02 9-3se 5spd 5dr you thoughts

[86notchback]

Im looking at a 02 9-3se 5dr 5spd and ive asked a few people and have not gotten the best responses. Im more in C900s and the 9000 and have no seat time or experiences with the 9-3. I like the soul and character of the older saabs and the fun factor and ive heard the 9-3 is abit of a damp rag in terms of fun and personality. I want to know from owners what these cars are like, i know its hard to compare a C900 to a 9-3 but are these cars really just so so bleh mobile's?

[win_k]

Back in the day, I had a 99 notch, a 99 combi, 99 5 door and a later 90.

My 9-3's handle better, are quieter, quicker but point blank, the bodies are not as stiff and solid. They handle better but don't offer the incredible feedback to the driver that the earlier ones did.

My 9-5 has the solid feel of the older SAABS, but feels even more numb than my 9-3's even if it's got the superior suspension.

The earlier SAABS had character, the later ones personality. Which is better? Personal choice.

Still, given the chance to build what I wanted, I'd build a 99 Combi with a mostly C900 dash and interior with a later B204 turbo --- IF I could find a transmission that would hold up in that combination. I can only dream!

[Drew in Houston]

I'm biased, but I like the 9-3 SE's a whole lot. The B205R is really smooth, and because it's an SE it gets the Viggen treatment with identical turbo and cross flow intercooler. 30mpg, stout 5-speed manual transmidsion, tons of room (still a hatchback)....It'll never handle well compared to cars that really handle well, but some mods can improve things. Their sweet spot is being good reliable utilitarian transportation with leather and heated seats and some surprisingly stout 50-70 passing acceleration.

[Saabeh]

I like the SE's as well, they're like a budget Viggen.

[93viggen]

Originally Posted by Drew in Houston

I'm biased, but I like the 9-3 SE's a whole lot. The B205R is really smooth, and because it's an SE it gets the Viggen treatment with identical turbo and cross flow intercooler. 30mpg, stout 5-speed manual transmidsion, tons of room (still a hatchback)....It'll never handle well compared to cars that really handle well, but some mods can improve things. Their sweet spot is being good reliable utilitarian transportation with leather and heated seats and some surprisingly stout 50-70 passing acceleration.

Totally agree! I am looking for an SE myself to replace my recently sold Viggen
I would love another Viggen, but oh well! I would say try the 9-3 Se, you should like it, I switched from c900's and have never looked back.