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Views on SAAB cars


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#11
volvoxc

Posted 01 June 2003 - 10:54 AM

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I will consider seriously on the SAAB 9-3 to Volvo S60T.. will get a test
drive again to make sure things come to expectation!Wink

#12
jcw9960

Posted 01 June 2003 - 06:35 PM

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Good for you. Take a test-drive. Let us know what you think. Smile

#13
Kevin

Posted 02 June 2003 - 11:39 AM

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The Saab 9-3 uses the Epsilon platform which will next make its appearance
on the new Vectra and, almost certainly, the Alfa 157. I would think it is
misleading to say that it uses a Vectra platform just as the previous
900/9-3 facelift did.

I took a close look at the 9-3 at Auto Eurokars a month back and I love
the car. In terms of specs, it sits between the Arc and Vector (if my
memory serves me correct). Many items which are standard on the Malaysian-
equipped car are optional even on the Aero.

For someone contemplating between the S60 and the 9-3, I think a test-
drive would do the trick. I have test-driven the S60 and it was not too
bad and I am telling myself not to test-drive the 9-3 because I am very
sure (from all the reviews I have read, overseas and local) that it will
dramatically shift my standards a notch or two higher by which time, I
will find my current wheels VERY inadequate. No, no, my car is fine, no
need to change it.

What I didn't quite like about the 9-3 is that the stock is 2002 but I was
told that it will be stated 2003 on the rego. That is the wonders of
having some clout behind your presidential-sounding name. Bi-xenons are
only bi-xenons when both main and dipped beam are xenon. In the 9-3's
case, only the dipped beams are xenon with the high beam normal bulbs.
Interior plastics (while good for a Swedish car) still are short of the
Germans but these days, with the inconsistent quality that AB offers on
its CKD cars, I'd take a CBU Saab over a CKD BMW or S60 anytime.

No other complaints. Love the car to bits, a pity that the darker shades
are all habis. I am waiting for the Aero to come in and for prices of the
2.0t to drop further. Any indication as to how much discount Auto Eurokars
is giving on their stocks of 9-3?

#14
volvoxc

Posted 02 June 2003 - 12:48 PM

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hi, kevin, I'm not very sure if the current 9-3 is 2002? I will find out.
The price Eurocars is offering RM196k+.. I'm in Korea now and will test
drive the car next week. ...keep you guys posted. Oh! By the way, I saw
the 9-3 AERO yesterday at the showroom - 210bhp at RM250k+, cool with lots
of accessories and even a sun-roof!... cheer!

#15
jcw9960

Posted 02 June 2003 - 04:14 PM

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Kevin,

You're absolutely right - it is misleading to imply that the new SAAB 9-3
is a re-skinned Opel Vectra. That, my dear SAAB fans, is totally not it.
However, if memory serves me right, SAAB did request that they develop
their own platform for the new 9-3 (which was to underpin the next 9-5 as
well) but daddy GM could not cough out the R&D costs and told the good
guys at SAAB to use the Epsilon platform at a re-developed stage.





Smile

#16
Kevin

Posted 03 June 2003 - 09:29 AM

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Volvoxc,
Last I checked you can negotiate for a discount for a 9-3, provided that
it is 2002 stock (all those parked in the shade at the side of the Auto
Eurokars compound). In such times, you can get a discount off most things.
I did not ask them how much lower it can go but a price of around RM180k
would make the decision easier, yah? 11 cars left from last year, I heard.

Darn, Johnny was supposed to call me when the Aero comes in. He obviously
had better things to do.

#17
volvoxc

Posted 05 June 2003 - 09:14 AM

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kevin, thanks for the tips! RM180k would make decision easier...for sure!
the AERO actually just arrived the morning I went to the showroom.. so,
Johnny our friend might not even know..!: ( can't wait to test drive
again the 9-3 ....

cheer!

#18
Turbo

Posted 12 July 2003 - 11:28 AM

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www.saabs.org here you shall find loads of advice about owning and
tuning and maintaining a Saab.

Anyone who is pondering a purchase of a Saab...I'd say check it out
throughly and go for it.

The 9000 and 9-5 series are very well known for it's longevity and
comfort (the 9-5 winning the best comfort rating by many mags in UK)

I personally now drive a Saab 900 Turbo. So anyone who wants to know
anything specific let me know.

A tip, a lot of parts and components are actually identical GM
components... thus if u got a Vauxhall/Opel dealer nearby chances are
that alternator of yours might just cost 1/3 of what the Saab dealer
wants for it...hehehe


The GM900/9-3 is built upon the platform of the GM CAvalier/Vectra (Not
chevy cavalier) therefore the shortcomings of the chasis is that the
handling and ride is not quite there...unless it is one of those
specially tuned ones such as the Viggen or Talladega editions.

#19
volvoxc

Posted 19 July 2003 - 06:49 PM

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Hi, Everyone!

I'm sorry!ˇ@Suddenly disappeared?ˇ@Well, since the SARS situation being
under control, I am on the road until now but I tested the SAAB 9-3 in LA
and the car is fantastic. The spec of course is much better in LA and the
price is much lower, overall, the car beats BMW 318i and Volvo S60T
wihtout any doubts. Actually, I haven't made up my mind yet and still
thinking whether if I should get the 9-3 or the Volvo?

Turbo: what's your thoughts and advice for me?



#20
ccl68

Posted 23 July 2003 - 11:27 AM

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I own a 1996 SAAB 900S 2.0i. This is a non turbo.
Now is a good time to buy a used one.
These 1993 to 1998 900 models uses an Aisin Warner Autogearbox and are
fairly tough, similarly used in Volvo 850 and some Lexus. However, to
maintain its health, it is recommended to change the gearbox oil at Half
the recommended intervals, say no more then 30,000km.
Engines are using timing chain. But the Auxilliary belt (only one) needs
to use 2 idle pulleys and a tensioner pully assembly. Rcommended to
change about 60,000 to 80,000km, whenever you hear it being noisy.
These cars are quite rare but enough for a good local franchise.
Auto Eurokars at Glenmarie SJ services at a very reasonable price. 20%
discount on parts if you have the work done there.
I am quite happy with them.
Alternatively, you can get parts from independent suppliers in Singapore
like Trans Hua Enterprise.
You will be surprise how reasonable general maintenance parts are there.
I see more SAABs then Land Rovers in Singapore too.
Happy motoring.