Saab 9-3 ?????????

stan40

Hi
a quick question i have a 04 Merc C180 and thinking of trading it in for a new Saab 9-3.
So i was wondering has anybody got one and what do they think of it?

Are they any good?

Any info would be appreciated

Thanks

mike65

I don't have one but that trade in strikes me as, at best a move sideways. Is there any particular reason for thinking Saab rather than another C-Class?

The 9-3 is a glorified Vectra, not a bad car but I would'nt say it was a move forwards from a C-180 esp if buying new.

You might want to check this thread from carsurvey

Mike.

Anan1

The SAAB will be a far nicer place to sit.

Dilbert75

I'd also suspect that the Saab is at least the equal of the C180. Don't worry about the Vectra connection - very few Audi drivers care when their car shares a platform or engine with a Skoda. I'd be very tempted by the new Saab 9-3, especially with the 1.9 TDi version and in the new estate body if available.

(someone have it delivered to my door pleased).

Cyrus

imo its a lovely looking car the 9-3 but from my limited experience its a heap of junk!

My best mate imported a top spec 9-3 from the uk 2.0t 175bhp every extra lovely looking car, a year later and the timing chain had to be fixed for some reason (cost 800, saab paid the rest, would have been 1.5k apparently) and last week the steering rack had to be replaced another 800. Granted this is a 03 car with about 65,000 miles. Also the interior plastics are very flimsy

ANother guy i know has a 05 one and he cant wait to get rid, nothing mechanical but he said half the interior has broken off, cup holders, vanity lights etc.

They also seem depreciate like stones.

Finally i met a guy a while ago who was a mechanic with faichny ringwood, got talking about the 9-3s, he said lovely car, but i wouldnt buy one with my money, too much going wrong with them.

Now i know thats hardly conclusive proof but personally i wouldnt buy one. What kinda money are you thinking of spending, does it have to be a new car?

bo-bo

i drove one )on loan) for a number of weeks and i adored it.

its a wonderfull looking car, handles really well and all in all provides a really positive driving experience.

i have to admit that the owner has had one or two returns to the garage under warranty for silly little things (air con refused to turn off even after the ignition was killed!) but all in all its been mechanically sound and reliable.

the model i drove was the 2.2 turbo diesel and it honestly performed like a petrol car. my daily drive is a 2.2 vtec and i thought id find the saab slow - not a bit of it, plus great fuel economy to boot

sk8board

I'd have the Saab too. Every c180 and 318 i now see i think its a company car.

one thing tho; don't buy new unless ur a fan of depreciation. Its a pity, but great news for a buyers of the better cars 2nd hand. I see there are 03 Vector models (43k-48k new!) on the interweb for 15k!!!! granted its high mileage, but thats incredible depreciation (can still find then for 19-23k tho).

Also, GO FOR THE VECTOR, forget the rest. I'm in the market for one right now, but won't even read the ad's for Arc and Linear models.

stan40

Hi
thanks for the views.
But just to clarify a few things the reason for changing is the car is too small because the kids(3) are all getting bigger and car isn't.
Some of the materials in the car are cheap looking and don't look the money.
Expensive feckers to run(servicing and stuff).

Others cars in the running are Audi A6,Audi A4 estate,Passat saloon or estate.

I plan on my car being worth in the high 20's when going to sell so that plus 10k-15k is my price range anyone got any opinion on which car new or maybe secondhand(05-06) would begood value for me

Thanks

stan40

Hi
thanks for the views.
But just to clarify a few things the reason for changing is the car is too small because the kids(3) are all getting bigger and car isn't.
Some of the materials in the car are cheap looking and don't look the money.
Expensive feckers to run(servicing and stuff).

Others cars in the running are Audi A6,Audi A4 estate,Passat saloon or estate.

I plan on my car being worth in the high 20's when going to sell so that plus 10k-15k is my price range anyone got any opinion on which car new or maybe secondhand(05-06) would begood value for me

Thanks

Lex Luthor

stan40 wrote:

Others cars in the running are Audi A6,Audi A4 estate,Passat saloon or estate.

I plan on my car being worth in the high 20's when going to sell so that plus 10k-15k is my price range anyone got any opinion on which car new or maybe secondhand(05-06) would begood value for me

Thanks

I wouldn't pay the money for the Passat, way overpriced in my opinion. A4 Avant is a great car and gets great mileage in the 1.9TDi, but the timing chain replacement costs a fortune, so I'm told.

With the budget you have, you can get a really good diesel estate, if thats what you want...suggestions maybe a used 320d touring or if you want new, maybe an Octavia Combi Elegance.

stan40

Hi
any more thoughts out there?

What about a 4x4 or suv maybe a Rexton or something similar?

Thanks

\m/_(>_<)_\m/

Dilbert75 wrote:

I'd also suspect that the Saab is at least the equal of the C180. Don't worry about the Vectra connection - very few Audi drivers care when their car shares a platform or engine with a Skoda. I'd be very tempted by the new Saab 9-3, especially with the 1.9 TDi version and in the new estate body if available.

(someone have it delivered to my door pleased).

i agree, nice car. and unbelievabley comfortable.

furtzy

Beautiful car with a lovely interior. Brother had the 1.8t (think its actually a 2.0) Vector with cream leather. Very very comfortable. Bit thirsty though he did redline it in every gear!! Had it for about a year with no probs at all.

Would go for the 1.9Tid....fabulous engine with loads of torque.

Wish I had one myself!

colm_mcm

New Santa Fe is far better than the Rexton, and may even be worth something in 3 years time

bazz26

stan40 wrote:

Hi
any more thoughts out there?

What about a 4x4 or suv maybe a Rexton or something similar?

Thanks

Did you consider a Lexus IS200? On your budget you should get a 05 model. They are starting to become cheaper now that the new model is on the scene. It will still have about 2 years left on the Lexus warranty and they were very well equipped. The downside is that rear leg room might be a bit tight but no worse than the 9-3, 3 Series or A4 of the same age.

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=424935
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=475810

stan40

Hi
what about Audi A6?
Anyone know anything about them?
I heard something like they only have speakers in the front and rear speakers is a cost option.
Any other info

Thanks

3ps

jaysus... jsut fit some rear speakers then. Don't choose a car based on that!

The Audi A6 is a fine car and will sell more easily and for a higher price than a Saab.