Put almost 80k miles on an 05 just like it, over 5yrs. Sublime in every way, even considering various repairs that were needed. Smiled every single time I walked up to her. Will never own anything other than a Saab Convertible, until they can't be found anymore.
Hahaha... actually it is German because the Magna Styer company back in late 2000 was still owned by Daimler AG a.k.a. Mercedes Benz and this car was designed and built entirely by Magna in Graz with German, French, Polish, Hungarian... parts. Practically same assembly line as Audi TT, MB-SLK, Opel Astra and Peugeot RCZ.
It's not badged as German. I've never followed the crowd. Round here they're all like sheep and in debt because of it. It's the only 93 convertible around. Stands out. Bit like me. I retired in my 40's. Sold the business. Its been driven down to Monte Carlo, and up to the Scottish Highlands and most places in between. And it looks good parked on my drive. We have an Arnage garaged. But that's not as much fun. Love the SAAB.
@@chuckbradley1 they are not bad at all, i owned 3 NG 9-3 two of them verts. The fact they they're actually assembled by DB is probably a good thing, but part quality and reliability definitely wasn't as good as BMW or Mercedes. Lots of mntn items on NG 9-3s, vacuum, EVAP, coolant leaks and elec shorts galore, but the 2.0Ts are easy to fix yourself, the 2.8 Australian Holden motors are tougher to work on due to lack of space and that pesky side turbo that reeks havoc under the hood. I tend to stay away from those.
Half a year ago my girlfriend "left the building" together with our Saab 9-3 convertible 2007👺😝. This afternoon i am going to Test Drive the same Saab as in your report. I am very excited👍😂. Saab, simply the best! Kind regards from Kobus the Netherlands 😁🤸♂️🍺🤹♂️🤑. I bought the Saab Yesterday. IT'S SUPURBBBB!!!!
Owned a estate 9-3 absolutely loved 200k on the clock and still everything worked a few battle wounds and still going today with a friend of mine talking it abroad twice with no issues been weighing up a convertible after lock down is over
They are such a cool car. Swedish cars do their own thing and sod the rest of the crowd. They’re not default choice or predictable and that makes them far better in my eyes lol. Love the colour - I used to have a T-reg Citroen Xsara VTR coupe in a similar shade. Great review and unbelievable bargain too!
I know i will be one of many people to say this, but the space in the centre console you that "would be good as a cup holder" that has a piece of plastic in it that folds down to make it into one
Drive one and you’ll want one. I’ve driven a 9-3 Saloon and Convertible so far, and as soon as I get paid, my current car is going for sale and a 9-3 is going to replace it
Great review, however a correction. The cupholder in the middle/armrest folds forward so the cup sits firm with no risk of tipping forward at hard braking as you said. Saab almost never did any misses like that in design. Pure engineers cars and absolutely wonderful 🥳🇸🇪
Wonderful video! I own the 2.8 V6T sedan here in the US and was good to see such a wonderful example of an Aero across the pond! Thanks for a great video!
6:50 I have a manual 9-3 Aero (2008) - It will lock in neutral (or any gear) - not necessary to use reverse. I absolutely LOVE it - When I bought it, I came VERY close to getting a soft-top in Lime Yellow, but at my age (54 at the time), the colour felt a bit 'mid-life crisis' LOL - So I went for a Fusion Blue with a solid roof instead.
Wow! This brought back some great memories. Back in 2008, I bought a brand new 9-3 Convertible in ‘Fusion Blue Metallic’ with a light beige interior. I had the 2.8 V6 Petrol manual, and it made a glorious noise under acceleration. I always remember the build quality - it always felt ROCK solid, and the drive was excellent. It was a joy to blast down country lanes on a warm summer evening. It only averaged around 17-19mpg with my heavy right foot, but that’s how you enjoy such a car. I also remember the weird sounding horn, it always sounded like it was missing a tone 🤣. Before the Saab I had a 2004 Audi A4 Convertible with the 1.8T, and the Saab felt more substantial and planted, even if I was visiting the petrol station a tad more 😂. It was a shame when Saab went bankrupt... I’d have probably had many more, I’m driving Volvo’s now (although considering a new Jaguar)
My brothers favourite brand of car. He had this same model convertible in gun metal grey. I agree it was very solid feeling on the road and deceptively quick.
I've got one parked outside. The centre cup holder folds down. The computer also seems to adjust the engine to your style of driving after you have driven it a few times. I don't know how but it's the second one I've owned and it has done the same thing. Fun car though, love it.
Lovely these are. My brother has an Aero convertible, which didn’t anything like as good as this! I have a saloon Aero with factory Hirsch Stage 2; it’s an absolute monster!
This is my parents exact old car!! Glad to see the wheels have been restored back to how they should have been! Can’t believe this popped up as a suggested video on TH-cam!! We only got rid of the car a month or so ago!
Wow! Thats quite a coincidence! Stone Cold Classics have just gone through it and done all the things like the wheels to make it like new, and it is like new now! Tell them I love the colour, and I think its sold already, even though they cant collect it yet
I have an 04 9-3 aero convertible 6 speed manual and I love it. Mine is stage 2 tuned with a 2.0T and it’s much faster than stock. I would recommend getting this car tuned to anyone who owns one, the powerband is better all the way through and there’s potential to get better fuel mileage if you don’t get excited with the throttle ;)
I bought an automatic 1.8t during lockdown, basically for something to do while not working. There were a few bits missing/broken ( rear light cluster cracked, cup holder broken and one or two other bits) got them all replaced from the scrapyard, cleaned up the wheels, new mats, buffed the paintwork, car now looks great. I've had new cars in the past, company cars as well. My Saab is my favourite car I've ever owned/driven and cost me next to nothing. Flew through its annual road test as well 😊
I adore this! I happened to have ridden in one years ago, with the top down, nothing like a convertible! We in the US 🇺🇸 had two versions; the ARC and the Areo, the Arc had the 2.3 turbo and the Aero a 2.8 V6 turbo. The Colour looks fantastic on this vehicle, and it still looks fresh and new for a 2005! And the asking price is insane!
It's a SAAB, with a Turbo, it's a convertible and it's Lime Yellow. What's not to like. Swedish Perfection. A delight. Thank you Matt it felt like being outdoors.
Thanks for this one Matt. I have one of these. Although not a Lime and I adore mine, they really are very well behaved and a very useable daily right through the winter. Cosseted comfort and low revs at high speeds. If only Saab had been saved, they were a very special marque. I love em! Great vid as ever. Thanks again.
I had an aero last year. Sold it. Immediately regretted it. I've now got a 2006 vector sport,which actually has better spec and is almost as much fun..
Great cars, best shape, I have a cerulean electric blue version of this, owner it 5 years, it’s never missed a a beat.shared the vid to two big Saab forums
As did I. Mine is / was / still is the one on Auto Express used buyers guide for Saab. Only sold it (after 5 years) as I got an itch for a V6 (bought a CLK vert) remapped by Noob, it was a great car. A real pity......
Very fun! As a 21 year old, I am very much enjoying my first manual car - ‘06 SAAB 9-3 2.8T Aero Convertible. With the stage 1 tune it effortlessly gets up and goes. I have changed my driving from the quickest route home to the route home with the most amount of on/off ramps 😎
Same car and colour that my sister used to have about 16 years ago , it was her dream car and she always loved it , she called it ''The golden chariot"
What a lovely car that model probably the best Saab ever always liked the beautiful interiors such a shame the marque has gone Saabs always stud out from their rivals
My brother had one. 2.8 v6 (Vaux Vectra VXR engine?) manual. Remapped to 290bhp, insanely quick, had trouble putting the power down! Real cool , timeless style. Excellent review, as always Matt. Don't suppose you'll be videoing Stone Cold Classic's red Peugeot 505 estate? Saw it online 🤩
Hard to believe a premium brand like Saab was allowed to fail. Very sad. We are all poorer as a result... Thanks for the enthusiastic and enjoyable review.
They failed because they didn’t sell enough cars, which was odd because they were good cars, and the design heritage was largely carried through... but it was the age when Mercedes/BMW/Audi were stripping sales from anyone who targeted prestige buyers... and GM was not the business to help SAAB survive - GM eats brands for breakfast...
I've always been so eager to drive a cars or vehicles in general. I'm 15 and can't wait to get my permit! I love convertibles and this one is affordable, looks nice, and preforms well. I can't wait to get this car! ( I hope!)
Hi Matt, great review on this Saab Aero,nice colour,the key has changed to a fob now, brilliant car for the money,I bet these were dear back in the day.
There is a cup holder in the 'cubby' holder between the seats. Slide the door open and it pulls down from behind the top of the door. You also missed the little quirk about the roof. Hold the 'unlock' button down on the key fob after you've unlocked the doors and the roof opens without having to use the dashboard button. Unfortunately you can't close it using the lock button.
Have a 2004 9-3 convertible, all black, manual shift, with just 85,000 miles on it. It's my 3rd SAAB convertible going back to 1988 and 1996. Love to drive it!! Bummer when GM took over and Xbox x
I test drove a 2005 Linear Convertible and it was the best AFFORDABLE luxury sports car I have driven! Air Con was ice cold, heated seats were extremely comfortable, cornering/handling was superb! Also, plenty of rear seat space for two adults.
Uninteresting fact, the 9-3 and 9-5 adverts in Europe that used the tag 'born from jets' did feature the Saab Jas 39 Gripen aircraft, in the US they used the American F-22 in the ads...
@@furiousdriving No idea, other than the GM's marketing team didn't think it was a thing? Quick one I can find on TH-cam actually has an F-18 and then an F-22... th-cam.com/video/olqcHR9N8lE/w-d-xo.html
Great video of an stunning car, but I have never experienced that the ignition key have locked the handbrake in either a 900 OG, 9000 or 9-5 OG. But it does lock the gear selector though.
Having owned several GM 900s and early 9-3s, I had one of these and didn't really get on with it. However, your enthusiastic review has got me thinking maybe give the later ones another chance? Great video!
Have a 2009 Saab 93 aero with the 1.9 twin turbo Diesel engine and I can’t fault it especially the low down grunt it really does feel fast enough at low speeds and still gets over 55mpg
This is a wonderful review and presentation. Thanks so much for sharing. My 2008 9-5 2.3T has been great! It has the bigger Mitsubishi TD04 turbocharger...with superb acceleration. Where it really shines is going from 40-70 mph...will snap your head back. Very reliable car too.
The slide up cover in front arm rest is a flip down cup holder, the heater screen does work in temp, only 1-10 when roofs down, it switches over. and no engine shots???
Just bought a mint condition low mileage black 9-3 Vector Auto 150 BHP. For 3.5k with a warranty. There's nothing like if for the price..... Beautiful car. Still looks modern. Classic.
Thank you for uploading. Glad to see you appreciate the qualities of this model. The gentleman's choice. Not vulgar like the German manufacturers of BMW and audi.
At 11:40, the climate control uses 1-10 for temperature when the roof is down only. Since the interior temperature sensors aren’t reliable with the top down, in order not to promise something they couldn’t keep (an exact temperature) the SAAB engineers did it like this to indicate that it is just an approximation. When the roof is up, the temperature setting is in degrees (F or C) as usual.
Always loved the shape of these and I think they've aged very well. I think the best convertible in its own market segment. The beauty of Saab (as well as Volvo) is that they're classless, they're a car for any person and there are no negative preconceptions. For a long period of time I've thought about getting one of these as they're nothing short of an UTTER bargain!
I am a farmer from Australia my first Saab was a 900i that was 25 years ago sold it i am planning on buying a 2006 9-3 convertible I love everything about them I drove one a few months back and i was sold so want one now, i am looking at one the exact color that's on this video
Superb video and nice flatcap Matt. Lovely car, but the big problem with this Saab was the lack of stiffnes, so you always have a lot of rattles and squeeks while you drive. I've owned one similar so I know what I am talking about. But what a lot of style and class this car have. It is a shame that Saab is not with us anymore.
I had the same car aero 20T in line yellow matalic i sold it to a saab car lover in victoria Melborune. it was a sad day to her go but happy she went to someone that i hope love sabrina as much as i did great view brings back some great memories
I agree with everything you said as I owned a 2007 for 2 years. It’s Achilles heel for me was reliability and how hard it was to work on under the bonnet ( no space for hands) . After replacing fuel tank sensors , lights , starter motor , battery I finally lost it after the battery would drain completely over three to 4 days . My wife heard me swearing outside , squeal of tyres and two hours later I came home with a different car. :-). So happy the car started ok for the dealership test drive ;-)
I have the battery drain issue too, so much so that I keep a spare and jump leads and tools in the boot (trunk). My suspicion is it's the alarm system.
An ex girlfriend of mine had the old 900 turbo convertible in the mid 90s, and all I remember is the scuttle shake and it feeling very heavy. To be fair I was comparing it to my car at the time, which was the Pug 205gti 1.9, so not really a fair comparison, but that scuttle shake is all that really comes to mind when I think about it. What you're driving is something far superior and something I have yet to drive. I am looking for a 10-15 year old estate car as a daily just now, and the 93 is something I hadn't considered...but now will (along with the Passat) nice car..great video 👍🏻
Great review, i have always liked these and have contemplated many times over getting one. I got a Volvo 2002 S60 2.5 D5 in the end. I still love this model! They are so beautiful!
As a Volvo guy myself I of course mostly remember the odd things about Saabs, I liked the rearward facing backup lamps in the postionlenses at the front, giving illumination beside the car. But the main thing I remembered from the gear/ingnitionkey lock on the older manual, some of them got spilled into and that could produce some special situations like when one guy was abruptly awaken when his car drove by itself out through the garagedoor and into the neighbours hedge across the street. Or the one here at work that started driving backwards in circles crashing into other cars. In those cases I prefer the steering lock that normal cars have! 😁
We have a 2008 facelift vector in black, diesel tweeked to 210 bhp it flies. Complimented by the more useful BMW 520d touring. Both have seamless auto boxes. Be a long time before we change either.
I had a series of different SAAB's after passing my driving test. I now have a F30 BMW which I hate in comparison. Uncomfortable seats, 2 litre turbo with no torque and hideous ride quality. The quest to find a suitable SAAB replacement continues...
The manual does not require you to lock the gear in reverse to remove the ignition key however the steering wheel lock engages automatically when you remove the ignition key.
Very lucky have one ! Spent five years restoring it 👌 unique and safe - says I don’t follow the crowd thank goodness 😅 to date more reliable than my old Avensis that fell to bits around my ears Lots of very good independents in U.K. to look after it - ORIO in Sweden rapid at getting parts to U.K. - love mine ❤️
Back in the day I spent 2 years working for a Swedish-owned company and could have any company car I wanted, as long as it was a Volvo or a SAAB, so I chose a SAAB 9-3 2.0T AERO and it was by far the BEST company car that I ever drove. It was a perfect balance of crazy turbo exhilaration and refined comfort and understated good looks. It was the only car that I managed to get wheel spin in 3rd gear, seriously good fun🚀🚀 Now that I am long retired I dream of having a convertible version of that model, but my wife and Sons always manage to talk me out of it, every time I find a suitably mint condition example👴👴😒😒
Just picked up an 06 1.8t convertible for the misses, collect it on Monday. Inherited the in-laws Aero 9-3 which went like stink, didn't have it for long as it was starting to be a money pit... Saabs need enthusiastic owners to survive, my father in-law wasn't that, he loved wringing it's neck but didn't understand the concept of maintenance until something went bang! Our latest purchase will be the subject of a full top to toe service including breathers, oil pick up and turbo. This will be our 6th Swede to sit alongside the Jag and Range Rover, I am numb to the pain of fringe car ownership!
Just to clarify the petrol engine options for the convertible. The 1.8 is actually the same 2.0 engine in the Aero except it has a lower pressure Garrett Turbo and was detuned for insurance and tax reasons and comes with 150BHP. The standard 2.0 has a higher pressure Garrett turbo producing 175BHP both of these can be remapped to around 216BHP for around £250. The 2.0 Aero has a TD04 producing 210 BHP and a £250 remap will see 250BHP. The V6 is a 2.8 (not 2.5) with the TD04 turbo producing 250BHP but with a Vtuner remap around £500 will see 328BHP and more torque than a Ferrari 458! You could spend a couple of grand and hit over 400BHP lol! These engines are strong and can easily take more power and all petrols are chain driven but lack of oil changes will cause the chains to stretch and will need replacing at around £400 for the 2.0 and around £1000 for the V6 but the engines will go on forever!
Have a 05 Aero convertible in lime green ❤️❤️ had it four years love it 😊 put Bilstein shocks on it , black diamond disc and pads , Maptune sports exhaust - only failure ABS pump Secondhand one £50 fitted fixed it - more reliable than previous Toyota Avensis same year rusted and started falling to bits 😂
Just had back seat out expecting loads of hidden rot ! Absolutely solid 👌 previous Suzuki and Jimni at same age needed patching Changed cabin filter holder as notorious for seal perishing and leaking water onto fan - got new one from Saab Tec Welwyn garden £35 ? Previously took all wheel liners of - only needed to treat couple of 5p bits - body wise very lucky with mine ! Even rear archies sound - previous cars literally rusting away at this age - always Waxoyl every year as well Hopefully in the future won’t need any expensive body work doing 🙏
amazing review of the Saab 9-3 convertible most definitely a car I will be driving fo the rest of my life I have a collection of 6 here in the United States two of them which I have saved from the junker
That is what I recently picked up! slowly aftermarket add ons. Started with front suspension and axles. Axle, just new since originals had slight warp on one side. Suspension was a great upgrade.
Saloon, Estate or soft-top, I love 'em all. Wonderful cars, so sad when production ended. Many thanks Matt.
One of the best car manufacturers ever, such a shame the company was so compromised and ultimately killed off by those clowns at GM.
Saab is back th-cam.com/video/f58KhzaHiGI/w-d-xo.html
Put almost 80k miles on an 05 just like it, over 5yrs. Sublime in every way, even considering various repairs that were needed. Smiled every single time I walked up to her.
Will never own anything other than a Saab Convertible, until they can't be found anymore.
Thats a gorgeous car..always had a soft spot for Saabs. If I ever wanted a convertible this one would be it. Such a shame they no longer make cars
I own a SAAB Aero convertible. My second. Its simply eye candy. And
It's not German.
Hahaha... actually it is German because the Magna Styer company back in late 2000 was still owned by Daimler AG a.k.a. Mercedes Benz and this car was designed and built entirely by Magna in Graz with German, French, Polish, Hungarian... parts. Practically same assembly line as Audi TT, MB-SLK, Opel Astra and Peugeot RCZ.
It's not badged as German. I've never followed the crowd. Round here they're all like sheep and in debt because of it. It's the only 93 convertible around. Stands out. Bit like me. I retired in my 40's. Sold the business. Its been driven down to Monte Carlo, and up to the Scottish Highlands and most places in between.
And it looks good parked on my drive. We have an Arnage garaged. But that's not as much fun. Love the SAAB.
@@chuckbradley1 they are not bad at all, i owned 3 NG 9-3 two of them verts. The fact they they're actually assembled by DB is probably a good thing, but part quality and reliability definitely wasn't as good as BMW or Mercedes. Lots of mntn items on NG 9-3s, vacuum, EVAP, coolant leaks and elec shorts galore, but the 2.0Ts are easy to fix yourself, the 2.8 Australian Holden motors are tougher to work on due to lack of space and that pesky side turbo that reeks havoc under the hood. I tend to stay away from those.
@@lukemallory7832 135k
@@lukemallory7832 thermostat and ac compressor. Apart from that just usual service parts... Brakes tyres filters oil and fluids.
Got one of these. It’s a manual though! Most reliable car I have owned. Never lets me down. Great video as per usual 😊
Half a year ago my girlfriend "left the building" together with our Saab 9-3 convertible 2007👺😝. This afternoon i am going to Test Drive the same Saab as in your report. I am very excited👍😂.
Saab, simply the best!
Kind regards from Kobus the Netherlands 😁🤸♂️🍺🤹♂️🤑.
I bought the Saab Yesterday.
IT'S SUPURBBBB!!!!
David Bowie circa 1975 reviews a Saab..what a surreal experience..
SAAB is my fav cars so i had to drop a comment that's my dreamcar you got right there
Ive always wanted one, I need to get one soon!
Just bought one ❤️ x
Owned a estate 9-3 absolutely loved 200k on the clock and still everything worked a few battle wounds and still going today with a friend of mine talking it abroad twice with no issues been weighing up a convertible after lock down is over
They are such a cool car. Swedish cars do their own thing and sod the rest of the crowd. They’re not default choice or predictable and that makes them far better in my eyes lol. Love the colour - I used to have a T-reg Citroen Xsara VTR coupe in a similar shade.
Great review and unbelievable bargain too!
Which ironically was how Fred Armisen described a SAAB 9000 in Portlandia using the term "default setting".
I know i will be one of many people to say this, but the space in the centre console you that "would be good as a cup holder" that has a piece of plastic in it that folds down to make it into one
Never driven a Saab let alone own one, but I really admired them. Definitely an individual desirable premium brand which is much missed.
Drive one and you’ll want one. I’ve driven a 9-3 Saloon and Convertible so far, and as soon as I get paid, my current car is going for sale and a 9-3 is going to replace it
Great review, however a correction. The cupholder in the middle/armrest folds forward so the cup sits firm with no risk of tipping forward at hard braking as you said.
Saab almost never did any misses like that in design. Pure engineers cars and absolutely wonderful 🥳🇸🇪
Wonderful video! I own the 2.8 V6T sedan here in the US and was good to see such a wonderful example of an Aero across the pond! Thanks for a great video!
6:50 I have a manual 9-3 Aero (2008) - It will lock in neutral (or any gear) - not necessary to use reverse.
I absolutely LOVE it - When I bought it, I came VERY close to getting a soft-top in Lime Yellow, but at my age (54 at the time), the colour felt a bit 'mid-life crisis' LOL - So I went for a Fusion Blue with a solid roof instead.
What a car! I love my Saab 93 Aero 2006 in Fusion Blue 205 bhp great handling only 60,000 miles.
Wow! This brought back some great memories. Back in 2008, I bought a brand new 9-3 Convertible in ‘Fusion Blue Metallic’ with a light beige interior. I had the 2.8 V6 Petrol manual, and it made a glorious noise under acceleration. I always remember the build quality - it always felt ROCK solid, and the drive was excellent. It was a joy to blast down country lanes on a warm summer evening. It only averaged around 17-19mpg with my heavy right foot, but that’s how you enjoy such a car.
I also remember the weird sounding horn, it always sounded like it was missing a tone 🤣.
Before the Saab I had a 2004 Audi A4 Convertible with the 1.8T, and the Saab felt more substantial and planted, even if I was visiting the petrol station a tad more 😂.
It was a shame when Saab went bankrupt... I’d have probably had many more, I’m driving Volvo’s now (although considering a new Jaguar)
Wind deflector makes a huge difference to the driving experience, reduces noise & buffering.
The back of that center cup holder folds forwards so that it forms a complete cup holder, another saab quirk i guess
My brothers favourite brand of car. He had this same model convertible in gun metal grey. I agree it was very solid feeling on the road and deceptively quick.
I've got one parked outside. The centre cup holder folds down. The computer also seems to adjust the engine to your style of driving after you have driven it a few times. I don't know how but it's the second one I've owned and it has done the same thing. Fun car though, love it.
Just picked up my vector convertible the other week! 2.0t, leather seats, the roof works, all for £1100!!! What a car for the money
Now thats a bargain!
Lovely these are. My brother has an Aero convertible, which didn’t anything like as good as this!
I have a saloon Aero with factory Hirsch Stage 2; it’s an absolute monster!
This is my parents exact old car!! Glad to see the wheels have been restored back to how they should have been! Can’t believe this popped up as a suggested video on TH-cam!! We only got rid of the car a month or so ago!
Wow! Thats quite a coincidence! Stone Cold Classics have just gone through it and done all the things like the wheels to make it like new, and it is like new now! Tell them I love the colour, and I think its sold already, even though they cant collect it yet
I have an 04 9-3 aero convertible 6 speed manual and I love it. Mine is stage 2 tuned with a 2.0T and it’s much faster than stock. I would recommend getting this car tuned to anyone who owns one, the powerband is better all the way through and there’s potential to get better fuel mileage if you don’t get excited with the throttle ;)
I bought an automatic 1.8t during lockdown, basically for something to do while not working.
There were a few bits missing/broken ( rear light cluster cracked, cup holder broken and one or two other bits) got them all replaced from the scrapyard, cleaned up the wheels, new mats, buffed the paintwork, car now looks great. I've had new cars in the past, company cars as well. My Saab is my favourite car I've ever owned/driven and cost me next to nothing. Flew through its annual road test as well 😊
Love my 9-5 wagon. Saab's are superb cars!
that cubby behind the gear-lever does have a cupholder in it.. a little bit of plastic folds down ;)
I adore this! I happened to have ridden in one years ago, with the top down, nothing like a convertible!
We in the US 🇺🇸 had two versions; the ARC and the Areo, the Arc had the 2.3 turbo and the Aero a 2.8 V6 turbo. The Colour looks fantastic on this vehicle, and it still looks fresh and new for a 2005! And the asking price is insane!
BTW, the gearshift still locks in reverse on the manual! Very Saab!
Glad to hear that!
It's a SAAB, with a Turbo, it's a convertible and it's Lime Yellow. What's not to like. Swedish Perfection. A delight. Thank you Matt it felt like being outdoors.
Thanks for this one Matt. I have one of these. Although not a Lime and I adore mine, they really are very well behaved and a very useable daily right through the winter. Cosseted comfort and low revs at high speeds. If only Saab had been saved, they were a very special marque. I love em! Great vid as ever. Thanks again.
Such a beautiful car! I currently own a 2010 SAAB 9-3 Aero and it is so much fun to drive. So sad they are gone.
A project SAAB series soon? ;)
Id like that to happen!
I had an aero last year. Sold it. Immediately regretted it. I've now got a 2006 vector sport,which actually has better spec and is almost as much fun..
@@rodddrake Hey, any Saab is better than no Saab! Hope it brings you much joy to come!
Just recently bought a 57 plate 1.9 tid in anniversary ice blue (convertible) bloomin love it! So so stylish
..modern classic.
Great cars, best shape, I have a cerulean electric blue version of this, owner it 5 years, it’s never missed a a beat.shared the vid to two big Saab forums
As did I. Mine is / was / still is the one on Auto Express used buyers guide for Saab. Only sold it (after 5 years) as I got an itch for a V6 (bought a CLK vert) remapped by Noob, it was a great car. A real pity......
It almost looks like cup holder because it is one. Slide it up, flip it down. Magic.
6:57 it's got a second cupholder there! you nearly reach for it too. it folds down after rolling back the cover.
I was just looking at one in blue with the roof down, a few days ago in Tesco's Burnham on sea car park, looking mint and very nice
Very fun! As a 21 year old, I am very much enjoying my first manual car - ‘06 SAAB 9-3 2.8T Aero Convertible. With the stage 1 tune it effortlessly gets up and goes. I have changed my driving from the quickest route home to the route home with the most amount of on/off ramps 😎
That sounds fun, whats the insurance like with the tune at 21?
furiousdriving Sure is! With State Farm and an extra $10 off per month for having a no accidents record, I'm at $96 a month
Handsome looking cars! I had one nearly exactly like this!!! I had a lime yellow 9-3 conv, one of the best cars I’ve had
Same car and colour that my sister used to have about 16 years ago , it was her dream car and she always loved it , she called it ''The golden chariot"
Beautiful car. Its styling has aged very well indeed. And it looks immaculate. A loss to the car community. Good morning from Sydney Australia
BTW there is cup holder in the centre, it's consealed by the cover!
What a lovely car that model probably the best Saab ever always liked the beautiful interiors such a shame the marque has gone
Saabs always stud out from their rivals
My brother had one. 2.8 v6 (Vaux Vectra VXR engine?) manual. Remapped to 290bhp, insanely quick, had trouble putting the power down! Real cool , timeless style. Excellent review, as always Matt. Don't suppose you'll be videoing Stone Cold Classic's red Peugeot 505 estate? Saw it online 🤩
Hard to believe a premium brand like Saab was allowed to fail. Very sad. We are all poorer as a result... Thanks for the enthusiastic and enjoyable review.
GM are very bad at understanding and looking after smaller brands
@@furiousdriving Very true!
They failed because they didn’t sell enough cars, which was odd because they were good cars, and the design heritage was largely carried through... but it was the age when Mercedes/BMW/Audi were stripping sales from anyone who targeted prestige buyers... and GM was not the business to help SAAB survive - GM eats brands for breakfast...
And yes the solid feeling of a Saab is one of the great things about Saabs😁
I've always been so eager to drive a cars or vehicles in general. I'm 15 and can't wait to get my permit! I love convertibles and this one is affordable, looks nice, and preforms well. I can't wait to get this car! ( I hope!)
Hi Matt, great review on this Saab Aero,nice colour,the key has changed to a fob now, brilliant car for the money,I bet these were dear back in the day.
There is a cup holder in the 'cubby' holder between the seats. Slide the door open and it pulls down from behind the top of the door. You also missed the little quirk about the roof. Hold the 'unlock' button down on the key fob after you've unlocked the doors and the roof opens without having to use the dashboard button. Unfortunately you can't close it using the lock button.
Those make it even better, I didnt find them, but then I only had an hour with the car!
@@furiousdriving Shame you only had it for an hour. I've had mine nearly 2 years and loving every moment.
The remote roof was an option,but if you don't have it,I believe it can be turned on through Tec 2 diagnostic equipment.
Have a 2004 9-3 convertible, all black, manual shift, with just 85,000 miles on it. It's my 3rd SAAB convertible going back to 1988 and 1996. Love to drive it!! Bummer when GM took over and Xbox x
I test drove a 2005 Linear Convertible and it was the best AFFORDABLE luxury sports car I have driven! Air Con was ice cold, heated seats were extremely comfortable, cornering/handling was superb! Also, plenty of rear seat space for two adults.
Uninteresting fact, the 9-3 and 9-5 adverts in Europe that used the tag 'born from jets' did feature the Saab Jas 39 Gripen aircraft, in the US they used the American F-22 in the ads...
Good trivia! Why use the wrong brand jets?
@@furiousdriving No idea, other than the GM's marketing team didn't think it was a thing? Quick one I can find on TH-cam actually has an F-18 and then an F-22... th-cam.com/video/olqcHR9N8lE/w-d-xo.html
Great looking car. The V6 was a wonderful lump, my choice would be the estate version. Really miss Saab, they were all so individual. Thanks.
I have a remapped v6 estate. I will keep it till it dies. Its mental on full throttle!
I LOVE mine!!! 2004 9-3 Arc convertible in Parchment Silver.
Great video of an stunning car, but I have never experienced that the ignition key have locked the handbrake in either a 900 OG, 9000 or 9-5 OG. But it does lock the gear selector though.
Having owned several GM 900s and early 9-3s, I had one of these and didn't really get on with it. However, your enthusiastic review has got me thinking maybe give the later ones another chance? Great video!
If you can get the 2007/2008 facelifted 9-3 go for it! they fixed many issues from this 9-3 such as peeling buttons and IMO looks better!
Have a 2009 Saab 93 aero with the 1.9 twin turbo Diesel engine and I can’t fault it especially the low down grunt it really does feel fast enough at low speeds and still gets over 55mpg
This is a wonderful review and presentation. Thanks so much for sharing. My 2008 9-5 2.3T has been great! It has the bigger Mitsubishi TD04 turbocharger...with superb acceleration. Where it really shines is going from 40-70 mph...will snap your head back. Very reliable car too.
i have an 05 93 aero 2.0 turbo saloon absolutely love it one of the best cars ive ever owned. and ive owned alot of cars!
I’ve got a 1.9tid saloon with an auto gearbox I had the 1.8 convertible with the auto gearbox too. You certainly get a lot of car for your money.
Top of the range is a 2.8v6 turbo not a 2.5, I have this one and it's a beast
Me too, mapped up to beast mode!
The slide up cover in front arm rest is a flip down cup holder, the heater screen does work in temp, only 1-10 when roofs down, it switches over. and no engine shots???
Aarrgh I forgot to drop them in!
Just bought a mint condition low mileage black 9-3 Vector Auto 150 BHP. For 3.5k with a warranty. There's nothing like if for the price..... Beautiful car. Still looks modern. Classic.
Got a mint 6 speed manual one of these in Aqua blue , best convertable ive driven handles superb
They got it right with this, shame it was the last one they did
Thank you for uploading. Glad to see you appreciate the qualities of this model. The gentleman's choice. Not vulgar like the German manufacturers of BMW and audi.
At 11:40, the climate control uses 1-10 for temperature when the roof is down only. Since the interior temperature sensors aren’t reliable with the top down, in order not to promise something they couldn’t keep (an exact temperature) the SAAB engineers did it like this to indicate that it is just an approximation.
When the roof is up, the temperature setting is in degrees (F or C) as usual.
Always loved the shape of these and I think they've aged very well. I think the best convertible in its own market segment.
The beauty of Saab (as well as Volvo) is that they're classless, they're a car for any person and there are no negative preconceptions.
For a long period of time I've thought about getting one of these as they're nothing short of an UTTER bargain!
Interior temp settings were because the roof was down. No point in asking for it to try to make the whole world 20 degrees.
I am a farmer from Australia my first Saab was a 900i that was 25 years ago sold it i am planning on buying a 2006 9-3 convertible I love everything about them I drove one a few months back and i was sold so want one now, i am looking at one the exact color that's on this video
Superb video and nice flatcap Matt. Lovely car, but the big problem with this Saab was the lack of stiffnes, so you always have a lot of rattles and squeeks while you drive. I've owned one similar so I know what I am talking about. But what a lot of style and class this car have. It is a shame that Saab is not with us anymore.
In the day I had one of these as a company car, its the ONLY reason I stayed at the job for as long as I did (which wasn't long actually!)
I had the same car aero 20T in line yellow matalic i sold it to a saab car lover in victoria Melborune. it was a sad day to her go but happy she went to someone that i hope love sabrina as much as i did great view brings back some great memories
I agree with everything you said as I owned a 2007 for 2 years. It’s Achilles heel for me was reliability and how hard it was to work on under the bonnet ( no space for hands) . After replacing fuel tank sensors , lights , starter motor , battery I finally lost it after the battery would drain completely over three to 4 days . My wife heard me swearing outside , squeal of tyres and two hours later I came home with a different car. :-). So happy the car started ok for the dealership test drive ;-)
I have the battery drain issue too, so much so that I keep a spare and jump leads and tools in the boot (trunk). My suspicion is it's the alarm system.
An ex girlfriend of mine had the old 900 turbo convertible in the mid 90s, and all I remember is the scuttle shake and it feeling very heavy. To be fair I was comparing it to my car at the time, which was the Pug 205gti 1.9, so not really a fair comparison, but that scuttle shake is all that really comes to mind when I think about it. What you're driving is something far superior and something I have yet to drive. I am looking for a 10-15 year old estate car as a daily just now, and the 93 is something I hadn't considered...but now will (along with the Passat) nice car..great video 👍🏻
Iv just brought an 07 vert anniversary love It the comfiest seats iv ever sat in could drive accross Europe no problem 70mph feels like 50
Brilliant looking car still looks fresh now allso feels solid as a rock I'd have one in a heartbeat shame they didn't do a estate soft top 😆👍👌
Great review,
i have always liked these and have contemplated many times over getting one.
I got a Volvo 2002 S60 2.5 D5 in the end.
I still love this model!
They are so beautiful!
As a Volvo guy myself I of course mostly remember the odd things about Saabs, I liked the rearward facing backup lamps in the postionlenses at the front, giving illumination beside the car. But the main thing I remembered from the gear/ingnitionkey lock on the older manual, some of them got spilled into and that could produce some special situations like when one guy was abruptly awaken when his car drove by itself out through the garagedoor and into the neighbours hedge across the street. Or the one here at work that started driving backwards in circles crashing into other cars. In those cases I prefer the steering lock that normal cars have! 😁
We have a 2008 facelift vector in black, diesel tweeked to 210 bhp it flies. Complimented by the more useful BMW 520d touring. Both have seamless auto boxes. Be a long time before we change either.
David Reynolds is it the single or twin turbo model ?
Shane Whelan single turbo. EGR and DPF deleted, now it breathes free. Sorted by a local guy that really knows his stuff.
I had a series of different SAAB's after passing my driving test. I now have a F30 BMW which I hate in comparison. Uncomfortable seats, 2 litre turbo with no torque and hideous ride quality. The quest to find a suitable SAAB replacement continues...
I had one from 2007 to 2009 did 70.000 miles with absolutely no issues, fantastic car
The manual does not require you to lock the gear in reverse to remove the ignition key however the steering wheel lock engages automatically when you remove the ignition key.
I dont know on this generation
That front bit is a cup holder you just flip it down but never use it as you may spill drink into ignition
Very lucky have one ! Spent five years restoring it 👌 unique and safe - says I don’t follow the crowd thank goodness 😅 to date more reliable than my old Avensis that fell to bits around my ears
Lots of very good independents in U.K. to look after it - ORIO in Sweden rapid at getting parts to U.K. - love mine ❤️
The cup holder with the roll down cover has a thing you can pull down so cups or bottles wont fall
Wonderful Saab cars. Currently driving a 2007 saloon/sedan 1.9 Tid, with 171K on the clock. Solid, dependable, and quick.
Please tell me you were at that location to test drive that gorgeous 505?! Love the channel btw
I was there but the car was still being prepped...
A great review as always , looks a nice motor and what an eye catching colour. Stay safe.
Back in the day I spent 2 years working for a Swedish-owned company and could have any company car I wanted, as long as it was a Volvo or a SAAB, so I chose a SAAB 9-3 2.0T AERO and it was by far the BEST company car that I ever drove.
It was a perfect balance of crazy turbo exhilaration and refined comfort and understated good looks.
It was the only car that I managed to get wheel spin in 3rd gear, seriously good fun🚀🚀
Now that I am long retired I dream of having a convertible version of that model, but my wife and Sons always manage to talk me out of it, every time I find a suitably mint condition example👴👴😒😒
I had a 2.8 saloon..I loved it
Just saw this exact color and model in my neck of the woods for sale. Imma really consider the purchase now!
Lovely Jubbly, a bargain, a car when cars were built to last, not like these 3 - 5 year PCP deals.
Just picked up an 06 1.8t convertible for the misses, collect it on Monday. Inherited the in-laws Aero 9-3 which went like stink, didn't have it for long as it was starting to be a money pit... Saabs need enthusiastic owners to survive, my father in-law wasn't that, he loved wringing it's neck but didn't understand the concept of maintenance until something went bang! Our latest purchase will be the subject of a full top to toe service including breathers, oil pick up and turbo. This will be our 6th Swede to sit alongside the Jag and Range Rover, I am numb to the pain of fringe car ownership!
Just to clarify the petrol engine options for the convertible. The 1.8 is actually the same 2.0 engine in the Aero except it has a lower pressure Garrett Turbo and was detuned for insurance and tax reasons and comes with 150BHP. The standard 2.0 has a higher pressure Garrett turbo producing 175BHP both of these can be remapped to around 216BHP for around £250. The 2.0 Aero has a TD04 producing 210 BHP and a £250 remap will see 250BHP. The V6 is a 2.8 (not 2.5) with the TD04 turbo producing 250BHP but with a Vtuner remap around £500 will see 328BHP and more torque than a Ferrari 458! You could spend a couple of grand and hit over 400BHP lol! These engines are strong and can easily take more power and all petrols are chain driven but lack of oil changes will cause the chains to stretch and will need replacing at around £400 for the 2.0 and around £1000 for the V6 but the engines will go on forever!
Have a 05 Aero convertible in lime green ❤️❤️ had it four years love it 😊 put Bilstein shocks on it , black diamond disc and pads , Maptune sports exhaust - only failure ABS pump
Secondhand one £50 fitted fixed it - more reliable than previous Toyota Avensis same year rusted and started falling to bits 😂
Just had back seat out expecting loads of hidden rot ! Absolutely solid 👌 previous Suzuki and Jimni at same age needed patching
Changed cabin filter holder as notorious for seal perishing and leaking water onto fan - got new one from Saab Tec Welwyn garden £35 ? Previously took all wheel liners of - only needed to treat couple of 5p bits - body wise very lucky with mine ! Even rear archies sound - previous cars literally rusting away at this age - always Waxoyl every year as well
Hopefully in the future won’t need any expensive body work doing 🙏
Nice video. I've got one of these it's a 1.9 tid 6 speed manual such a nice car to drive, looks stunning and does around 55 - 60 mpg on a long run.
amazing review of the Saab 9-3 convertible most definitely a car I will be driving fo the rest of my life I have a collection of 6 here in the United States two of them which I have saved from the junker
Didn't know there was a 2.5 V6 we owned a 9-3 aero and it had a turbocharged 2.8 V6
That is what I recently picked up! slowly aftermarket add ons. Started with front suspension and axles. Axle, just new since originals had slight warp on one side. Suspension was a great upgrade.
I've had 7 saabs. Currently I own 2. 1999 Saab 9-3 coupe and 1990 Saab 900 5-door hatchback