equipped.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Prices vary significantly according to age, mileage and condition, but there are certainly some bargains to be had if you compare what your money will buy you against that of comparable rivals.</p>


SAAB

<p>The Saab 9-3 is a great place to sit, but keen drivers should look away now</p>


Used Saab 9-3 Saloon 2002 - 2012

<p>A used 9-3 will be cheaper to buy than an equivalent <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/audi">Audi</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/bmw">BMW</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/mercedes-benz">Mercedes</a>.</p>

<p>Steer clear of the 2.8T turbo, and you should get more than 30mpg in normal driving. In fact, most of the petrols are good for mid-30s, and you can bump that up to low-40s for the 150bhp 1.9 TiD, and potentially more than 50mpg for the 120bhp version.</p>

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The Saab 9-3 is a great place to sit, but keen drivers should look away now

<p>There are just two non-turbocharged engines - a flexible 122bhp 1.8 petrol and, on a few early cars, a decent 150bhp 2.3 petrol. At the other end of the scale sit the turbocharged 247bhp 2.8T and 210bhp 2.0T. Both are fast, but can overwhelm the chassis and steering.</p>

<p>The punchy 2.0t puts out 175bhp, but our favourite petrol is the 150bhp 1.8t, which actually has a 2.0-litre engine.</p>

<p>Overall, though, none of the petrols are a match for the strong 1.9 TiD turbodiesel, which comes with 120bhp or 150bhp. We'd go for the 150bhp, given the money, but either is better than the earlier 115bhp 2.2 TiD.</p>

<p>You'll get plenty of kit whichever you buy. Expect four electric windows, remote central locking, alloy wheels, air-con and plenty of safety devices. More powerful versions have leather seats and climate control, while range-topping Aero trim means firmer suspension, extra body kit and sports seats.</p>

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Effortless long-distance capability</li> <li>Strong standard specification</li> <li>Low running costs</li> <li>Comfortable driving position</li> <li>Comprehensive yet easy-to-use infotainment system</li></ul>

<p>Executive cars are often the choice of company car drivers, so factors such as CO2 emissions (which govern your monthly tax bill) are just as important as cruising refinement for those long motorway journeys, a plush cabin and (whisper it) the image of the badge on the bonnet.</p>

<p>The good news is that there are options for all budgets and tastes. If rear space is crucial and you’re willing to put up with a less-than-premium badge, the Skoda Superb is tough to beat, while if you want a premium badge on the bonnet then the BMW 3 Series is consistently one of our favourites in this class.</p>

<p>And don't think you're limited to just petrol or diesel-powered choices in this class,&nbsp;because at the top end the Tesla Model 3 is well worth considering for its long range and engaging driving style.</p>

Executive

<p>Saab 9-3 owners are generally a very satisfied bunch, and the car usually does well in customer reports, such as the JD Power survey. Faults are never something they worry unduly about, although the car is only mid-ranking in our reliability report.</p>

<p>A number of our readers have detailed problems with the engine's ECU (its electronic brain), faults with the electric windows, and various rattles and creaks. So check out these areas carefully on any prospective purchase.</p>

<p>Watch for uneven tyre wear, too, which could indicate misaligned suspension, or just worn tyres (the hotter versions can get through fronts pretty quickly if driven hard). Also, look out for clutch slip and gearbox troubles, too.</p>

<p>A full service history is essential, so don't buy a 9-3 unless it has one. And, look out for a car with leather trim, satellite-navigation and a good stereo system (the standard one in base cars is decidedly mediocre), as they will make the car easier to resell.</p>

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<p>Where it's good, it's very good. The Saab 9-3 has extremely comfortable seats, a sound driving position with a wide range of adjustment, a no-nonsense layout for the controls and the clearest instruments you're likely to find.</p>

<p>In the front, there's good headroom and adequate legroom. There's decent space in the back, too, although shoulders will rub with three rear passengers. The boot is large, and you can fold down the split back seat for extra space.</p>

<p>There are some good engines in a largely turbocharged line-up. Most are quiet on a cruise, and the 9-3 does a reasonable job of shutting out unwanted noise from outside.</p>

<p>The trouble is, there's bad news as well. The 9-3 is based on the Vectra platform, but you'd never tell from its soggy handling and the way it thumps over bumps. The steering, too, is about as communicative as a corpse. If you're after finesse, fun or flair, this is not your car.</p>

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Used Saab 9-3 Saloon 2002 - 2012 review

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