Used Saab 9-3

What to know before buying: Saab 9-3

From 4 forum threads · updated 12/10/2026

What the reviews say

• Owners particularly praise comfort, stability and enjoyable handling; the 2.2 TiD discussion also highlights cabin comfort.[1][3]
• An owner of a 2008 2.0 petrol automatic rated it 9/10 after a stated 300,000 km, describing it as comfortable, fast and attractive.[1]one source
• The owner of a 2007 2.0 diesel estate rated it 10/10 after 70,000 km of use and described it as stable and durable.[1]one source
• In the TÜV entries published by the source, 1998–2008 model-year 9-3s had defect rates below the average for cars of the same age.[1]one source

Typical faults

• The owner of a 2008 2.0 petrol automatic reported that the stability-control system occasionally switches off.[1]one source

  2008–2008 · 2.0 petrol automatic

• The owner of a 2007 2.0 diesel estate reported intermittent central-locking trouble.[1]one source

  2007–2007 · 2.0 diesel

• A 2003 9-3 was reported with an inoperative cabin blower; the owner later found a disconnected blower ground wire.[2]one source

  100 000–100 000 km · 2003–2003

• On the same 2003 car, the front wipers worked intermittently and could stop midway across the glass in single-wipe mode.[2]one source

  100 000–100 000 km · 2003–2003

• In a discussion of a 1998 2.0 petrol 9-3 at about 150,000 km, contributors warned of possible DI-cassette failure and timing-chain replacement.[4]one source

  150 000–150 000 km · 1998–1998 · 2.0 petrol

Which engine and version to take

• The 2.2 TiD is worth considering for ordinary daily use: forum contributors describe it as economical, adequate and part of the Opel engine family.[3]one source
• A well-kept 2.0 petrol is a defensible choice: a 2008 automatic earned 9/10, while another discussion described the 2.0 petrol as enjoyable to drive.[1][3]

What to avoid

• Avoid a 2004 1.9 diesel without thorough diagnostics: a forum lists the CIM, turbo, injectors, flywheel, sensors and actuators among its more frequent faults.[1]one source

What to check at the inspection

• Arrange a full pre-purchase inspection with a Saab specialist; the sources particularly recommend this for the 2.2 TiD and older 9-3s.[3][4]
• On a 1998 2.0 petrol car, measure timing-chain stretch and establish the DI cassette's condition or replacement history.[4]one source
• Check the climate-control display, the entire suspension and the electronics with diagnostic equipment.[4]one source
• If the car has a manual gearbox and tow bar, check for clutch slip during the test drive.[4]one source
• On a 2003 car, test every cabin-blower setting and the single-wipe function; the blades should complete the cycle and return to their parked position.[2]one source

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]auto.jautajums.lv — SAAB 9-3 atsauksmes | jautajums.lv · forum
2. [2]iauto.lv — Saab problēma - Forums · forum
3. [3]burnout.lv — Atsauksmes par Saab 9-3 2.2TiD · forum
4. [4]iauto.lv — SAAB 9-3 SE - Forums · forum

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