I own a 2008 9-3 convertible and I am having an issue that the dealer tells me is normal for a Saab. To me the car rides very rough. The car sat on the dealer's lot for a year before I purchased it, and I had the tires (Pirelli P6) replaced in the first 100 miles due to flat spots. When I drive the car it feels like the wheel bearings and/or the CV joints are bad. There is a vibration in the floor and a grinding noise. Two non-Saab mechanics have stated they feel this is the problem and that since the car sat for so long that these parts may be bad. The dealer rode with me and heard and felt what I heard and stated that this is the how a Saab rides and that varying road surfaces will contribute to the vibration and grinding noise. Has anyone experienced anything like this? Do all Saabs ride like this? Any help would be appreciated.

 

um...sounds like your dealer is giving you the run around. No, abnormal noises are not normal (unless you have an older car and the weather is cold, than you can have creaks in the rear, but I'm not sure if that's a problem anymore).

 

Having driven my car before and after a whell bearing issue I can tell you that after 5 months of driving with that grinding sound the bearing has been replaced and the car now drives nice and quiet. Its a little bumpy...expected but is once again a pleasure to drive...i ended up buying the part online for $50 and had a shop put it in for $70...not the dealer! ($310 quote)