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Used Buyer’s Guide: Saab 9-3 Convertible

The used Saab 9-3 Convertible is great value, but what should you look for?

Which one?

Constant upgrades and facelifts, plus an array of specs, make the 9-3 range confusing. Entry-level cars are Linears; Aeros are at the top; in between are the Linear SE, Vector and Vector Sport. None of the all-turbo engines is weak.

The 2.0-litre petrol is the most common, and balances efficiency and performance best, but the 1.8t is excellent, too. The 2.8-litre V6 is unruly and costly to run. Yet diesels are best – especially the twin-turbo 1.9 TTiD, which hits 137mph and promises to return nearly 50mpg.

Running costs

ModelInsurance groupFuel economyCO2 emissionsAnnual road tax
1.8t 15025-3032mpg206g/km280
1.8t Biopower28-3332mpg233g/km475
2.0t 17527-3133mpg203g/km280
2.0t 2103431mpg213g/km280
2.8t V638-4026mpg254g/km£280*
1.9 TiD25-2844mpg169g/km200
1.9 TTiD28-3148mpg154g/km175

All used 9-3 Convertibles need servicing every 12 months or 18,000 miles – checks alternate between minor (£260) and major (£360). A big £460 service is needed at eight years or 72,000 miles. All prices include things like fresh brake fluid and coolant, which are due every four years.

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While petrol engines don’t have a cambelt, diesels do, and it needs renewing every 10 years/90,000 miles, for around £350. And don’t worry that there are no longer any Saab main dealers; a UK-wide network of officially endorsed Saab service centres exists, plus there are lots of independents.

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