Considering buying a Saab 9-3 convertible.

[gerrudd]

Which age 9-3 are you referring to?

I’ve got a 2007 9-3 convertible and it is basically a Vauxhall Vectra underneath. Therefore, parts are reasonably cheap and readily available. There are also a few Saab specialists still around if you need Saab specific parts. (https://www.neobrothers.co.uk/ are usually my first port of call).

It's a 2009 so presumably similar if not the same.

[Bravo73]

It's a 2009 so presumably similar if not the same.

Yep, 2009 will be the same generation. IIRC, 2009 was also when the facelift models started arriving, so it might look like the ‘11 model above.

I find it very comfortable for motorway cruising and you will obviously have the option of dropping the roof when the temperatures warm up. Don’t expect the most dynamic of driving experiences but if you are finding the 1.8t a little pedestrian, it is easy enough to bump that up to the 2.0t levels: https://noobtune.co.uk/

[gorrie]

Owned a 1.8t many moons ago. As said above, felt a bit underpowered but I seem to recall that there was a remap available fairly cheaply to get it up to around 180bhp.
I kept mine outside uncovered come rain or shine with no issues but I always give any soft top I’ve owned a liberal coating of Nikwax tent proofer. Lucly if you’ll need more than a bottle a year and it’s only about £10. Fantastic for allowing the water to run off rather than sink in to the material.

[hilly10]

We contract hired one in 2005 for two years for the wife, she loved it, never got stuck in snow either. She had a tear in her eye when it went back. Great cars.