Saab 9-3 (1998 - 2002)
BY ANDY ENRIGHT
The Saab 9-3 range is the mainstay of the companys recent commercial success. Aiming to compete head-on with the likes of BMWs 3 Series and Audis A4 models, the 9-3 represents a slightly quirkier alternative. Since acquiring Saab, parent company General Motors have done an admirable job of improving quality whilst still allowing the cars to retain their inherent Saab-ness. The range consists of three-door coupes, five-door saloons and a very attractive array of convertibles with a number of somewhat complicated engine options and trim levels.
For a stylish method of racking up big miles in an effortless manner, a used Saab 9-3 is a good bet.
| Build |  |
| Comfort |  |
| Depreciation |  |
| Economy | |
| Equipment | |
| Handling | |
| Insurance | |
| Performance | |
| Styling | |
| Value | |
Perhaps Einar Hareide, Saabs Head of Design, had a moment of clarity, realising that it wasnt compulsory for Saabs to resemble inbred country cousins. The Saab core values of safety and reliability havent gone amiss either, with the cars still feeling bulletproof and a number of considered safety features being incorporated. These include twin front and side airbags on all models and SAHR, the Saab Active Head Restraint that aims to reduce whiplash injuries. In addition to championing these values, the all-turbocharged 9-3 range also looks to trump its German rivals in terms of value for money.
Equipment levels are reassuringly high, but its only when comparing model for model that Saabs advantage becomes apparent. Whereas a used 154bhp Saab 9-3 2.0t S can be bought for under £13,000 for a 1998 example, an equivalent year BMW 3 Series starts at £16,000 for a weedy 105bhp 316i. These comparisons stand true right across the range, and make the Saab a good way for the used buyer to get a prestigious badge without the brash image.
The Saab 9-3 has proved a popular and reliable addition to the Saab range and residual values are relatively firm. Opening values for the 9-3 range start at £3,175 for a five-door 1998 R-registered 9-3 2.0i, with three-door coupes around £100 more. The first of the 154bhp 2.
0t cars are priced from £3,825 for a 1998 S-registered 2.0t S five-door. Youll need to find at least £5,500 to get hold of one of the five-door 200bhp HOT-engined cars, and it will be the 2.0 HOT S designation.
The Viggen models are available from £6,575. Diesel cars are available from £3,875 for a 1998 R-registered 2.2TiD S five-door, and youll need to pay another £200 for SE specification. Convertibles start from £6,975 for a 1998 R-plate 2.
0i S with an SE trim being around £300 extra. Later 2.3 Viggen convertibles are available from £10,125. Insurance ranges from Group 10 for the 2.
0i models right up to Group 17 for the powerful Viggens.
Few other manufacturers share Saabs reputation for longevity. A well maintained 9-3 should be good for at least a 200,000 miles, so dont be afraid of higher mileage cars. Just be sure that theyve been given regular doses of main dealer TLC. One area which is worth checking, especially on the more powerful models, is front tyre wear.
As with any powerful front wheel drive car, expecting the front tyres to cope with the demands of steering such a weighty beast and transmitting all that horsepower to the ground is a serious task. A heavy right foot can see front tyres waving the white flag within 5,000 miles, dependent upon make. With the convertible models, check the hood for signs of rips, leaks or damage. Raise and lower it a couple of times to make sure the electric motors are all in good shape and havent been damaged by ignorant users attempting to operate the hood manually.
The hood is a fully insulated triple-layer item with a proper heated glass rear window, and is one of the best on the market for insulating against wind noise. If theres a whistling or drumming at speed, the hood may well be damaged.
(approx based on a 1998 9-3 2.0i) Its apparent where Saab have taken a delve into the capacious GM parts bin. Certain items are very cheap, especially for a car that competes head on with the BMW 3 Series and Audis A4. A clutch assembly is in the region of £250, and brake pads are £50 a set for the fronts and £35 a pair at the back.
A radiator is a fairly reasonable £200, and a headlamp unit is comparable to most major rivals at £170. A starter motor wont see change from £180, whilst an alternator will only see small change from £260. An exhaust system is around £310, again, not unreasonable for a classy executive car.
It has to be said that the 9-3 is a competent, comfortable and reliable car, but the exciting sports models are exciting for the wrong reasons. Any car trying to deploy 230bhp through its front wheels is on a sticky wicket and the Viggen models of the 9-3 range were never the happiest handlers, displaying chronic torque steer the condition where the car seems to veer about as its wheels scrabble for grip. Unless you find enormous tyre bills amusing, its best to stick to cars with engines no more powerful than the 185bhp 2.0T.
The 2.0T models are a different story. Smooth, refined and well equipped, they are definitely the pick of the range. The turbocharged engine despatches the 0-60 increment in just 7.
1 seconds on its way to a 138mph top speed fast enough for most. The 2.0t and 2.2 TiD engines are also impressive.
The diesel in particular deserves special praise, as its testament to General Motors development budget that Saabs first diesel engine is an absolute corker.
With the 9-3 range, Saab has aimed to offer individuality without the downsides. The larger engined models cant really be recommended as their power deployment leaves a bit to be desired, but track down any of the others and youre likely to have a sound purchase on your hands. The diesel and 2.0T models are especially good, and the convertible is one of the most suave and urbane on the market.
As Swede as a nut? They just might be.
