Date: 10 Aug 1999 08:03:56 GMT From: "Luc TINTILLIER" <equipe.systemenopsamir.be> Subject: Re: 9.3 - am I disappointed ?
Hi Guy, Here are some considerations from a (happy but objective) 9-3 owner. > Not only does it accelerate like a truck, but it also behaves like one, especially on slopes... on a 4% slope, while pushing the pedal to the floor and [I was] unable to go faster than 120km/h. Is that normal... ? Alas, yes! 2.0i 16V was introduced in 1986 or somewhat, for the old 900 model (1200kg). Now the 9-3 weights 1400kg or more with AC! The problem doesn't come from the power, it comes from the torque (torque = acceleration capability). A 177Nm torque, especially at 4300rpm, is definitely insufficient for this car... Western Europe is the last remaining market where 2.0i engine is offered; everywhere else the engine range begins with 2.0t 154hp (LPT), and even with 2.0T 185hp in US and Canada (but 9-3 is considered there as a "niche" model). When I planned to buy a 9-3, I testdrove the 2.0i and I was disappointed: I've no sporty habits at all, but I like to have some extra power in difficult situations, such as overtakings... and the 2.0i doesn't have this capability. If I had wanted a stick, I would have chosen the 2.2TiD. I testdrove it too, and I was really impressed: you almost forget it is a Diesel... Since the auto box was unavailable with 2.2TiD, I chose the 2.0t (LPT) 154hp, probably the best engine/box combination for this type of car, except if you want to race with everybody :-) . I chose an auto box only for traffic considerations: I live near Brussels and I suppose you know about the traffic problems on the Ring... I highly appreciate this auto box, and I doubt I will buy a manual ever again :-) . > I could easily fry an egg on an ejected CD. Again, is this normal? Err... sorry but I didn't notice that. Yes, when you eject a CD, it's hot, but not THAT hot, maybe 40°C ? And AC has nothing to do with this phenomenon, since hot air exhaust is outside of the car, near the rear bumper. > I find it to be a very noisy car, especially the cooling fan(s?). What do you mean with noisy car: inside or outside? If you mean inside, it's about vent fans: yes they make noise, but the "efficiency/noise" rate is great. I never had a car so "silent": in my Volvo 440, with vent fans at full speed, you couldn't listen to each other :-( . > Also the wind noise at speeds higher than 100km/h is rather disturbing... Yes, I agree. I think it is because of the windshield shape. BTW I like almost vertical windshields: you have a feeling of space and you don't get the sun visor just in front of your eyes... So I considere the wind noise as "a price to pay" for comfort. Furthermore, the car is well isolated, so the wind noise seems more important. > ... not to mention that high-frequency engine noise when revving up... Yes. Again, it is because of the weak torque: you've to compensate it with high engine revs... I like the noise of a Saab revving up, but up to 5000rpm; beyond that, engine seems to scream :-( . > "low washer fluid", I didn't use the washer! Classic problem (but I didn't have it so far...). Washer level sensor is faulty or something, get it replaced under warranty. > The front shield just cracked... while being parked. Yikes! I wouldn't have liked that too... :-( . Was it a badly mounted windshield? About Saab Assistance, it seems that everybody complains :-( . Fortunately, the 1st year it's free! Afterwards, I will keep my Touring Assistance and drop the Saab one... > The car leaks some fluid ... coming from the airco? Yes it does. It's only condensation water, since air coming from outside is dried when running through the AC system. > Heavy rainstorm and... the car's windows got all damped within minutes! Err... 'comprends pas. Such a phenomenon is practically impossible with an AC! Sorry but... did you operate the ventilation system well? I mean, playing with windshield defrosting, AC on, full speed fans, electrical rearshield defrost, ...? Watch out! if fan speed is on "0", AC and ventilation don't work! Personally I never had such a problem when driving. It usually occur at first start, when it rains and the car is outside: with ACC, I just select the defrost program (electrical rearshield defrost symbol) and everything disappears within seconds! > Other than that, the black color is really nice. Hell yeah! Nothing is nicer than black, especially on Saab! But I had 2 black cars (Volvo Amazon 121 and Volvo 440), but it easily gets dirty and it is too difficult to keep this painting intact, I mean avoiding "clouds" when waxing, ... OTOH black is easy to repair. Personally I chose the wonderful Frost Grey. > Back to Honda the next time, or am I overreacting? Hmm... too early to say that. Actually, the 9-3 is a GREAT car: it is solid, comfortable, designed for long distances travels; it has a high rate safety (crash test results, airbags, SAHR, safety cage, ...), the BEST seats in the world (for driving, not for relaxing), a wonderful ergonomic dashboard, a GIANT trunk; the car itself is almost bullet-proof, but today's cars are stuffed with so much electronic devices (gadgets?) and I fear about having problems with electronics, since mechanics are not engineers... However, I'm sorry to say again that the 2.0i engine is a handicap, and with it the car cannot behave as well as it could be :-( If you wonder about 9-3 reliability, I would suggest you to visit "The Saab Network" Web site at "www.saabnet.com" . It's a VERY good site (not an official Saab one, thus unbiased) with plenty of info and bulletin boards about 900/9-3 and 9000/9-5. Each day there are +/- 50 questions on each BB, and practically each one gets (at least) one answer. Good luck with you 9-3! Regards, Luc 1999 9-3S 2.0t 154hp Auto "Saabine"
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