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2003 9-3SS Impressions - Praise for dealer, too. Posted by Randy Thatcher [Email]  (#22)  [Profile/Gallery]
(more from Randy Thatcher) on Thu, 19 Dec 2002 14:42:01
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I made an appointment to get my 2000 9-3 a 25k service and reserved a loaner. Well, a month went by and the loaner request got lost in the shuffle. The service writer asked if I could hang around 45 minutes and then he'd rush the car in 1st thing and have me on my way. No problem, I had time. I then asked for a test of a 9-3SS, and they general manager OK'd it. It was before the sales floor opened, so no sales guys were offering me the drive...
I asked for a manual shift, and he thought that would be impossible. But, it turned out there was one available and he let me have it. Review in a moment. Anyway, after the mixup, I got a nice break on the service price, got treated with respect and as a valued customer. 3 cheers for Shaker Saab in Cleveland.
The 9-3SS
Forget the hatch, I was just driving it to see how it handled. I have no idea what trim level I got (launch, linear, arc, etc...) The car was Merlot on the exterior, grey on the inside. Leather seats, cloth on the doors, grey plastic on the dash. 5 Speed Manual shift, Climate Control, Power seats, compass in the mirror.
It's a great looking car in person. I saw the Dark green (almost black, too dark in my opinion), the blue (very nice), merlot (very nice) and I think they had anther one or two. All in all, it looks very sharp. I got in and liked the feel. Wider cockpit, more room for the legs, center arm rest. These are common complaints with the older 9-3's and they've been addressed. The seats are quite nice, too.
I've heard complaints of cloth in the door... I like it. It had a nice pattern and texture, and it looked quite good. It looks better that then "terrycloth" look on my 2000 9-3 and 1990 SPG's doors. I like cloth seats, though, so you all may discount that opinion.
When the key was almost inserted something clicked (tranny lock, steering lock?) and that was something that would take getting used to. The "virtual key" is quite a novelty in and of itself.
The dashboard is certainly busier and full of smaller buttons, but I feel they're well placed and won't be a problem. I've read a lot of "cheap plasticy" complaints on here, but they look to be a smaller version of what I currently have in my 2000 9-3. Some knobs look identical. If you're used to a wood, carbon fiber, or aluminum fascia, maybe the gray plastic looks cheezy. That's what I'm used to on my 2000 base model, so no complaints here. The bonus is that you get 12 radio presets!!! That's huge!
I put my foot on the clutch and noticed it's feather light. Going from my 1990 SPG to the 2000 9-3 is like night and day. Well, the difference with the 2003 is about as big. It is LIGHT. So I start it up and it runs quiet. I didn't get it to highway speeds, so I can't speak to wind noise at 65+MPH.
About 2 seconds on the road and I knew I was in a Saab. And they have the whole "driver's car" thing down. The steering and the braking are AWESOME. I think the road feel is supurb, steering response and feedback is like lightning, and the brakes are powerful. If you're in a 1999-2002 9-3, the braking, steering, and overall feel make your current 9-3 feel much more like a family car. I like to think of my 2000 as a sporty but utilitarian vehicle. The new one is FAR sportier. In the new one I feel very in control behind the wheel, and I feel the road. Some may find it a little harsh, but it is certainly fun. My only complaint is the engine needs more juice. I think that 200HP driveline will boost 9-3SS sales through the roof. The car is great, plain and simple.
Randy
1990 SPG
1994 C900TC Commemorative Edition
2000 9-3 Base
posted by 63.161.86...
, Thu, 19 Dec 2002 14:42:01 <-- Viewing This Message
, Sun, 22 Dec 2002 18:38:56, Fri, 20 Dec 2002 21:47:28
, Fri, 20 Dec 2002 19:07:55, Thu, 19 Dec 2002 18:23:36
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