Currently I have a 1996 Integra, which I have loved, but it's gotten too small. I've had Hondas solely, since I was in college, when I drove my father's second hand Saab. (1970s... I remember zipping down the highway in New Hampshire blizzards while all the VWs went into the ditch...but I also remember watching the red lights of tow trucks time after time because the car wasn't that reliable...)

I test drove the 2002 9-3 yesterday...in both a 5 speed and automatic...loved the solid feel, the turbo push, the feeling of safety and power. The 4 door hatchback is perfect size for my needs.

Safety, fun and reliability are my priorities. What I don't understand is why the 9-5 gets such great reliabilty marks, and I've heard alot of complaints about the 9-3.

My questions! Is there any way to know that the new Saab 9-3 you're buying will be reliable or one of those that needs warranty work every week?

My Acura has never left me stranded ...will I be able to count on a Saab to do as well by me? Are the new Saabs more reliable?

Finally....although I prefered the 5 speed, I found the well a bit small and my clutch foot kept scraping the wall...Maybe I needed to push back farther in the seat...just keep my toes on the clutch? For that reason I could get used to the automatic. (I have wee little feet..too)

In lots of ways the 9-3 hatchback is perfect...I can get all my dogs to dog shows in crates in the car, it feels safe and is tons of fun...but as a woman travelling alone at times, I also need to rely on my car to get me there and back without breaking down.

thanks for any help.
ELK





posted by 209.63.11...

• Acura to Saab? Need advice!, ELK, Mon, 4 Feb 2002 21:07:23 <-- Viewing This Message
  • Sold my 1996 Integra GS-R for a 2001 9-3SE auto, T., Wed, 6 Feb 2002 16:30:21
  • 9-3 vs. 9-5 reliability, John A., Tue, 5 Feb 2002 18:12:36
    • Re: 9-3 vs. 9-5 reliability, ELK, Wed, 6 Feb 2002 01:04:53
      • About CR's comments on the 9-3, Mark Anderson, Wed, 6 Feb 2002 13:10:19
      • Re: 9-3 vs. 9-5 reliability, John A., Wed, 6 Feb 2002 10:42:20
  • Re: Acura to Saab? Need advice!, saabaru, Tue, 5 Feb 2002 13:57:55
  • I was in your shoes two years ago, Mark Anderson, Tue, 5 Feb 2002 12:09:39
    • Where do I look for info on 9-3 problems?, ELK, Thu, 7 Feb 2002 15:38:07
    • Re: I was in your shoes two years ago, ELK, Wed, 6 Feb 2002 01:14:41
  • look at '03 CL Type S, MJM , Tue, 5 Feb 2002 09:34:29
    • OK - what is a CL type S n/m, Wayne Vincent, Wed, 6 Feb 2002 23:06:19
      • take a look here (link), MJM , Thu, 7 Feb 2002 10:15:02
  • Manual vs automatic, ELK, Tue, 5 Feb 2002 01:32:09
    • Re: Manual vs automatic, John A., Tue, 5 Feb 2002 18:20:19
    • Re: Manual vs automatic, paul de k, Tue, 5 Feb 2002 15:51:52
    • Re: Manual vs automatic, Schu, Tue, 5 Feb 2002 07:14:00
  • About that footwell, Nevin, Mon, 4 Feb 2002 22:59:16
  • Re: Well it's no Acura, but, butch, Mon, 4 Feb 2002 21:50:56
    • Almost 5 years with a 1997 900S..., Atul, Mon, 4 Feb 2002 22:02:27

No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.

• Prev by Date: Re: Winter really Sucks!!!, snowman, Mon, 4 Feb 2002 20:50:00
• Next by Date: Radar protection, Will, Mon, 4 Feb 2002 21:34:55
• Main General Bulletin Board

StateOfNine.com

SaabClub.com

Jak Stoll Performance

M Car Covers

Ad Available

The content on this site may not be republished without permission. Copyright © 1988-2024 - The Saab Network - saabnet.com.
For usage guidelines, see the Mission & Privacy Notice.
[Contact | Site Map | Saabnet.com on Facebook | Saabnet.com on Twitter | Shop Amazon via TSN | Site Donations]

Random Saabnet.com Member Gallery Photos (Click Image)