Was this facelifted SAAB the best 9-3 ever?
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- Опубліковано 12 тра 2023
- I'm back behind the wheel of a SAAB 9-3! Specifically, the post-2008 facelift version. How does it compare to the original model that came out in 2002?
Review and comparison of the 2007 and 2008 Facelifts vs the 2002 version.
Car on test: 2010 Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan / Sport Saloon (SS) 1.9 TiD Vector manual.
#saab #saab93
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Just bought a facelifted 9-3 tid estate and I love it. So much car for so little money and they still look classy.
I had my 2008 Saab 93 turbo for 8 years and NEVER had a problem! I had my baby up to 145 mph! I've been driving for 45 years and this car was my fave!🖤🖤🖤
2008 was a good year it seems.
I have two 9-3s, one 2008 and one 2011. Sadly I can't say the same about the 2011 year modell, or at least that is my personal experience. It runs well enough but I have had to put in waaaay more workhours and money into it then the 2008, lock chests fail, powersteering fail, AC compressor fail, magnet for the belt pulley of the ac compressor fail, thermostat changed just last week (really tricky to get that one our I can say even though it is a cheap part,) and so on and so on.
The 2008 has gone 260000~ km and the 2011 has gone just above 210000 km
In my 2008 model, the ONLY thing I have ever changed besides new battery, regular scheduled service and the usual wear and tear parts like brakediscs and such is the wiper arm mechanism, the electrical motor for it still runs but the bushings go bad and crack after a while so the linkage arms snapp off, and bushings are consider wear and tear parts I'd say so that is the ONLY thing I have changed on a 16 year old car with quite some mileage.
I love SAABs, don't get me wrong, but when I compare my 2008 to my 2011 I can't believe it is manufactured by the same company in the same factory. I,ve had a 9-5 also which I absolutely loved, still have a SAAB 90 in my garage, it was exclusive to the Finnish and Swedish markets and the cheapest SAAB ever made, it is essentially a SAAB 99 with a SAAB 900 behind and quite few of them are still around as they usually were destined to become "Folkrace" cars in Sweden once they've fullfilled their purpose as daily drivers, so I intend on keeping it just for the sake of history preservation, and taking it our for the summer to go get some ice cream :)
i drove my TX for 12 years!..was doing speedo out!!!!
Bloody loved my 9-3 (facelifted) - great car to drive - crying shame they went bust otherwise I'd probably still be in a Saab today 😕
Yeah it really is a shame :(
My 2008 Aero (lightly modded) was a nice car to drive. Only changed it when I bought a 2010 XWD SC. Still have it now. Cannot think of another car I would want.
Every time I see one of your Saab videos it makes me want one
Haha, at least with Saab you know I'm not secretly working for them 😄
My etstate TTiD 2009 with over 320k km on the meter is still amazing to drive. And the Fiat-twinturbo is amazing.
Hi Everyone!
Just bought a very low mileage Saab 93 Sport Combi Linear 2011, it looks like new under the hood and inside without any wrinkles on the Leather.
I love the car, had a 95combi 2.3 turbo 15 years ago, but this 93 is even better.
I have tuned the car ( 1.8T Biopower) from 150hk to 200hk, with automatic transmission.
Outside the car looks like new, but underneath all the rust protection is deteriorated , so I have ordered a sandblaster completely on the under body, which will be painted afterwards with Zink paint, before a new normal cover will be applied, it takes more than 4 days to do, and its not too expensive.
The service book is fully done, so I will just keep on to treat it like my baby
Thanks for a nice video
Sounds like a nice example. Thanks for watching :)
Im a proud saab owner today,and i have to say its an absolute joy to drive,one of the best cars on the road ...
Great review
Great video - and glad the 60th Anniversary info was useful for you! Made my day getting to that bit.
Hi Keith, ah nice one! Thanks for 'lending' me the footage :) Do you still run a Saab?
@@JJonCars Anytime! My daily is now a 2021 S60, but I still have the 9-3 as well as a 900 restoration project.
I love our arctic white 2011 Saab 9-3 !! 165,000 miles & still a dream to drive. Very few issues with it & look forward to turning 250k on the odometer !! Happy Saab owner in Nashville.
Awesome, always love to hear that they are reliable with high miles.
Looks just like my 2009 93T. Love it!
Bought mine in an auction; beautifully prepared . After one year of daily commuting, it’s zero maintenance other than one oil change😊
Great to hear :)
on June 19th, it will be 5 years that I have owned mine, bought with 143 thousand km, 1.9 TID Sportcombi ex150 hp without dpf and EGR, remapped with 180 hp.
I thought I bought a lemon at first, but after 2 days I fell in love😍
now has 205k km, looks new throughout, is faster than new cars and still reaches 235km/h
I have Saab 9-3 2.0T 2008 and I love it!
Had to part with my 1995 Mercedes 124 Coupe this year, as London ULEZ expansion is coming. Ended up with a 2.0T Aero facelift model in black, with dual outlet exhaust and Anniversary wheels, with 120K miles, from 2008MY. I really like the car, and it is a fitting replacement for my iconic Merc, plus the a/c and heated rear window work on the Saab, so a win for me. Still a lot on the road too.
Well, I'm glad to hear you've bought one of these Saabs as they are nice cars. But that is a shame about the old Merc! I bet you weren't doing lots of miles in it, so ULEZ is probably quite unfair against modern classics like that.
Enjoy the 9-3!
i had a saab 9-3 2010 1.9tid vector hirsch amazing car
Staffordshire!
I was listening to your accent, thinking you must be somewhere close to where i grew up (Stone).
Keele University signs on the buildings puts you near Newcastle.
Nice review!
Ah nice, yeah well spotted it's Keele Uni. I am based in the Peak District and I think I just have a sort of generic Northern accent. Cheers!
I'll be honest, I've done loads of work on mine, the freely available workshop software (and chinese tech2) make maintenance and repair easy. BUT, what a great car! So comfy, great mpg and pulls like a train. Coming up on 200k miles and can see no reason to change it. Does everything you could want. Obviously don't know how invested the other drivers were but I've said bye bye to every car I've overtaken including scoobie, porsches and all types of Mercedes, bmws etc. I'm tempted to tune it but want it to go as far as possible so may not. Go and get one!
I have the first SAAB 900 turbo 16 Cabrio from 1986 in top condition plus a 93 Aero Cabrio from 2004. These are 2 of my 9 cars. And I love them and dream of days when I take them out.
Nice pair 👍
2wks ago I picked Saab 93 Aero 19 TTiD Sportswagon, 113,000 mls 2008 gunmetal grey with cream interior, mint condition, service history, Super quick, drives incredibly, £2,300
It was a 450 mile round-trip, but when you see a bargain like this don’t mess about.
I just love these cars, it’s my 3rd Aero and sixth Saab, You get tons of car for very little money, they have loads of character but people are scared of them because they haven’t been made for over 10yrs
I'm looking at 1 right now in Au. A 2009 Just under $7k with under 100000kms on the clock. It's the auto sedan non convertible.
After 5 months of ownership do you recommend me get it?
Had three Saabs in the past. Two 99s both petrol and a 96 V-4 with the freewheel gearbox. Absolutely loved them all. My father followed my enthusiasm and had three 99s plus a 900 over time..Not quite sure how I come to be driving a Peugeot 407SW GT diesel auto., now! But it's a 2008 model and I've had it five years and it's been utterly bomb-proof with nearly 150,000 miles up.Everything works as it should and on a motorway trip I regularly get 60mpg. But I still look at Saabs for sale on various sites! One day eh?
Awesome previous list of cars. You'll get back there eventually I'm sure :)
Definitely a highlight of their story
I had a 1.8i 2005 Linear Sport which was a good car.
Then I had a 2011 TTiD 1.9 which was a very good car. The quality of the interior was markedly improved and the suspension was also way better.
Both suffered with rust issues on the rear-arches.
Great cars and it's a real shame they no longer exist.
Mine got the bubbly-rusty rear arches too. Agreed.
@JJonCars It's an issue on the 9-3. Front wings are susceptible too, more so than I'd expect on a car built to withstand Swedish winters 😁
Still good cars though; both never failed.
Seeing your previous video's Skoda thumbnail and this car's thumbnail, they weirdly look kind of similar...
Saab's are interesting cars, even after GM took them over...
Well spotted, very close to where I took the shot of the Skoda, clearly the same architecture in that little area :)
Also, the Skoda is kind of like a boring version of a modern Saab.
@@JJonCars Oh, I didn't actually notice that 😂
The front ends of these cars look kind of similar for some reason though maybe where these cars were shot also makes them look more similar...
@@JJonCars You also kind of make me want one haha
@@MartinJones123 mission accomplished 😂
I have had three SAAB’s (Aeros) from New including that version.
The best was the HOT SAAB Aero 95 (lowered/tuned by Hirsch) Not a car, more a missile 😱
Love the 9-5, need to get one on here.
@@JJonCars Yes, I hope GM Directors rot in hell for killing SAAB 🤬
@@JJonCars Another car which I had from new, not a SAAB, but soooo good to drive was a Peugeot 405 Mi16 tuned and chipped by BRS racing.
@@venenareligioest410 I remember those, very cool cars
I have a 2008 2.8 V convertable, one of the best cars yet i love it, had a few issues but in 8 years that i have it no major things. According to me it is the best looking convertable out there it doesn't show off it has class that other makes lack
What issues did you come across. Trivial as they may seem it's very interesting to know.
@@yingyangorca4124 Coolant exp tank exploded (there was a recall that the previous owner did not perform),fuel pump change, one front arm making noise, and i had to change the ECU but was my fault i broke it
I'm thinking of getting a 2009 93 vector. Looks clean enough. Has 95000kms on the clock. They want 7k for it.
I've just never owned or known a Saab owner. So have no experience. I've owned an Alfa but that's as close as I can get.
I had Nissan coupé GTi,B 12,year 90. It was a beast!!! And one thing which I really love it with all the others, is that, that I could move steering wheel like that, left-right, even with high speed 🚅 so you can't lose control of the road 🛣️ They does that on purpose.
True, it's nice to have some give in the steering at higher speed so it's not all twitchy
The face lift looks good. But they needed to keep the hatchbsck version and the rounded body style of the 900. SAAB always had unique styling. There last generation looked like any orher sedan
That is why i choose estate😊
I'd love to see a review of an early Saab 9-3 (the hatchback), a '98 or '99-model
Me too haha. As soon as I get hold of one it'll be on here for sure
Tolles Fahrzeug
CEL light on @8.40 ;) have the same car just in swedish red. i think it has a very nice look. Lots of Saab's here in Norway still, but they are very cheap here since nobody wants em. picked mine up for 800 pounds ish. just a worn out starter motor. thats all. same trim as yours in the video :).
Haha, that's footage from a different Saab I was driving. Light was on for nothing important, from what I was told.
I kinda hoped there'd be more love for them in Scandinavia, but I guess it's a bit like Rover here - no body wanted old Rovers when they were 15-20 years old. No patriotism haha. Sounds like you got a bargain!
I have a 56 plate 9-3 with the face lift interior. Best one to have in my opinion cuz you have the older better looks with the newer much better layout.
I always found that strange that they did the interior facelift first :) So there was that crossover period where you could get the car you have. A good combo for sure
I couldnt agree more, i have an 07 2.0T (210 ponies no mods) in black with the new style interior rocking the pre facelift extrerior. Looks runs and sounds great (aggressive and stylish at the same time)...i get more looks than most other sedans on the raod. In my opinion it is also the best of both worlds. Keep on saabing
Very informative, thank you! Personally, I love the pre face-lift dashboard more and I would h-a-t-e the beep style indicator sound of the later dash.. My god, that sound if awfull!
I'm completely with you there! Glad you found the vid useful :)
I've got an alfa giulietta at the moment and bloody live it... When I change it will be a saab cabrio or volvo...
Saab will be quite a change from the Alfa. Both nice cars though
I still have 93 Saab 2.8 v6 2007 at the genuine state at 114000kms. No a problem until now.
Awesome. My 2.8 was not quite as reliable, but I think some one didn't look after it
I had 2 9-3s, first one was a 2005 model, second a 2009, both vectors. I had the exact same experience with the steering, cruising on straight motorways you always had to give a little input left and right since there was a slight play in the middle, none of the cars had more than 90k kilometres on them on purchase. Bloody loved them though, both were the 2.0t which I ran a stage 1 tune on, making around 220bhp. Really fun cars, easy to modify (especially here in Sweden) and great fuel economy, in my 2009 combi I averaged around 6,8l/100km.
Nice one, finally someone who agrees with me about the steering 😄 Yep, really nice cars. Are there still lots of them in Sweden and a big love for them?
@@JJonCars I would say they're still common but not nearly as common as maybe 5 years ago. Usually the high-specced aero models get well taken care of but lower spec cars don't get the same treatment, especially since they're really cheap now when somthing expensive breaks on a linear for example most of them just get scrapped unfortunately. Also we have very much road salt in the more southern parts of Sweden during the winter which takes a heavy toll on cars, so unfortunately regardelss of brand after 15-20 years the cars simply rust away. Up north it's easier to find nice examples though since they don't use road salt there due to lower temperatures.
@@3klund95 Ah wow ok, thank you for that. Sounds very much like the UK situation!
I had one in same colour ona 08 plate.
the interior in the prefacelift with the icm 2 is the best full on fighter jet
Oh yes, is that the little extra screen? I had that in my 2.8 :)
Did you check the sway bar links in this one? It's what makes the steering wobbly like that. They wear out about every 30-50k, so it doesn't matter that this one is newer. Bushings wear out, and bingo, mush.
Can't say I did - that is interesting though. Perhaps I'm being too mean about the steering then :P
@@JJonCars there are apparently aftermarket drop links that are much better than the flimsy GM ones (that also have bad bushings). I replaced mine to get rid of a front-end clunk. Clunk was still there, but steering felt 100% better. Apparently the steering rack sometimes goes bad (!) too.
I very nearly bought a 2011 one of these a few weeks back, but bottled it. I love the individuality of it. The exterior has aged beautifully. The interior is nice, but it was really just the cockpit and the lack of more modern creature comforts that put me off. Cool car nonetheless!! Thanks for the review JJ
Thanks Brian. Maybe next time!
You should've gone for it. 😉 I love being in my Saab.
My one has heated seats, cruise control, etc. only thing that is maybe slightly dated is the technology in the radio etc. but you could get ones with a touch screen radio.
That black turtleneck!
Tengo un Saab 93 TID DEL 2010 ENCANTADO
LA CORUÑA GALICIA ESPAÑA ....UN PENA QUE ESTA MARCA SAAB QUEBRARA
Lovely interior. There's something about Saabs that makes you a more considerate driver, they feel grown up & responsible somehow, it's weird 😂
Definitely! I suddenly become so relaxed behind the wheel of a Saab
I’m on my 13th SAAB. Still have a super rare 2005 9-3 SS Aero Hirsch 252 Turbo Performance and a 9-3 SC Aero convertible.
Fabulous cars!
13th! Wow. Good to hear you're a fan of the 'newer' Saabs as well as presumably the more classic models?
@@JJonCarsbro got ignored
@@slimeballeats 😭
Face lifted model as NG9-3SS & NG9-3SC but pre-facelift as NG9-3CV. That's what I prefer.
Why? Because they never facelifted side panels of NG9-3CV.
That's why we have one of the last MY2007 NG9-3CVs -> facelifted dashboard, L06 seats (not available for MY2009-> and very rare for MY2008) but still the classic look outside.
There's a combination for everyone!
I whant to buy one the facelift model with 1.9tdi but i want to know what to look out buying one
i looked at this video because i own for more than 3 years now pre face lift, i like the design of the facelift a lot, but actually i like the stiffer suspension in pre facelifted one. and about that steering - it is really precise, there must be something wrong with car you been driving. also maybe its something to do with rim and tire size
There's a Saab for everyone :) A few others have said that. Maybe I'll find a 9-3 with no play in the steering one day.
My 08 Saab Aero won't let me open the hood!?? I pull the lever. It clicks but I can't lift it to release latch?? Please help me!
How can I fix that???
I bought my 9-3 2.0t SportCombi about 2 months ago and I have been loving it every day since. Only thing that's really bothering me is the gearbox, especially the 2nd gear. Other than that it's brilliant and my example was an absolute bargain at 3300€ with 260k km
What’s wrong with 2nd gear?
@@teflondon4963 Maybe it's just that my gearbox might be on it's way out
@@einpercy825 is it difficult to get it into 2nd? Just asking because I’m looking at buying one
I liked the old dashboard. If only the buttons were better quality
Me too
@@JJonCars although the Aero I had with the old dash had the most disappointing stereo in it. I think there were 3 or 4 specs for audio. Mine was poverty. Shame,because it was a beautiful looking car. And stupidly fast 😁
I've had all Aeros
03,05, 56/07 ,08 09,10 plate and a convertible.
Absolutely fantastic reliability in petrol form .
The best overall I felt were all facelift dash and full facelift models onwards. All niggles were slowly removed
The 2003 Aero was best specced every option going ,03 models had rear boot button, thicker floor carpet/Matt, pop up washers big brakes . All 03-06 dashes were very saaby to look at but poor quality. Though all seats were comfortable...Audi Merc BMW owners would all say wow how comfy then go buy another back breaking BMW 😂😂
Best thing was the value , not so much now..most are tired and minters get sold on for way too much there are simply better cars now. Though 5 years ago a mint 07 Aero 2k easy . That was there top trump back then.
I drive a 2014 v60 Volvo d5 now unfortunately it's better across the board than Saab 9-3 but a newer generation of car...I absolutely miss them and enjoyed having a fantastic car when others paid more for average cars. Safe and reliable ❤️
Should I get a 9-3 Aero estate 2.0 Petrol for my first car? are they hard to maintain in the UK?
Depends on what you will be doing with the car. If you're doing lots and lots of miles and depend on it every day, maybe something a little more modern with easier parts availability. But if you want a cool, different and quirky car that almost no one else will be driving as a first car then I'd say go for it! If you pick one that has been cared for then it should be fine to maintain :)
I had issues with my local mechanics finding a new clutch kit. I ordered the parts online and convinced one to fit. Cost £600 labour, and about £500 for a clutch kit amd flywheel. Fitted the LUK kit and runs great. You'll find that you always need to source your own parts, fit yourself, or find a good mechanic that will fit 'ebay' parts for you.
good car until the P0243 fault code doesn't come permanently and won't go when you change the turbo valve ......
Give me advice. I live in Malta, and this car ar very rear, and i really want to buy one. Actually it was only one on the market. I don't know what to do😅Honda civic 2009, 2.2 diesel, or honda 2006 acord 2.2 diesel as well, or Peugeot 207 cabrio, or 308 1.6 diesel, Peugeot 307cc 1.6 diesel,or maybe some golf 5 1.9 diesel 😂 Unfortunately I'm not working at the moment so i cannot buy something new than that
Are you sure you don't want a Toyota Vitz? Just joking! They are everywhere in Malta aren't they 😄
Well if you can find the Saab and it's nice then why not! Otherwise I think one of the Honda's might best on a budget as they should be more dependable :)
IMO The best 9-3 is the Viggen in Lightening Blue. The NG 9-3's aren't bad though.
Oh yes, anything with a Viggen badge will do nicely 👍
Yes it is the best 9-3 face ever.
I have a 9-3 NG and 9-5 NG, I prefer the 9-3
Interesting - what do you prefer? I want to try the 9-5 at some point
You can only drive a saab if you are wearing a roll neck sweater
100% :D
I have the pre facelift and my tax is about £200 cheaper than the facelift model with the same spec ,2 ltr turbo petrol,so i won't be getting the later one
Yeah, the tax bands are such a shame and so pointless. I think 2006-2010 cars like these will really suffer in the future with most of them disappearing as people just won't be bothered to pay the tax.
@@JJonCars I think it may be 2007 or 8 onwards with the bigger tax band 🤔 absolutely a joke as all are ulez friendly, I would have got a later one but for that fact I think I would rather keep my 03 going as long as possible.
It’s weird I’ve had much nicer and more expensive Mercedes and Volvos and my favorite car may still be my 08 9-3 Aero. There’s just something about it.
98-02 were better built and more reliable. And alot more saab.
I'd very much like to try out that era of Saab. My dad had a 1996 900S when I was a kid and it was a lovely car.
Good news SAAB is back now fully owned by VOLVO FROM 2023.
Not true. Fake news
Alfa and SAABs are worlds apart i am not sure what they go for there i got mine in Italy at 13k but it was nearly new and a 2.8 convertable. I have had an Alfa 147 one word yuck
The original 9³ was the far superior car
Care to elaborate?
Easy answer… NO.
9-3 Viggen is the best 9-3.
I need to drive one!
Nice Vauxhall, I mean SAAB pal 😏😏
9000s are sweet!
Something gone wrong with the reply there, but I stand by it 😄
😂
you meant an Open, Fiat Croma and probably some other random Alfa, most automovile manufacturer share platforms, so what? only a handfull generalist fully independent remain
you just found out the facelift differences until 2023? this are old news buddy.
Well, I've known about them since 2008, but I made the video in 2023 ;)
except that you choose to review the Fiat diesel engine Saab, why I ask?
I don't really have the luxury of choosing specific engines :)
@@JJonCars haha sure you can! There are v6s’ 4 cyl n/a , turbos you name it. Or is it England likewise Spain where diesel’s account for more than 85% of the cars?
@@boardernut what I mean is, I am relying on kind people to lend me their cars. There are lots of petrol and diesel 9-3s in the UK
@@JJonCars keep it up I love your reviews.
Nicely appointed cars but also Very Borrrring "granpa' kars. ... dull and lifeless.
About as thrilling as vanilla puding. Then there is the infamous reliability issue ....looming .
Interesting. Perhaps some could see them as grandpa cars, but I personally think they're cool. But then I do tend to have an old blokes taste in cars haha
Sounds like a tractor 😂
Good ol' stinky diesels
Yeah but,is it a diesel ?? Shame shame.A real Saab is with the Scania Turbo Engine,not a Fiat Diesel..
Would be prefereable with a petrol engine, I agree. But it's still a nice car
They made a beautiful car ugly.
2wks ago I picked Saab 93 Aero 19 TTiD Sportswagon, 113,000 mls 2008 gunmetal grey with cream interior, mint condition, service history, Super quick, drives incredibly, £2,300
It was a 450 mile round-trip, but when you see a bargain like this don’t mess about.
I just love these cars, it’s my 3rd Aero and sixth Saab, You get tons of car for very little money, they have loads of character but people are scared of them because they haven’t been made for over 10yrs
2wks ago I picked Saab 93 Aero 19 TTiD Sportswagon, 113,000 mls 2008 gunmetal grey with cream interior, mint condition, service history, Super quick, drives incredibly, £2,300
It was a 450 mile round-trip, but when you see a bargain like this don’t mess about.
I just love these cars, it’s my 3rd Aero and sixth Saab, You get tons of car for very little money, they have loads of character but people are scared of them because they haven’t been made for over 10yrs
Always worth travelling distance for the right car. Sounds like a bargain! People get scared, but reality is all cars of that era aren't made any more, even if the manufacturers still exist :) (except the Fiat 500 lol)