Saab always a safe buy

Dec 1 2008 Peter Hayward

THE Saab 9-3 offers a real alternative to the BMWs and Volvos of this world and has always been among the safest cars you can buy.

It's a refined and long legged cruiser that takes both serious distance and local trips in its stride and it handles fluidly with excellent road holding.

Unfortunately, it is not as comfortable as others in the class and that's something most owners look for in this junior executive class.

Very high mileage is no problem as long as servicing is done so make sure you get full service history.

Most engines are four cylinder units, with balancer shafts to reduce vibration. There is a 2.0-litre with power outputs from 122 to 210bhp and then a 2.8-litre V6.

Diesels are both 1.9-litres with either 120 or 150bhp. Most engines are turbocharged and the petrols give stonking acceleration.

From 2002, saloon, convertible and estate models have been available.

Interior

Equipment is pretty good in all and handling is great fun but the more power they have the less comfort.

Insurance can be pretty high, but they are much cheaper than contemporaries from BMW or Audi.

FAST FACTS

Saab 9-3 2.0 turbo

Price : Pay £3,200 for an '02 52-reg Linear saloon, £5,200 for an '04 04-reg Vector. Pay about £6,900 for an '05 55-reg Linear Sportwagon estate, or £12,000 for an '06 06-reg Vector Convertible.

Mechanical : 175bhp, 1,998cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving the front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox

Max speed : 140mph

0-62mph : 8 secs

Combined mpg : 29

Insurance group : 14

Marks : 8/10

Main rival : Volvo S60