Great review! My old boss was a Swede - he told me the Swedes considered the Saab to be the most technologically advanced but Volvos were longer lasting - he drove a Volvo. I had a Saab about 15 years ago and it was brilliant; it never went wrong and was dead easy to service.....a sad loss to the motor industry.
Saab was a much better car. And the cost premium over a Volvo is why a Saab seemed expensive by comparison. Hell, they were much more expensive then a Volvo. But, much better built!
The 1980 Volvo wagon I purchased was towed to a repair shop 5 times (mostly electrical problems). The drive shaft had a U-joint between the two halves of the shaft. The U-joint failed twice. They had plastic innards in the doors in later models that were replaced by metal parts when they failed at a very expensive cost. Never again.
@@cats5seb1 u need a good indy shop to fix that Sim or ignition-module/computer or steering lock, etc. Do NOT lose both keys, whatever u do, bcuz then, it's $/GBP 2K, 3K, whatnot.
Everything Jezza, Hamster and the Captain said about SAAB appears to be true. As an Alfa owner, I know everything they said about Alfas is true as well. Wonderful cars, but they will eventually leave you stranded.
I keep wondering about used car prices in the UK - considerably lower than in most of mainland Europe. In Germany, good Saab convertibles with moderate mileages never fell to that level and are now appreciating.
@@konradmroczek2496 Many old German cars are shipped to the Caucasus or to African countries... The Caucasus won't buy RHD cars but shouldn't there be plenty of former British colonies buying used UK cars?
A very good review. I own a SAAB 9-3 TIID 1.9 diesel. I paid too much for it (£3,500) and have since spent £7,000 replacing anything you can think of. BUT, my thinking was that the equivalent Mercedes or BMW would start at around £15,000 and cost way more in insurance and normal annual maintenance. That might be inaccurate, but I still prefer my SAAB. I'm just one of those guys you describe: over 45, want a cruiser with a soft top, don't need to drive as though I'm a racing driver. Boring? Probably. Happy? Definitely.
Funny when parents own Saabs. You instantly become a Saab fan. The last one my dad owned, my brother ended up inside with the bloke that sold it to my dad! All the lols
My brother & I both learnt to drive and passed our driving tests in Saab 96 v4. What a fun car that was to drive with its column gear change and free wheel. Very ahead of it's time and built like a tank.
I was waiting 18 years to buy my dream car, Saab 9-3 Cabriolet. The waiting was due to the fact that we had the kids and the car wouldn't be practical. Now that the kids are grown I thought it's the time to buy it. I just found one Saab 9-3 Vector 1.9 Tid, 14 yrs old, but it's in great condition, last owner for the 11yrs. The car is just brilliant, driving it is a pleasure that I never felt with my previous cars: Volvo S60, Volvo S40, Volvo V40, Audio Cupe, Skoda and many others. This car has the most comfortable seats, driving it is really like a dream, you don't care what other cars drives around you...because you are driving different car, car completed with passion.
Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget is very much a loved brand here in Finland still, but I have never seen a convertible here. Maybe that’s because there is below zero temperatures 10 months out of the year where I live! What a BEAUTIFUL car you have there! :)
@@lewis72 Yes, Uusikaupunki used to make them. They also made the Fisker Karma, Boxster and Cayman (97-11), and nowadays Mercedes-Benz A-class hatchback and one them Merc small SUV:s, don't care to find out the exact model.
Convertibles have always been a very exclusive concept in Scandinavia & Finland. You'd be able to spot a few of them in Sweden, but that's all. They were just never fashionable, not least due to extremely high taxation levels on vehicles. Quite the opposite situation in UK. Cars are cheap as chips, and convertibles are commonplace, in spite of the rubbish weather. I'm a Danish transplant to UK, and of course I drive a convertible. Which actually still does feel a bit weird to me.
cracking review of a car i have a soft spot for, i also love the bigger saloon they made just before they shut up shop, the B pillar section of those is very attractive and is as graceful as a 80's jag.
There are very few things in the history of autos that would qualify as sad but, for me, the end of SAAB was. I always wanted one, and unless I can source one as nice as this, I never will. Top video, natch!
I agree. Its a shame we lost Saab. I know there were lots of issues leading to their collapse but ultimately I dont think their product range was big enough. If they'd jumped onto the SUV and crossover band wagon perhaps that would've brought in some much needed money to continue
Great to see you reviewing a great old proper car that isnt designed to go fast when you can't drive fast in this country, and has a boot smaller than the drivers ego,
That is a gorgeous rag top, and the colour combo is the best for one of these. Those seats look like new. I had a 9-3 saloon, and loved it. Mine was the 150bhp 1.9TiD Vector, and it was quite rapid. I can honestly say that mine, being a diesel, wasn't clattery at all. However, I did buy it with only 44k miles, which was nothing for a 7 year old car. And I was anal about servicing, and had the engine flushed every 2nd oil change, and it NEVER let me down, and started first turn every time. I did have to have the whole interior shampooed though, as it's one previous owner was a steel company, and it was filthy inside. But came up looking like new afterwards The only things I didn't like, were the two tone half leather seats. Mine had the grey leather with the cream cloth, which used to show up every little stain, and were a nightmare to keep clean. And the CIM module in the steering column that controls the steering lock can be temperemental. Also, one of the back doors would lock up without warning, sometimes for weeks at a time. All are quite common quirks with Saab 9-3's apparently. But the enjoyment of driving one negates the quirks. And they feel solid, with no annoying rattles or squeaks. With the 1.9, I used to get upper 40's mpg on a motorway run, and mid 30's around town, so quite frugal for a big family car. And it wasn't cos I was tight neither. I think if you're like me, you are aspirational. And buying a diesel Saab like this, means you can drive a really nice reliable car, without having to worry too much about running costs. And it means you're not spending all your time filling it up at the pumps, so YOU CAN afford to buy a round at the pub. I would have another, if I could find a decent low mileage estate, in good condition. So yeah, I personally would recommend the 9-3. You just need a little patience when you experience the quirks, as more often than not, they sort themselves out. It's like being married to someone that has the odd mood swing, but it's generally blissful, so you put up with it.
Top review, I bought one last summer for this exact reason. Only comes out in the sun and it looks great. Actually love Saab now almost joined the Saab club.. wow just realised what my life has become...
They are a superb car, the Aero is an absolute weapon! Be aware on the Z19 Diesel Engines, the Swirl Flaps are renowned for failing and it's a fairly big job to change them.
There's a cottage industry in welding up the inlet manifolds with a refurbished one and having the swirl flap function mapped out on the ECU. These take 2-3 hours to swap for someone that has done loads apparently. Same with the EGR valve, easily mechanically blanked and coded out. The manual F40 gearboxes have weak gear change cables that some say give some slop to the feel of changing gear. The F40 is a far better choice than the M32 fitted to 8 valves. I had a 2006 Saab 9-3 120 8v with an F40 gearbox as a tip car.
Such a great car, nice change from the German cars your bombarded with everyday. I'd have bought one just from the ads back in the day if i were an adult then
There is just something about a Saab that I've not felt with any other car, have always liked them from when I was a kid, now on my third one, which you featured in your first rate my ride video, the 9-5 Aero. Great video as always mate, I hope to see some more Saabs on your channel soon.
Wow just found this video after watching loads of High Peak Autos episodes. I had 3 SAAB 93’S. All brand new as company cars. A coupe first and then two convertibles. All were the 1.9 diesel as I was doing 40000 miles per year in them. Changed them when they hit 70000 miles and never had any issues. The first convertible was the exact same as this Cereluan blue version except I had the blue roof. It really was a terrific colour especially when matched with the cream seats with the blue stripe. I looked at a few different cars when I was changing it but just went for a last model black one. Terrific cars I would happily drive one today 👍
I own a Linear 1.9 TTiD convertible, I’ve had it for 2 years now and in all honesty it’s the best second hand car I’ve ever bought. Other than specialised engine related repairs, most basic problems are an easy fix for the most discerning DIY person and RU-vid is a wonderful tool for finding those fixes and following instruction. The only issue I had when I first bought it was it’s slow overtaking ability at low speed however after a Stage 1 remap it now accelerates like 💩 of a shovel and I get improved mpg to boot. I’m 56 yrs old so yes probably a typical Saab owner but when I’m cruising country lanes in the summer with the roof down, sitting back in my ‘armchair’ drivers seat I’ve always got a little satisfied smile on my face!
I've always thought the crash safety story was a justification after the fact, given that the earliest Saabs had column shifters and the key was in the normal place on the column. Originally it was designed so that when you took the key out it locked the gearbox in reverse, and when they moved the column shifter to the floor, the key moved with it. See also the Alfa/Fiat/Lancia-related 9000 with a key on the column and a shifter on the floor like a "normal" car.
Not correct, it's an urban legend. SAAB cars were designed to be driven north of the polar circle, at a time where manual transmissions were the norm. When parking overnight in -35°C, you do not apply the parking brake, because the cables are freezing, and you may end up being stuck until next summer... So basically, to ensure your car is staying put where it is, you leave it in reverse. The trick with the floor mounted SAAB ignition lock was it would lock the tranny into reverse. This is the explanation. It's alright to be bemused, do remember that SAAB cars were usually bought by very intellectual academics...
The key of my Golf V DID puncture my leg in an accident, and my leg broke the plastic part of the fob off, and the metal key punctured me and remained in the ignition.
always loved Saab as a brand - a true shame what happened IMO. My sister had a 9000 Turbo - I took it for a drive once and scared myself ****less - amazingly quick and very under-rated
Respect for featuring on your channel. Love my saab 9,-3. 1.8 vector auto. So comfortable. Did a 6 hour trip with no ill effects. Super smooth, quiet warm and cosy In winter especially with wind deflector up.
Great review of a great car. An old mate of mine bought one back in 2005, got to drive and fell in love with a really brilliant car. Something about it made it more special than the BMW not as chavvy! I agree, it will become a future classic. Sooo sad that Saab went bust.
I recall reading that SAAB reengineered the Vectra Epsilon platform so much that the 9-3 couldn't be built in *ANY* other facility. I still ponder how they got away with that.. Brilliant Trolls! 🥰
Just bought a petrol 2.0 turbo very cheap (needs a little tidying but nothing serious). It's my first Saab experience and I love it! On a sunny afternoon, you just want to put the roof down and head for the horizon. Ridiculously good value for money.
Stepdad had the same saab, same body same engine just in back, and it was quite fast and actually handled better than you'd expect from a vectra with the roof cut off
Happy 2006 Saab Aero convertible (silver w/black trim) owner in USA ......always a GM fan, but Saab convertible caught my eye & I wasn't disappointed! I will drive this car forever, until it becomes a classic! We also own a few GM '60s classic cars!
I've arrived here as I'm going to pick up my Saab 9-3 2.0T Petrol Vector on Saturday that I've just brought!! It's only done 62,000 miles as well... I can't wait!! Thanks for the excellent review 👍
I recently test drove one of these and was very impressed with its cornering, acceleration, safety, very comfortable seats and interior luxury! A great sports car!
It was a real travesty when Saab folded on the back of their GM buyout. Always made good looking cars with added quirkiness that set them apart from the rest. What other car has the ignition key under the handbrake for god sake? lol. They'd still be making some interesting cars for sure.
Owned 3 saabs. High maintenance but brilliant cars. Reason why ignition key cannot be removed unless in reverse gear is security. If you see a saab reverse at high speed it's been nicked!
I remember reading over the brochure of the 9-3 and 9-5 for hours at a time when I was a kid. They were my favourite! The one that took the cake for me was the 2000 model 9-5 Griffin. Love the channel! I check daily for new videos!
i always liked Saab, and when the new 9-5 aero came out around 2011-2012 i was instantly in love with that aircraft silhouette. i still think it is one of the best designs to date, especially the rear and c pillar that gave it this unique stance. shortly after that, saab stopped production just when (in my opinion) they were about to take off. i just read that the current holder named NEVS will produce new cars on the 9-5 platform for china and sweden as a start, as they are not allowed to use the name Saab anymore. so maybe we see a revival with a different name on europes streets soon - one can only hope.
Bought my Saab as a stop gap and 5 years later still can’t bear to part with it. Also , the Saab community is fantastic help with massive amounts of knowledge to share.
I disagree, it was the choice of discerning professionals who thought Merc and BMW convertibles too flash and blingy. The Saab is so understated and classy.
@@basecamper7504 We may disagree but the Saab was certainly good enough to satisfy the thwarted dreams of Lucy Jordan. (ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-d0NxhFn0szc.html)
I loved my Saab 93. It always felt solid, I always felt like it never wanted to let me down. I even liked the quirky placement for the ignition and the key would not release unless it was in reverse gear. I did use the night mode on occasions. As you say the seat was so comfy. It was a great car right up until.........the head gasket went.
My father had gotten me a 9-3, best ride I’ve ever had, such a reliable car always, now that I’m older I wanna sell my boring Chevy Cruze and get me a 9-3 convertible, can’t wait
Now on my second Saab 9-3 since 2006. Bought a new 2.0 Turbo "Edition" model in 2009 which I'm still driving. I don't usually keep a car that long but I reckon this one might see me out! It's the best car I've ever owned. Thanks for the video. It's good to get a review from someone in the trade.
I had one of these before it was written off by somebody else… Probably the best car I’ve ever had… The only problem I could see with it was the infotainment system
It's a diesel, for one. But Saab convertibles are not "sports" cars. They are grand tourers and that they do extremely well. I've done a 3000 kilometer tour with my boat trailer behiind me, including a 17-hour driving stint without any back problems or even discomfort. Very fun to drive, very comfortable and easy on the eye in the interior. You're not assaulted with sharp lines and jagged corners. And they are extremely efficient -- 34+ mpg (with a large boat behind) on the highway. They are useful for family, trips to the garden shop or market, or a romatic tour with your best girl/boy. The "hot" turbo 4-cylinders are very sporty drivers with an extremely smooth turbo action. A draft screen cuts the wind noise alot. And the manual gear box is an elegant, smooth shifter, unlike the boxy, slotty video-game small Mercedes SLs. Saab = Fun.
I'm on my 6th saab and finally got a convertible when I found a mint 2011 with 28k miles, absolutely love it and the roof goes down as long as it ain't raining... or incidentally.. colder than-4 as it won't let you!
I had an 07 60th Anniversary Edition Ice Blue 9-3 Convertible for 10 years and absolutely enjoyed it. Only repair was ignition key lock needing replaced. Only reason we sold was moved out of town and had no garage space for 4 cars. Miss it greatly.
A nice extra to find is that,if equipped the roof will fold down by holding the unlock button on the key fob,while you stand on the pavement looking cool.
Lovely looking cars. Definitely want the petrol engine over the diesel though. Looked seriously at buying the earlier 9-3 convertible some years back, but got scared off by the bulkhead cracking horror stories.
When a car comes together and just looks right in such a fantastic colour. My sister had a silver Aero way back in the late nineties and it looked superb. That work of art won't be sat on your forecourt for long Matt.
When I first drove mine, I was like a KID with a new toy. So it actually made me feel youthful again. Lovely to drive, with a great stereo, and silky smooth six speed auto/semi auto box, with flappy paddles, or rather thumb selectors on the wheel. It WAS like navigating a jet, literally.
One sentence "chassis scuttle on British roads" 🙈 I think the fact that General Motors did not like how Saab over engineered their cars so much, to the point of totally changing the Vecta so much that the wheelbase was changed not just the body and badges as GM accountants no doubt wanted. This coupled with the 2007 financial crash no doubt ended Saab
I've had a couple of these 93s, but not a convertible. They didn't feel anything special to own or drive although I keep getting tempted to buy another one as they look really good. BTW I've just picked up a Renault Laguna Coupe 3lire V6 turbo diesel. Super rare car. Not a single one to be found anywhere on sale in the UK. I'm just working on a review of it. Should be done in a week or so. Fancy a 'collab'. I could drive up to you and we could take it for a spin and get your opinion on it, Let me know. Either way, keep up the great reviews.
@@HighPeakAutos Not another for sale in the UK. After I've done my review I'll give you a bell and I'll come over to your place and you can take it for a spin.
Love a Saab, when I was young we borrowed a Saab 9000 from a friend and did a road trip across New England. Excellent car, far better than our Golf back in blighty.
Because of this video I just took delivery of a pre-daft tax date 2.0t Aero auto convertible in grey with black leather. Great inexpensive little car. Thanks Matt, but please include a warning at the beginning of your videos that viewers are advised to keep away from autotrader and ebay for at least 24hrs after watching. Cheers
