Saab 9-3 Buyers Guide - Which 9-3 to buy? What's the best year?
One of the most frequently asked questions is about purchasing a used Saab 9-3 and what to look out for. This will be a work in progress but the goal is to make one comprehensive post with all information that can easily be understood by the average used car buyer.
Let's bundle our efforts so please add to this thread with any helpful information for a prospective Saab owner. There are other sources for this information but most is scattered in the forums or very long threads with bits of info here and there.
General
The second generation of the Saab 9-3 Sedan was introduced for model year 2003. The convertible was introduced for 2004 and the SportCombi for 2006.
Brief time line
2003 - original exterior and interior
2007 - updated interior
2008 - updated exterior
Equipment levels:
Linear: Base model with limited equipment.
Arc: More luxury and equipment, comfortable ride
Vector: Sportier version between Arc and Aero
Aero: The sport model with lower suspension, sport seats etc. Firmer ride