Used 2003 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) Consumer Reviews
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200,000 and going strong
thartz, Hudsonville, MI, 07/29/2013
updated 09/27/2013
Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
This is my 2nd Saab and it's just as bullet proof as the first. I picked this ARC with the 6 speed manual because of the motor. They are amazing. I average 27 mpg and 31-33 on the highway. I got the car with 92k on it because I was so comfortable with the drive train and it's not disappointed. I'm just below 200k now and put on over 700 miles this weekend. Sure there are little issues but it's 10 model years old and I paid under $7,000 for it 5 years ago so i can't possibly complain. The rear main seal has a slow leak that the gasket sealers can't quite stop. The gas cap doesn't seal properly so the check engine light is on but all in all, it's been great.
Why the bad Reputation?
aemadian, San Diego, CA, 05/27/2015
Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
This car is fun to drive and has a great powerful engine. You always have the confidence to take on any car on the road and get ahead fast. Great MPG too even-though it is a turbo car. I have never had any engine and transmission problems with my car. I have only changed the oil when service warning comes on. Handling is great too, almost like a BMW but front wheel drive characteristics. Radio went bad once because a really smart person jumped the battery and fried the amp. You take care of it, it takes care of you. It's just false word of mouth that gave this car bad rep.
2003 Saab 9-3 for sale near you
3 of 5 listings
- SE ConvertibleMSRP: $3,995818 mi away
- SE ConvertibleMSRP: $4,995951 mi away
- SE ConvertibleMSRP: $12,2501,010 mi away
See all 5 listings
Honest Review
leviphx, Naperville, IL, 06/20/2014
Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
18 of 21 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used with 63k miles on it and haven't regretted it a day since. Knowing the history of these cars however, I made sure I had an independent mechanic familiar with the brand take a look at it before I made an offer (easily worth the $150 dollars). I don't want to put anyone down, but I believe that at least half of the poor reviews this car gets are due to A) Poor maintenance by/no knowledge of previous ownership, or B) Poor maintenance by current owner. Love this car and it will love you back, simple as that. And don't buy a performance (or any other) car without a thorough inspection. Tho people I suppose have been burned by a bad car regardless of their caution I guess
Great first car
dipper94, Hyattsville, MD, 05/07/2013
Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
It's a blast to drive. I highly recommend it, however a few words of caution. You're going to have some problems with the electric lock system, but other than that it will perform really well. It's incredibly safe and incredibly reliable. Before you get behind the wheel of this car though, make sure you understand how a turbocharger works and how to mantain one. More importantly know how to drive a car equipped with one, they drive differently than naturally aspirated cars (Cars without turbochargers or superchargers). It's a great first car for your teen. It's my first car, go it used for 5.5 grand with 50k miles on it. It's driven me reliably for the past year. It also looks great.
2003 Saab 9-3 Arc
OpusTwo, 10/10/2006
Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
75 of 112 people found this review helpful
I always wanted a Saab, so I bought the 2003 9-3. BAD MISTAKE!! It has been in the shop 36 times in 3 years!! It always has something wrong with it. Saab will do nothing for me. They have the worst customer service I have ever dealt with. The say my car does not qualify for a buyback? If 36 times in the shop does not qualify, WHAT DOES? Never again. Don't buy one!!