Last of the line
Added: 19th of October 2020
- 2010
- 1910
- Manual
- Diesel
- Estate
- 5
I have owned my Saab 9-3 Area Sportwagon since 2014. This is my twentieth Saab and probably the last. Mileage when purchased was 30,000 now 85,000. I have it serviced once a year as I only cover 7000 miles a year now. The car has been very reliable and only replacements have been front discs and pads, rear discs ( twice) flexible exhaust pipe, and usual tyres and battery. Tyres ( Nexen) are reasonable at £70 each for 19 inch size. Nothing else has gone wrong- not even a light bulb. I have owned most types of Saab including 9000, 900 turbo and non turbo. All have been a pleasure to own and Drive. No problem with spare parts, and local garage has no problem servicing the car. I would advise any owner only to buy with a full documented service history, change the cambelt/water pump/tensioner every four years regardless of mileage, and only use 0-40 synthetic oil. Rust should be absent but check the rear wheel arches which can rust after ten to twelve years. Leather upholstery lasts well but the driver's seat backrest bolster will wear first. Occasional leather food helps. Fuel consumption realistically 40mpg diesel overall but can be 50plus over long journey. 70mph equals 2000 revs so should last a long time! I have owned Audis, Peugeot, Volvo etc but no comparison to Saab. I accept the interior quality could be better ( thanks General Motors ) but at least it does not deteriorate. A spray with Autoglym vinyl spray will prolong life. Great cars- what a shame GM would not support and finance them properly.