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Hi jd:
I can't comment on rattles, since I'm not a 9-3 owner yet. I just recently test drove a 9-3 base which was rattle free, at least on the smooth roads I drove on. And I loved it. Previous SAAB was a 1988 900. I suspect that the base model may have less chance of developing rattles, due to softer suspenion and the 15" wheel/tire combination, than the SE's or the Viggen. I deliberately haven't driven an SE or a Viggen, since I know I can't afford either one at the moment. Gives me something to move up to in the future! I think I was afraid that, if I drove one of them, I might be disappointed in having to "settle" for a base model.
I know from reading the board the past few months that folks have developed a number of fixes for varions squeaks and rattles, so you should get some helpful hints.
But really, it's a shame to keep hearing about these things, especially in what is essentially still a brand new car. I've seen in previous postings that, while many (but not all) 1999 model 9-3's had rattle problems, the "00's" seemed to be much better, but now it seems folks are having these annoying problems creep up on the "00's" as well.
Nothing lends a car the perception of "cheap" like squeaks and rattles. If I go ahead and get a 2001 9-3,and it shortly develops squeaks & rattles, or other quality issues, I am going to be one pissed-off SAAB owner. And I'd have every right to be. In this day and age, there is really no excuse for a manufacturer to put out a vehicle with these problems. And anyone who would pass off the squeaks and rattles as just a SAAB "quirk", something to learn to live with, is missing the mark. Yeah, SAAB loyalists will put up with a certain degree of this stuff because we enjoy so many other virtues of these cars. See, I'm already talking myself into putting up with some problems myself! But if SAAB wants to bring new customers into the fold, and just as important, keep these customers coming back with repeat business, they really need to solve the squeak & rattle quality issues.
If only we could get real "character" and top notch quality and reliability in the same package. Heck, I'm one of those folks who has previously been willing to sacrifice the boring, "appliance-like" (but reliable) vehicles out there in exchange for some uniqueness, fun and character. I've owned Alfa Romeo, SAAB, and I ride a Moto Guzzi. So, I'm no stranger to "quirky" machinery. SAAB is close to putting the whole package together. I hope they get there.
Sorry jd, I know this reply wasn't giving you the help you were looking for, but I just thought I'd climb up on the soap box and throw in my 2 cents.
, Sat, 25 Nov 2000 22:06:46
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