05' saab 9-3 1.9tdi or 05' passat 1.9tdi

jon1981

hi,

thinking about getting one of the mentioned cars above. was wondering if anyone could offer any advice on either?

I really like the styling of the saab and i know there is a newer model out now but that wouldn't put me off buying. I also like the passat and i know its the latest model. I would be planning on holding the car for the next 4-5 years so resale value isnt my main concern. in terms of handling and performance, has anyone got any preference on either? Also do you reckon i could get a better deal this side of xmas or is it better to hold off to the new year?

edit: just thought id throw this in, what about the Jetta 1.9tdi? is it a case of whats the point its just a watered down passat?

bazz26

I would choose the 9-3 for the engine alone, it is the 1.9 Multi-jet diesel engine from Fiat which is one of the best in it's class. Make sure and go for the 150bhp 16 valve version though as there is also a less powerful 120bhp 8 valve version too. While I am not a fan of the current SAAB range due to their connection with General Motors but I can appreciate that they still have a certain charactor about them. Get one with the right spec and you have yourself a lovely motor.

I would not even consider a Passat with the 1.9 TDi engine, it is quite old these days, loud, rough and not very powerful compared to it's rivals. You would want to be considering the 2.0 TDi at the very least and they are way overpriced here in Ireland.

Jetta, meh..

jon1981

bazz26 wrote: »

I would choose the 9-3 for the engine alone, it is the 1.9 Multi-jet diesel engine from Fiat which is one of the best in it's class. Make sure and go for the 150bhp 16 valve version though as there is also a less powerful 120bhp 8 valve version too. While I am not a fan of the current SAAB range due to their connection with General Motors but I can appreciate that they still have a certain charactor about them. Get one with the right spec and you have yourself a lovely motor.

I would not even consider a Passat with the 1.9 TDi engine, it is quite old these days, loud, rough and not very powerful compared to it's rivals. You would want to be considering the 2.0 TDi at the very least and they are way overpriced here in Ireland.

Jetta, meh..

Thanks Bazz,

I would consider going over to the UK for the 2.0TDi, i prefer the exterior styling of the saab but the interior on the passat. In terms of value, saab seem to be coming in alittle cheaper, so i guess they dont hold their value as well. (which im not really concerned about). I see alot of 120bhp 9-3's over here, not many 150's. It looks like the 120 is the more common model here.

DubDani

Strangely enough I had (have) the same Dilemma.

I had to decide between the 9-3 1.9tdi, the Passat 1.9 TDI and a Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI.

From the outside the Saab wins hands down for me. I love the outside looks of the Saab, but I pretty much hate the Interior. I don't think I could stand it in the longer term.

So I decided for the 05 Superb, which I love from the inside. I will pick it up next weekend from england (if all goes by plan), and am really looking forward to it.

jon1981

DubDani wrote: »

From the outside the Saab wins hands down for me. I love the outside looks of the Saab, but I pretty much hate the Interior. I don't think I could stand it in the longer term.

.

thats exactly my issue with the saab, the dash just looks very cold. where did you source the superb from? i was looking at them, nice car, but just that bit too big for my needs, im even pushing it by looking at the passat as its also quite big.

Car-dealer

Hi

I specialise in Saab myself, among other makes, and I can tell you that they have come down in price a lot this year and are excellent value for money.

My advice is set a budget and then get the top model for that budget - I buy direct from Saab UK and there is a wide range of models. The 1.9 TiD represents the best value for money, I personally would go for a Sport model, and from a Vector upwards, with leather and parking sensors ect. The Saab interior dash got a facelift and looks at lot better from 2007 onward.

Passats are always a family fav. so cant be dismissed. When ever I say passat I always follow it with the word 'Audi' - but on the scale of pricing for like-for like, it goes Audi then VW then Saab!

Drop me a line if you need any further advice on pricing.

Anan1

OP - I don't know how important safety is to you, but the Passat does a lot better in the EuroNCAP than the SAAB.

bazz26

jon1981 wrote: »

Thanks Bazz,

I would consider going over to the UK for the 2.0TDi, i prefer the exterior styling of the saab but the interior on the passat. In terms of value, saab seem to be coming in alittle cheaper, so i guess they dont hold their value as well. (which im not really concerned about). I see alot of 120bhp 9-3's over here, not many 150's. It looks like the 120 is the more common model here.

All down to cost, the Irish tend to buy more of the bread and butter models than they do in the UK. I do agree though that the SAAB's interior is an aquired taste, kind of stuck in a time warp, switch gear looks like it has been carried over from the original SAAB 900. Would not put me off though.


A few nice examples:
http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Saab/9-3/Vector-Sport/1237581/
http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Saab/9-3/DID-VECTOR/1217904/

And I like this one:
http://www.autoquake.com/vehicle/inspid=6693