Audi A4 vs Saab 9-3
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Audi A4 wins on money kept: 59% retained after three years vs 52%, worth about R 344 105 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| A4 | 9-3 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 774 800 | R 212 750 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 13 542/m | R 3 719/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 78% | 72% |
| Retained after 3 years | 59% | 52% |
| Value after 3 years | R 453 682 | R 109 577 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 321 118 | R 103 173 |
| Value after 5 years | R 329 778 | R 79 239 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Orphan & discontinued |
Audi A4 →
For three decades the A4 was Audi's core sedan in South Africa, running through five generations from 1995 until the new A5 replaced it in 2025. Buyers knew it for refinement and solid build rather than outright sportiness. Used examples are plentiful and prices are soft, making it a common value buy among premium sedans.
Known for: refined quattro executive staple
Saab 9-3 →
Saab's volume car in SA across two generations, sold from 1998 to around 2010 as a hatch, then Sport Sedan, SportCombi and convertible, with 2008 prices running from R212,750 to R397,688 for the 2.8 V6 Aero. Turbo engines and superb seats built a devoted following. Prices are low today and specialist knowledge matters more than franchise support.
Known for: turbo character and orphan value
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Audi A4 or the Saab 9-3?
The Audi A4. It keeps about 59% of its price after three years against 52% for the Saab 9-3, a gap of 7 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Audi A4 loses about R 321 118 over three years and the Saab 9-3 loses about R 103 173. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the Audi A4 runs about R 13 542 per month and the Saab 9-3 about R 3 719, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.