Category: Compact Executive 
Price Range: £19,995 to £28,751
Well-designed, capable and credible alternative to the German cars in this class. Excellent engines, fine cabin and satisfying to drive. And a little different
Styling a little bland, ride poor with some wheel/tyre combinations, not quite as accomplished as BMW 3-Series, noisy diesels
A Saab for which excuses need not be made, and a satisfying, sensible buy to boot
Depreciation (loss in value) is less savage than for the outgoing range, though still heavier than for, say, a 3-Series or A4; saloons will lose their value more quickly than the Sportwagon estate, especially the 2.8 V6. The 9-3 is very competitively priced, however, considering its power, in the first place. Insurance starts from Group 11E, and there is now no service needed until 18,000 miles (or two years), cutting time and costs at your local dealership.
Carbon dioxide emission levels aren't especially competitive, however - a crucial issue for company car taxpayers - but the 9-3's competitive list price and well-priced cost of options should compensate company car drivers, and recent updates to some engines have brought small improvements. The 1.9 TiD diesels are much cheaper to run than the old 2.2 TiD, with better economy and lower tax liability.
Don't expect any bargains on the used forecourts just yet; Saab dealers are still controlling most of the market, and they're not letting these 9-3s go cheap. However, once more become available outside the dealer network, expect good value and reliability from them, as they should go on forever. Saab is offering a great all-round package in the exec sector, as it is undercutting all its German rivals with a quality product. How sensible and Swedish is that? Equipment levels are high, there is a good choice of powerful engines and the Aero in particular is pretty cheap considering its power and specification.
Latest Readers' Drives About the Saab 9 3
wrote on 20 09 2007
wrote on 13 08 2007
wrote on 23 08 2006