My sister is thinking about a brand new 2009 9-3 Aero convertible. It's heavily discounted, of course (she says $20,000 worth) and I've got my head around depreciation and stuff like that. She seems confident that her dealer will still be offering service into the future, even though Saturn's gone and Saab is (at least) moving away from home. What I'm hoping to find out from the GRM community is vehicle-specific stuff to be wary of. I've read a lot of stuff about older Saabs, good and bad, but are there any late-model 9-3 issues to relate?
If it makes a difference, we're in Toronto, Ontario.
Thanks!
Aspen
New Reader
10/14/09 12:50 p.m.
Nice car, I have a 2007 9-3 sportcombi and have been shopping convertibles for a while and driven a few.
I would not buy a new one because the depreciation is insane. You can now get an 2005 in the US with low miles for about $14k for a car that was $60k new. Even 2007 models are well under half price. A BMW 335i would be a way nice car, but you pay for it.
The verts are solid after the initial model year so look for 05 or later. The V6 has coolant tank issues but not a big deal and is a gas hog. The 2.0T is torquey and gets excellent mileage.
Only two dealers left in GTA, but GM says they will support through a GM dealer at least until the warrantee is up.
The quality of the 9-3 is quite good. Some electrical issues and problems with rusting springs on early models. The 04-05 auto tranny has major problems but that has been resolved. They are many trim rattles that crop up. My car has been flawless except for a sunroof rattle and a faulty seat belt warning light. I fixed the rattle myself and the other was warranteed. Parts are expensive but no worse than Germans or Japanese lux makes.
The strengths of the 9-3 are looks, light weight for vert, excellent soft top, FWD for winter use, turbo, cheap price. The weaknesses are FWD torque steer, not a drag car, no folding hardtop, GM parts bin interior bits, rattles, questionable future.
If you are willing to search the net for parts and fixes and find an indy mechanic I think it is a great car. If your sister doesn't want any hassle look at the Lexus IS or the BMW.
Great info, Aspen. Thank you.
