Saab 9-3 (2007 – 2011) Review

Saab 9-3 (2007 – 2011) At A Glance

3/5

+More of the same. Modernised with sharper looks. Quick 2.8 twin-turbo. Strong diesels. Spare parts still readily available.

-Lost some upmarket image Saabs once had. Quality went downhill.

Insurance Groups are between 21–32
On average it achieves 85% of the official MPG figure

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Child seats that fit a Saab 9-3 (2007 – 2011)

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Real MPG average for a Saab 9-3 (2007 – 2011)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

85%

Real MPG

19–60 mpg

MPGs submitted

374

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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Ask Honest John

As SAAB no longer produce cars, how do I get a certificate of conformity to import my 9-3 to France?

"I'm considering importing into France a SAAB 9-3. A requirement in France is to provide a letter confirming conformity with French standards. As SAAB is no longer a car manufacturer, can you advise how or where I can obtain this Certificate or Conformity?"
There are a couple of options open to you. First of all, check the owner's manual as some models did come with them. Failing that, have a chat with Saab Parts UK. If that doesn't work, the DVLA should be able to provide you with a certificate of conformity - although I think there is a charge associated with this service.
Answered by Keith Moody

My engine needs replaced - is the garage that changed the timing belt, but not water pump, at fault?

"When I agreed last October to buy a Saab 9-3 TID convertible with 69,000 miles, the garage agreed to change the timing belt. The engine cut out and stopped working last week, AA discovered it was the timing belt failure so relayed me to my local garage who took the cover off and saw the water pump was seized solid. The original garage have admitted that they did not replace the water pump last October and are not responsible for anything. Do I have a case against them for what is now apparently a new engine, timing belt and water pump? Saab say that they would never replace a timing belt without replacing the water pump. Should the garage have replaced the water pump? The part suppliers have already said that without a new water pump, their guarantee on the timing belt is invalid."
It's standard practice to replace water pump, tensioner and also the aux belt when a timing belt is replaced and I seem to advise all four about half a dozen times every day. But in your case all the garage agreed to was to change the timing belt and that's all you got. You could try taking it to Small Claims on the basis of "reasonable expectation" that the job would be done properly: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/consumer-rights/
Answered by Honest John

I do over 20,000 miles per year - should I buy an SUV?

"I'm thinking of purchasing an SUV, or similar to replace my Saab 9-3. I have narrowed it down to Kia, Honda, Ford and Nissan. I'm tempted by the Kia Niro. I do around 20,000 - 24,000 miles a year, should I just stick with a saloon? "
The Niro is good. Should be capable of around 55mpg in regular use. But as a general rule of thumb, an SUV uses 5 - 10 per cent more fuel than a saloon and a 4x4 SUV uses 10 -15 per cent more fuel. That gets critical with your mileage. The Honda HR-V 1.6 i-DTEC is quite good though. I averaged just under 60mpg over 12,000 miles. The other contender is the Toyota C-HR hybrid.
Answered by Honest John

What car should I buy after owning a Saab?

"We will have to change our car next year and I am struggling to find one that is as spacious, comfortable and efficient as my current diesel Saab 9-3 twin turbo. We get about 53mpg and looking at the Honest John Real mpg section of the website, new cars do not seem to be as good. I would like to avoid BMW and the driving position in the Jaguar XE & XF are a little cramped."
A Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC will do 60mpg + A BMW 320d ED will do 60-65mpg.
Answered by Honest John
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