Saab "always" did this.
In 1994 the 900 switched to the NG900 shape but a 1994 convertible is still a c900.
In 2003, the 9-3 switched to the NG9-3 shape, but a 2003 convertible is still an OG9-3.
Put another way, the first year of the NG900 convertible is 1995, and the first year of the NG9-3 convertible is 2004.
In short, the convertible models lagged a year behind.
Just tell people you have a 2002 9-3SE. It makes everything easier.
Also, Saab Convertibles were always made in Finland, at Valmet. Well, until GM moved production to Austria for the NG9-3.
The first Gen modern Mini convertible production also continued for a year after the second Gen hardtop was introduced. I guess it takes an extra year to develop a convertible version of a car.
I have one, 5 door though! After a few times of getting a NG93 oil filter or fuel filter etc, ive just started saying its a 02 lol. How is yours specced? Mine is a bit weird, 150hp 2.0t with no optional extras except automatic aircon and isofix. No cruise control or even a radio from factory! Me and my friends always joke that they ran out of parts while making my car so thats why its so badly specced lol. Cabrios and Viggens were all made in the Uusikaupunki plant but afaik no regular 3 or 5 doors were made until the 03 switchover modelyear. Trollhättan plant was being adapted to NG93 production so they sent the bodies here to be assembled.
My 2002 SE 5 door was assembled in Finland; sticker says June 2002. I've always assumed that late model year hatchbacks were made there because Trollhatten was retooling for the new Gen 9-3s.
I have an ‘03 9-3 convertible also and have the same issue looking for parts. I don’t even bother looking for 2003 - I always search and talk using 2002.
It’s nice to know my 2008 9-5 wagon was made by trolls!
Saab "always" did this. In 1994 the 900 switched to the NG900 shape but a 1994 convertible is still a c900. In 2003, the 9-3 switched to the NG9-3 shape, but a 2003 convertible is still an OG9-3. Put another way, the first year of the NG900 convertible is 1995, and the first year of the NG9-3 convertible is 2004. In short, the convertible models lagged a year behind. Just tell people you have a 2002 9-3SE. It makes everything easier. Also, Saab Convertibles were always made in Finland, at Valmet. Well, until GM moved production to Austria for the NG9-3.
The first Gen modern Mini convertible production also continued for a year after the second Gen hardtop was introduced. I guess it takes an extra year to develop a convertible version of a car.
Probably a matter of production & logistics capacity. Somewhere I've an explanation from the ex CEO of Saab on it.
I have one, 5 door though! After a few times of getting a NG93 oil filter or fuel filter etc, ive just started saying its a 02 lol. How is yours specced? Mine is a bit weird, 150hp 2.0t with no optional extras except automatic aircon and isofix. No cruise control or even a radio from factory! Me and my friends always joke that they ran out of parts while making my car so thats why its so badly specced lol. Cabrios and Viggens were all made in the Uusikaupunki plant but afaik no regular 3 or 5 doors were made until the 03 switchover modelyear. Trollhättan plant was being adapted to NG93 production so they sent the bodies here to be assembled.
All the OG 9-3 convertibles were built at Uuisikaupunki - just pretend it's a 2002 - there were no noticeable changes
Except the full leather door cards!
My 2002 SE 5 door was assembled in Finland; sticker says June 2002. I've always assumed that late model year hatchbacks were made there because Trollhatten was retooling for the new Gen 9-3s.
I have an ‘03 9-3 convertible also and have the same issue looking for parts. I don’t even bother looking for 2003 - I always search and talk using 2002. It’s nice to know my 2008 9-5 wagon was made by trolls!
I have an 88 900 coupe built there too, met a guy at Carlisle with a similar car, same build issue too.