Saab 9-3 2003

2003 Saab 9-3: what owners report

• Auto Bild's used-car test of the 2002–2009 generation names the front axle as the main weak spot: broken springs, especially on 2003–2004 cars, plus worn tie rods, strut mounts and anti-roll bar bushes.2003–2004
• Repairs that do come up can be costly: one US owner of a 2003 automatic paid about $1,200 for a neutral safety switch, and a 2007 CarComplaints report of rough running averaged about $4,000.2003–2007
• US reviewers of 2003, 2006 and 2007 cars keep returning to the responsive turbo engines and the fun, planted handling.2003–2007
• Many US owners describe long, largely trouble-free ownership, with several cars passing 150,000 to 200,000 miles on mostly routine maintenance.2003–2007