Saab 9-3

[Sins]

Hi there,

 

A newbie to MCF and have I just figured out how to post after sending a pte msg to Saaber. Anyway, I was advised by a couple of friends against buying the new Saab 9-3. Though they agree its a very good car in terms of handling, space and build quality, they say Saabs are not that reliable and have parts problem i.e cars sit in the agent's workshop for months sometimes waiting for arrival of parts. And the bill after that isn't cheap. I understand that its now going for about $120K which if true is excellent value but I am concerned about the reliability and maintenance costs issues.

 

Your learned opinions please.

[Saaber]

HI,

 

Welcome to MCF...

[Saaber]

Saabs are quite reliable and spare parts are quite readily available except that it is true that they are quite expensive as compared to Jap but compared to Merc, Volvo, etc...it is abt the same.....and you can get parts from elsewhere beside the agent

 

For your info, I don't see Saab cars sit in the agent workshop for months except when those rare cases that have suffered very very bad accidents that is in need to extensive body and engine repairs....

 

Do meet me at the meetup so that we can talk more...

 

The latest meetup folder will be in the MEETUP FOLDER...

[Assassin]

Hi Sins,

 

Welcome to MCF ! Do enjoy your stay here and come along for our weekly meetups. More info is in our MEETUPS folder on the main page.

 

The Saab 9-3 SS is a relatively new model in the market and only time will tell whether any problems do crop up.

 

Handling wise...it is comparatively light even though it is almost the same weight as a C-Class/3-series/S40. Its also a Front Wheel Drive so it might take a bit of getting used to if you've been drving RWD cars.

 

Parts-wise, like all other Swedish models...parts are not as common as German models, but there are some places where you can get them..either original/EOM or aftermarket. There are some workshops that can take over the maintenance/servicing of Saabs after the 2 year/40,000km warranty runs out. Best is to rack up the full 40,000km and get the free servicing [as everything is free..parts and labour] coz 40,000km is the major servicing and should cost ~S$500+. Minor servicings in between should cost ~S$200+ to ~S$300+.

 

New cars normally sit out in the open parking lot at the Sungei Kadut branch and are only brought in for cleaning and adding of options when a purchase is done. Collection will be done there as well.

 

There are 2 service centres...Leng Kee and Sungei Kadut..however for major works to be done.. you will have to bring the vehicle to the Sungei Kadut HQ branch.

 

For S$120K, there are a lot of car makes/models out there and buyers are spoilt for choice. There is a thread on selecting a car for S$120K so you might want to take a look at it.

 

Just my S$0.02.

 

Cheers

[S2P2]

Hi welcome to MCF......do come for our meetups

[Mel4fun]

Hi,

 

I would say that the Saab9-3 is as reliable and economical "or non-economical" (depending on which camp you're from ) as any mid-end Conti cars.

 

There are alot of hear said. but you really need to test and try it out yourself. End of the day, you are the one driving it.

 

I would atest that the new Saab9-3 has better handling and the overall package is definitely more appealing. As it is still a very new model in SG market, it is too early to judge their reliability. People always make references to the "old days", but they never consider the fact that with the introduction of new technology, each new model would improved (look how far Hyundai has come along).

 

I don't have the privilege to own a Saab, but you may check out with other Saab owners in this forum. As mentioned earlier, depending on which camp you're from (either Jap lover or Conti lover), go for the one that makes you grin.........

 

Furthermore, there are quite a few choices in the 120K range, so do give each and everyone a shot,......maybe you can share your experience with us once you have done so....

[Sins]

Thanks all you folks. BTW I just saw a pix of the 220bhp 9-3 by Abbot Racing posted elsewhere here and it makes me lao nua. Now I just need to sell my six and a half year old 316iA without losing much money. Thank god me wifey also likes the 9-3. Also the 2 year full warranty and servicing is very attractive.

 

Cheers