Last generation SAAB 9-3?

I've been pondering what daily drivers would get good gas mileage and reliability for a 100 mile round trip commute, without being totally boring to drive, and it suddenly occurred to me that a SAAB 9-3 Linear might make sense. It's basically a Malibu* with a 5 speed option and a retuned suspension, right? Or are there any parts availability or reliability issues I'd need to look out for?

• I'm aware that the Malibu came later, but that would imply parts aren't too hard to find...

My 9-5 wagon averages 28mpg mixed driving. They are the performance/daily driver bargain right now!

My wife drives a 2010 sedan, we had a 2004 sedan that my sister has now, and my mother has a 2008 vert. I think they are wonderful cars for the money. There have been some parts issues during the bankruptcy but that seems to have returned to normal. The pre 2008 have the most cars around for used parts. I would buy another today if i needed a car. I find them a little small for whoever is in the backseat behind me but i am 6'4" and 230.

MadScientistMatt wrote: I've been pondering what daily drivers would get good gas mileage and reliability for a 100 mile round trip commute, without being totally boring to drive, and it suddenly occurred to me that a SAAB 9-3 Linear might make sense. It's basically a Malibu* with a 5 speed option and a retuned suspension, right? Or are there any parts availability or reliability issues I'd need to look out for? * I'm aware that the Malibu came later, but that would imply parts aren't too hard to find...

It has no relation to the Malibu. At all. It is closer to a Cruze and has some crossover with the Cobalt SS, having a 2.0 Ecotec turbo and being engineered off of an Opel platform. Typical maintenance parts are cheap and easily available. Trim and body parts are available but not priced very reasonably. Known failures tend to be more convenience-related than 'call a flatbed' in nature (apparently certain years had flaky factory stereos, for example, and like any Euro car ever the window regs need grease). I think they are really underrated cars though, especially considering the prices they go for. The only year to avoid is 2003 (first year) because of a problematic one-year-only air injection system that can cause emissions headaches.

Genuinesaab.com is pretty good for performance and upgrades

Eeuroparts.com, fcpeuro.com and AutohausAZ are good for OE parts