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

What is it like?

Ownership cost

Advice for buyers

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Sports

Find a good example and Saabs make famously great used cars; they are generally well priced, well equipped and reliable.

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.

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.

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.

SAAB

The Saab 9-3 Convertible is a viable alternative to a BMW or Audi

Used Saab 9-3 Convertible 2002 - 2012

Not only does going for the less powerful petrol versions make sense from a driving point of view, but you'll also save money on the running costs. The 1.8-litre gives about 32mpg on average, compared with 25mpg for the V6. The diesel returns 44mpg and opting for an automatic with any engine reduces economy by only 2mpg.

With service intervals every 18,000 miles, garage bills should be manageable, but you can still save by visiting one of the many independent specialists. The 9-3 shares some components with other members of the General Motors family - the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/vectra/hatchback/used-review/n700">Vauxhall Vectra</a>, for example - so parts needn't cost the earth.

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The Saab 9-3 Convertible is a viable alternative to a BMW or Audi

Originally, three turbocharged petrol engines were introduced: a 1.8-litre with 150bhp and two 2.0-litres, with 175bhp and 210bhp. These were later joined by a 2.3-litre V6 with 247bhp and a 1.9-litre TiD diesel with 150bhp. The most powerful petrols come with a six-speed manual 'box.

The less powerful petrols suit the car's chassis well, considering its limits of grip, while the V6 and diesel versions work well with the optional five-speed automatic gearbox.

The 9-3 Convertible received the maximum five-star rating in Euro NCAP's crash tests and all models have twin front and side airbags, anti-lock brakes and a roll-over bar behind the rear seats.

All 9-3 Convertibles have a electric roof, which neatly folds into the boot. Base models have air-con, electric windows, a CD player, electric heated mirrors and alloy wheels. Vector and Aero models have climate and cruise control with leather.

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What we're looking for:<ul><li>Wind-in-the-hair excitement</li> <li>Roof that’s quick and easy to raise and lower</li> <li>Comfortable seating for four adults</li> <li>Sufficient practicality for everyday use</li> <li>Little wind buffeting</li> <li>Quietness, whether the roof is up or down</li> <li>Minimal shaking and shimmying over bumps</li></ul>

Despite the British weather, UK car buyers are among the biggest enthusiasts for wind-in-your-hair motoring, so convertibles have always been surprisingly popular here. It’s best to be able to react to the fickle climate, though, so we’re after a roof that opens (and closes) slickly and quickly and good top-down cruising refinement.

There are precious few bespoke drop-tops these days, so your choice of models is generally limited to soft-top&nbsp;versions of existing models. Mini will sell you a drop-top version of its style-focused hatchback, if you’re after a bit of flair. The Audi A5&nbsp;Cabriolet, meanwhile, brings all of the benefits of the regular A5&nbsp;– refined engines and a beautifully finished interior. Alternatively, the much more expensive Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet is one of the most luxurious convertibles on sale.

Convertible

To be sure a turbo engine at its best, you should always look for a full service history. Dealer stamps are best, but specialist marks are an acceptable second, especially on older cars. Beware of garages which don't know what they're doing - the turbo engines drink a particular type of oil, and only those who know what they're doing will have used it.

On a test drive, run the engine until it's hot and then rev the car when stationary. If you get blue or black smoke from the exhaust, then there's a good chance the turbo has failed. Walk away. And, do the same if there's any sludge on the inside of the oil filler cap. It's probably a sign of head gasket failure.

The hood mechanism is generally reliable, but there was a recall to stop the hydraulic pipes getting trapped, so make sure it's been done. And, as you would on any convertible, check the hood for wear and tear.

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This Saab 9-3 Convertible is better to drive than the older models, with its sharp steering and plenty of feedback.

The ride is comfortable and, with little body roll through bends, the 9-3 is a more than capable car, if not as sharp to drive as the class-leading <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/sports/used-review/n252">BMW 3 Series convertible</a>. That's especially the case with the most powerful engines, which can expose the limits of the car's traction.

Inside, too, the focus is on comfort, and the wide range of seating and steering wheel adjustment means anyone should be able to get comfortable. The cabin is a pleasant place to be and, generally, the build quality is good. Even space in the rear is acceptable, and the luggage space is reasonable.

With the roof up, you'll notice wind noise over 50mph, but it's not excessive. And, even when you drop the top, you should be well isolated from any buffeting.

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Used Saab 9-3 Convertible 2002 - 2012 review

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Alternatives

What alternatives should I consider to a used Saab 9-3 sports?