Saab 9-3 vs. BMW 3-Series Reliability Comparisons
You won't find Saab 9-3 or BMW 3-Series reliability information like this anywhere else. Actual repair frequencies, not just vague dots, to make it clear how much the Saab 9-3 and the BMW 3-Series truly differ in reliability. These stats are promptly updated four times a year, to much more closely track Saab 9-3 and BMW 3-Series reliability as the cars age. Others tell you how reliable the Saab 9-3 and the BMW 3-Series were a year ago, when the cars were a year younger and had 12,000 fewer miles on them. Only TrueDelta tells you how reliable the Saab 9-3 and the BMW 3-Series have been recently.
See Saab 9-3 vs. BMW 3-Series price comparisonSee what people are saying about Saab 9-3 reliability
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Saab 9-3
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BMW 3-Series
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Saab 9-3 Reliability through December 31, 2012
An asterisk (*) marks results based on small sample sizes.
General NotesModels and statistics marked with an asterisk (*) have very low sample sizes. These results, visible only to logged-in members, provide only a rough estimate of car reliability.Any result under 20 repair trips per 100 cars is likely a result of the small sample size, and should be expected to increase to 20 or so in future updates.
New models often start out with high repair rates, and then improve as the manufacturer identifies and addresses common problems. MethodologyOnly successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
What People Are Saying about Reliability and the Saab 9-3
blog comments powered by DisqusWhat Our Members Are Saying about Saab 9-3 Reliability and Durability
| Reliability and Durability of the Saab 9-3: Pros | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2010 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Almost a year of ownership and only had a fuel pump recall. No other issues. |
| 2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
In three years I have had only one warranty repair - replacement of the dreaded and woeful GM fuel tank sending unit. Other than this, I have performed the scheduled maintenance myself with no issues. These cars have traditionally been trouble free for me and they have been easy to wrench on when the need did arise. Under full GM ownership the easy-to-wrench-on aspect has been somewhat lessened, but the fact that I prefer 4 cylinders at least ensures that there is more room in the engine bay than that provided by cars with larger powerplants. |
| 2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Based on the fact that it's pretty much almost all GM material, the engine, platform, electronics should prove to be as reliable as the typical GM vehicle. |
| 2008 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 255hp 2.8L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Had several Saabs and family had lots more, never a serious problem. |
| 2008 | 2dr Convertible turbocharged 255hp 2.8L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Everything works |
| 2006 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
39 month lease period - had the gas tank cap check engine issue - a later recall. Had the passenger window refuse to go all the way up - a known safety sensor issue. The battery went dead in the key fob. Thats it! Very dependable and high quality vehicle! |
| 2006 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
The car has been completely trouble free and has had no problems after 4.5 years and 62,000 miles. |
| Reliability and Durability of the Saab 9-3: Cons | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2006 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 250hp 2.8L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Creeky interrior parts, I have picked my car apart before the warranty ended. Without that warranty I would have regreted buying the car. |
| 2005 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 175hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
There have been quite a few nagging issues that have popped up while I have owned this car. The dealership has been great in repairing all the issues with no fuss, but it has taken some getting use to given I came from an Accord. |
| 2003 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 175hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
varous recalls. body hardware failures |
| 2003 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
This probably has more to do with reputation, however there are a lot of reports of problems with these cars. |
| 2002 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 205hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
It is not that my 9-3 has been unreliable, it is just that you need a very good independent mechanic. Thank god there is one in my hometown. This car needs attention. For example, you MUST stay on top of the synthetic oil changes that cost more. |
| 2002 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 205hp 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
It is expensive to keep up. The car eats brakes, suffers at least two to three major repairs a year and parts are expensive |
What Our Members Are Saying about BMW 3-Series Reliability and Durability
None of our members have yet commented on the reliability and durability of the BMW 3-Series.
