WHEN the Saab 9-3 was launched, it looked so like the old 900 I thought it was just a quick warm over and was gobsmacked to find it was a completely new model.
But it's certainly more refined than the old 900 which went before, and handles more fluidly too.
That said, it's not as comfortable in many models, as the suspension has been toughened to help the cornering.
Size and weight make earlier models quite thirsty, but it's one of the safest older cars you can buy and high mileage is not a problem as long as servicing is done.
Engines are all four cylinder units, with balancer shafts to reduce vibration, and are two and 2.3-litre petrol or 1.9 and 2.2-litre turbo diesel.
Power ranges from 130 to 230bhp petrol, with the upper models offering stonking acceleration and the diesel has 115-150.
Three and five door hatches plus a convertible were available until ’02 when this was changed to four-door saloon and convertible.
Interior
Comfort can be affected in more powerful models, but equipment is pretty good in all and handling is great fun.
Insurance can be pretty high, but older models are much cheaper than contemporaries from BMW or Audi. Full history a must.
FAST FACTS
Saab 9-3 2.0t
Price: Pay £2,200 for a ’98 R-reg 185bhp 2.0T SE 5dr, £3,000 for an ’00 X-reg S, £8,200 for an ’03 03-reg 2.0t 175bhp Linear, or £12,300 for an ’04 54-reg 2.0t Vector.
Mechanical: 185/175bhp, 1,998cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
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