I am thinking of buying a 2000 Saab 9-3 Convertible for a great price and l wanted to know from those that own this particular model, how they feel about it.What are the pros and cons of the vehicle.

PROS: The engines in these cars r very tough & the transmissions r tough as well. Great mileage - great performance - if it is a turbo -( these cars make insane power with an exhaust change & ECU upgrade ) CONS ; Trubo models NEED Premium gas; & NEED synthetic oil. Cars depreciate fast - not any fault of the car - just never caught on like ''toyota'' ( but this car is already depreciated out ); parts r expensive - ( so u buy them from the non-dealer SAAB parts people - ebay etc.

You should have the car looked at by a SAAB expert - it will be money well spent because they simply know the persnickity things that go wrong with them - same with any other car. Its not a TOyota - but it is not ''unreliable'' by any stretch of the imagination. l have a 2002 Convertible SE - its a great car - is very fast - great mileage . If this car is a turbo model - u must run synthetic in it to save the turbo. They made a design change on the convertible tops in 1999 - l believe - that is why l bought a 2002. The early convertibles had expensive problems in the top motors. l bought my car because l wanted great mileage, fast, antilock breaks, sexy car - that IS NOT a civic or camry or corolla etc. My Car gets lots of looks - 18 wheels - silver with a black top EBAY has insane prices on these if u do not mind having it shipped - just buy from a dealer & get that buyers inspection .

There is no reason to buy a Viggen - u will pay alot because they r somewhat scarce. But- the added feathures r not worth the expense. You get slightly more horsepower + better brakes. Actually, the 2.0t SE can actually make more power when modified because the Viggen motors have higher static compression rastion - which limits the ultimate boost u can crank into these motors with an ECU upgrade. All the newer 9-3 have the 205N HOT motoes - they r identified with a black spark coil module - these motors were for the american market & make 205 Hp. With an ECU upgrade & an exhaust downpipe addition - these easily make 275 Hp - 45 more Hp than the viggen. Finally, the newer bodystyle convertibles r better chassis - but have the GM cobalt motors - IE better car - not better motor.

Avoid the V-6 unless it is an insane deal - the V6 turbos were hokey & they intentionally limited the HP because the engines were weak. The earlier saab 900 V-6 break timing belts - so if u buy one - make dsure u keep after the belts - every 30K miles.

Unless it happens to be a Viggen, l would personally pass on the car. Having said this l will temper the statement by ur comment of ''great price''. If the car has the 2.0 L turbo engine bear in mind that this engine has known piston failure issues. l have purchased several cars with junk engines & refit them with custom made pistons to solve the problem & resold them with clear mind. Also avoid the V-6 engines simply due to high maintenance costs of the engine. If it is not a turbo or the V-6, then by all means feel free to buy the car after ur shop gives it the okay. The 9-3 converts have the hydraulic tops which is great, unlike the body change 900 is mechanical top that is a disaster. The 9-3 is a good choice if u avoid the mentioned engines. Good Luck