SECOND-HAND SENSE Perhaps its climate change or merely the fact that we have more money to opt for something different when it comes to our cars, but it seems more and more of us are looking to convertibles, or cabriolets to use the motor industry's more glamorous description, these days.
Given the fact that it rains every other day in this country the convertible option is even more curious but it does not seem to put a lot of people off - the chance to feel the wind in your hair is worth it seems. However, there is one reassuring aspect to the argument - convertibles are much better built these days and few more so than the Saab 9-3 convertible.
Now seven years old the 9-3 convertible is one of the best of the lot. With the hood down you have a car that is a real pleasure to drive, has great lines and lovely styling finishes. With the roof up you can still listen to music without feeling you are travelling in a cargo 'plane. The car also makes an instant impression because its styling is mature and quite ageless, unlike some of its competitors. Compared to the Audi A4 convertible, for instance, the Saab has real road presence and does not look bulky or squat.
The 9-3 Convertible comes with a good pedigree. The best engine option is the light pressure turbo 2-litre version that provides all the power one needs these days. Responsive and quiet, it does as good a job in the city as it does on longer journeys, and there is a choice of manual or automatic gearboxes mated to it. While normally preferring manual boxes, I think the automatic is ideally suited to the convertible. Perhaps it's to do with enjoying the cruising aspect more than the driving challenge.
The interior is as well designed as the exterior. Saab makes practical but ergonomically lovely dashboards and the internal finish is always well done. There is plenty of comfort here and particular attention has been paid to ensuring a perfect fit when the roof is up.
As you might expect the 9-3 convertible has a near perfect EuroNCAP crash test record. It achieved a five star rating out of a possible five and testers noted: "The cabin around the occupants survived the impact well, although the driver's and passengers chests were subject to fairly high loads. The frontal airbags are dual-stage and include seat position sensors for the front occupants. the car has clearly been designed to keep its occupants as safe as possible".
The car has only been subject to minor recalls that affect relatively few cars. A small number of cars have been recalled for problems with fitted tow bars and possible contamination of brake fluid. In August of 2001 some 1,625 cars were recalled for possible problems with steering capability.
A three-year old model with leather upholstery and a good range of equipment (multiple airbags, climate control, CD, ABS cruise control etc.) and with 36,000 on the clock costs around €32,000. A four year old model with much the same equipment and 41,000 on the clock has an asking price at one garage of €28,950.