In 1999 a Saab 9-3 2.0SE T Convertible cost over £30,000. Today, replaced by a new 9-3 model in February 2004, you can now pick up the 1999 car for a touch over £10,000. Making it one of the best value second hand prestige convertibles you can buy.

 

Launched in March 1998 the original Saab 9-3 shares more than a passing resemblance to the previous Saab 900 model and under the skin shares its underpinnings with the Vauxhall Vectra. But don’t let that put you off, its distinctive front grill, sweeping lines and beautifully fitted electric soft top make it look at home in all the best places.

 

Sit inside a 9-3 and its distinctive looks continue with the dashboard curving towards the driver, making it feel more airplane than automotive. But Saab has a tendency to use 4 switches when one switch would do, the dashboard is a maze of buttons, confusing at first, but not so bad when you are used to it. The quality of the fit and finish is good but check that everything works properly, electrical repairs can be particularly expensive.

 

Practicality is not usually a word associated with a cabriolet but the Saab 9-3 comes pretty close. Rear seats are not just for the under 10’s and sensible packing with soft bags maximizes the boots space. High speed cruising with the roof down is also no chore, the cars high waist line and rear wind deflector makes it cosy even on a cold day.  

 

Equipment levels are relatively good on all cars so expect air conditioning, electric roof and CD player standard. And only a handful of cars were ever sold without the obligatory leather seats and alloys wheels. Higher specification models are adored with wood dashboards and top spec Viggen models get 17 inch alloys and a somewhat dubious rear spoiler.

 

Saab have long committed to the idea of gaining maximum power through the turbo charging of their relatively small 4 cylinder engines so you won’t find anything larger than a 2.3 litre under the bonnet of any of the 9-3 cabriolets. The most powerful 2.3 turbo is a real rocket, 0-60 in 6.5 seconds and 155mph top speed from its 225bhp. But the Saab 9-3’s ageing chassis struggles to handle the power and struggles to find grip the phrase torque steer could have been invented to describe this car.

 

The smaller 2.0 litre turbo units are more popular and come in three power levels 205bhp, 185bhp and 154bhp. Most popular is the mid range unit identified by a capital ‘T’ on its tail gate. Quick enough to be fun but sensible enough to return close to 30mpg.

 

Buyers have a choice of transmission a 5 speed manual or 4 speed auto gear box. The auto is fine but under hard acceleration the changes can be lumpy and both performance and economy are blunted. Better suited to the turbo charged engines torque is the 5 speed manual, nicer to drive and £500 cheaper than its auto equivalent.

 

Most 9-3 cabriolets will have been cherished when new so it’s worth being fussy when looking at used examples. The well insulated soft top is well made and should be tight fitting, any signs of excessive wind noise or water leaks suggest possible accident damage. A full service history with original invoices is essential as the unwary buyer will find few signs of wear from the seats and steering wheel.

 

For a good selection of quality used Saab convertibles up to 5 years old visit the Saab used car stock locator at www.saab.co.uk where all cars are sold with a 12 month/20,000 mile warranty.

     

 

Check the following

 

• Safety – 4 star performer in Euro NCAP tests

• Visibility – thick canvass pillars and small rear screen limits rear vision

• Steering – column adjustable for reach but not height

• Wind deflector – check the car has one

• Tyres – front tyres prone to wear due to power from Turbo engines

• Dashboard – wood trim makes the car feel special

• Oil – dirty oil is a sign of poor maintenance and future problems with the turbo

• Timing chain – can cause problems if the car is not serviced properly

• Upholstery – most have leather but a few have velour upholstery

• Wheels – broad range of wheels, most are alloy and range between 15 and 17 inches

• Transmission – 5 speed manual is quicker than 4 speed auto and costs £500 less

• Engine – 2 litre Turbo engines produce between 154bhp and 205bhp depending on model

• Insurance – Saab 9-3 insurance rates are lower than most competitors, group 15 for the 185bhp 2.0T SE

• Sluggish – avoid non turbo charged 2.0litre with only 130bhp made in 1998/99

 

The one to buy 

• Saab 9-3 T SE convertible

• Manual gearbox

• 2000 ‘W’ with 40,000 miles

• Pay £13,450 at a dealer with a 12 month warranty    £12,250 privately