Which is the better car, Scooter, a 2002 Saab 9-3 or a 2002 Saab 9-5 Linear?

Question

The 2002 Saab 9-3 has 75,583 miles, the 9-5 Linear has 66,844. Both are automatics.

It wasn't too clear (as I'm still learning how to work this area), but the question was to Scooter (and anyone who'd like to reply). I like the 9-3 and it's more affordable - how is the repair record on Saabs in general?

Answer 1

E-mail scooter for a response. I would go with either as long as they have been both maintained properly. Go with what you can afford and be aware of the expense of maintenance and the electrical issues with these cars.

Answer 2

Do not get a 2002 9-3. This is just about when the new redesign was introduced, and any 9-3 before 2003 or even before 2004 are known to have problems. If you want a 9-3, look for one post-05 and they will be an enjoyment. The 9-5 is a pretty nice car; it still retains the most traditional of Saab design and out of the three, I'd go for that one. My dad owns a '98 Saab 9-5 himself and it still runs smoothly today, given a few maintenance deals here and there.

Answer 3

In a 9-3 only the 1999 2.0 L is acceptable. Avoid the the 2000 and newer 9-3's all together, with one exception. The Viggen edition, of the 9-3 up to 2003 is a rock solid car. NO 2000+, 2.0 liter 9-3 models at all, they lose pistons, and after 2003 they are just a Saturn engine anyway. Just had another one towed in today with a broke bullet. Any 9-5 up thru 2005 is great, expecially if it happens to be an Aero. There a a couple of quirks that if you find one drop me a note and I will tell you specifics on what to check out. As with any automatic trans car, pull the trans dip stick and wipe it across a WHITE cloth. You should see RED or at least a good PINKISH color to the fluid. Smell it, if has any acrid or burned smell, wave bye-bye to the car and move on. The market is a hot buyers paradise so do not be in a hurry. There are a lot of first class cars out there right now so you can get a good one at a good price. Good Hunting and feel free to email me with any questions. Sorry for the tardy reply, been on vacation.

Answer 4

I don't have a 9-3, but I do have a 9-5, I have had great service out of it. It has 183k miles. It has been very reliable, a friend liked mine so well he bought one too. Find a good service facility or you won't be satisfied. I took mine to an independant shop for an alignment and they damaged my car, My friend took his to the shop and they overfilled the oil, and it blew a front sill, I also have a old 9000, which is a good car, hit a deer and only did minor damage. I do most of my own repairs to avoid the incompetant local repair shops, not all that hard to work on. Just like any car their are good and bad ones out there, I had a 2004 Accord, hated it, bad paint, rode terrible, noisy, will never by another honda. I could drive the Honda 200 miles and couldn't walk when I got out of it, drive my saab all day and not completly exhausted. Hope this info helps.

Answer 5

Well Scooters are dangerous because they have such small wheels and a really lousy steering geometry. If you want two wheels, get a small motorcycle.

As for the Saabs, probably the 9-3 is the better choice, but quite frankly, most any Saab you buy out of warranty is going to give you some trouble. Parts are expensive and mechanics hate to work on them.

If I were you, I'd rethink this whole thing and come up with other choices that might work for you.