2008 Saab 93 1.8t or Mercedes C180?

obi604

One of the hardest things in buying a car is picking the car to buy IMHO.

I have narrowed mine down to:

1. 2008 Saab 9-3 1.8t. Automatic. Petrol. Saloon

2. 2008 Mercedes C180. Automatic. Petrol. Saloon.

Any thoughts on which one I should choose and why???

Would like something that’s relatively reliable with somewhat decent MPG.

obi604

Bump

colm_mcm

The C class. It’s thoroughly more modern than the Saab.
Neither will be particularly economical, and both saw their road tax go up in July 2008 when it changed over to emissions, so you’ll be looking for early 2008 models if you want the lower tax.
The Saab, despite being badged 1.8t is actually a 2.0 engine, so you’ll be paying €710 tax on that and €636 on the Mercedes.

Earlier versions of the 1.8 Kompressor engine in the merc had issues with timing chains. I don’t know if this was resolved by 2007 when the new C Class came out.

obi604

colm_mcm wrote: »

The C class. It’s thoroughly more modern than the Saab.

Thanks for input. In what way, the looks is it?

colm_mcm

obi604 wrote: »

Thanks for input. In what way, the looks is it?

The 93 came out in 2002, and definately feels it in the interior. The C Class interior wouldn’t look too out of place in 2019 IMO.

I quite like the look of the facelifted 93, in the right colour it can look quite sharp. The C Class looks more modern overall though.
Saab is probably a bit bigger overall too.

kirving

Of those two, it has to be the Merc. The 9-3 is one of my favourite saloons, and I had long intended to buy one, but just couldn't bring myself to do it without a main dealer network. You'll hear that they're GM so parts will be easy to come by, but if you do have tricky problem, it'll be hard to find a specialist.

Not that taking an older car to a main dealer is advisable usually, but for example, I had to fix the lumber support mechanism in a previous car of mine. Main dealer told me they'd have the part form the UK the following day for ~€40. Also had to replace a wiring sub-harness - they had one in stock and fitted within days. Not going to happen if you drive a Saab.

Atlantic Dawn

I'd go E Class of that era instead, I think they look much better.

obi604

colm_mcm wrote: »

The C class. It’s thoroughly more modern than the Saab.
Neither will be particularly economical, and both saw their road tax go up in July 2008 when it changed over to emissions, so you’ll be looking for early 2008 models if you want the lower tax.
The Saab, despite being badged 1.8t is actually a 2.0 engine, so you’ll be paying €710 tax on that and €636 on the Mercedes.

Earlier versions of the 1.8 Kompressor engine in the merc had issues with timing chains. I don’t know if this was resolved by 2007 when the new C Class came out.

Thanks again. Yeah, am aware of the road tax.

Roughly what kind of mpg should I be able to achieve. Urban V Motorway?

I’m hoping the timing chain issue won’t pop up. Sounds like a time bomb.

obi604

Kevin Irving wrote: »

Of those two, it has to be the Merc. The 9-3 is one of my favourite saloons, and I had long intended to buy one, but just couldn't bring myself to do it without a main dealer network. You'll hear that they're GM so parts will be easy to come by, but if you do have tricky problem, it'll be hard to find a specialist.

Not that taking an older car to a main dealer is advisable usually, but for example, I had to fix the lumber support mechanism in a previous car of mine. Main dealer told me they'd have the part form the UK the following day for ~€40. Also had to replace a wiring sub-harness - they had one in stock and fitted within days. Not going to happen if you drive a Saab.

Thanks. Good points.

The timing chain absolutely will come up, at some point. The early Kompressor and later Evo engines all experience the problem. Even the very latest model years of W204.

There are ‘budget’ parts kits available for around €300 for everything from the usual suspects (I wouldn’t and didn’t go that route!) or Febi/OEM for about €550 for the updated chain, guides, tensioner and an updated tensioner housing, with branded cam sprockets (often required if the old chain stretched past spec) coming in at about €400-480 a piece, 2 usually required. Add a coolant change, oil, filter and a full day of labour. Whoever does it will need the appropriate cam locking tools also. With branded parts and getting the job done, expect to be paying €2.2-2.5K for everything if all parts are required.

The alternative is just having the chain and top guide and the tensioner assembly replaced, but that only works when you do it proactively, before the cam sprockets are marred/worn. Somewhere between €800-1000 parts and labour for a quality job.

When the chain is tired there’s usually a very brief rattle from the top front of the engine, when starting from cold, but not always. If you hear that, plan to spend on the bigger job. Mine needed doing at 162,000km on the nose and needed the whole timing train replaced. I’ll grab the old parts and upload a picture later if anyone’s curious.

There’s a possibility it could need doing far before or after that, depending on a whole host of factors.

Now, all that said, it’s pretty much the only thing apart from servicing (very affordable, outside the main dealers!) that the car has needed from new. You just have to factor it in to anticipated maintenance costs, not just think of it as a repair liability.

They’re a really nice car overall and I’d buy one over the 93 any day. As others have said, they’re still a very modern car, comfortable, generally very reliable and a nice place to put up some miles. They carry to years easily. Mine is almost 8 years old, has a near perfect interior, the paint/bodywork is still immaculate and I have no intention of changing it. Best car I’ve ever owned, hands down.

obi604

JayZeus wrote: »

The timing chain absolutely will come up, at some point. The early Kompressor and later Evo engines all experience the problem. Even the very latest model years of W204.

There are ‘budget’ parts kits available for around €300 for everything from the usual suspects (I wouldn’t and didn’t go that route!) or Febi/OEM for about €550 for the updated chain, guides, tensioner and an updated tensioner housing, with branded cam sprockets (often required if the old chain stretched past spec) coming in at about €400-480 a piece, 2 usually required. Add a coolant change, oil, filter and a full day of labour. Whoever does it will need the appropriate cam locking tools also. With branded parts and getting the job done, expect to be paying €2.2-2.5K for everything if all parts are required.

The alternative is just having the chain and top guide and the tensioner assembly replaced, but that only works when you do it proactively, before the cam sprockets are marred/worn. Somewhere between €800-1000 parts and labour for a quality job.

When the chain is tired there’s usually a very brief rattle from the top front of the engine, when starting from cold, but not always. If you hear that, plan to spend on the bigger job. Mine needed doing at 162,000km on the nose and needed the whole timing train replaced. I’ll grab the old parts and upload a picture later if anyone’s curious.

There’s a possibility it could need doing far before or after that, depending on a whole host of factors.

Now, all that said, it’s pretty much the only thing apart from servicing (very affordable, outside the main dealers!) that the car has needed from new. You just have to factor it in to anticipated maintenance costs, not just think of it as a repair liability.

They’re a really nice car overall and I’d buy one over the 93 any day. As others have said, they’re still a very modern car, comfortable, generally very reliable and a nice place to put up some miles. They carry to years easily. Mine is almost 8 years old, has a near perfect interior, the paint/bodywork is still immaculate and I have no intention of changing it. Best car I’ve ever owned, hands down.

Thanks for taking the time to reply. So timing chain is an issue, but surely it must only be a ceratin percenatge, probbalu millions made and only a certain percntage ofd these affected.

2-2.5 k is saucy though.

What is your driving style and MPG?

obi604

obi604 wrote: »

Thanks for taking the time to reply. So timing chain is an issue, but surely it must only be a ceratin percenatge, probbalu millions made and only a certain percntage ofd these affected.

2-2.5 k is saucy though.

What is your driving style and MPG?

It is always an issue eventually.

Real world consumption, I get 6.2-6.7L/100km on a long motorway speed run, 8-8.5L/100km city driving with Stop/Start disabled.

Driving style is too subjective and I have a later W204 with the Evo engine and 7 speed auto box, although that shouldn’t change fuel efficiency that much.

jmreire

Agreed with everything you have said,Jay Zeus. Friend of mind has a 2005 Mercedes E class, 1.8 Petrol Automatic, From Limerick to Dublin Airport, and a bit of driving around, €40 worth of petrol. He has had this car for years and years, and only problem he has had was the electronic brake module, which is pretty much guaranteed to "go" at some stage too, once it has completed it's Nr of cycles. But this is either repairable, or the cycles can be reset....and off you go again. The timing chains were pretty much more than likely to need replacing too. I would not take a chance on them, and the very least, get them checked. I believe that this can be done while they are still in place on the engine? The Automatic's were pretty much bullet proof too ( 722.6 5 speed Box ) but bear in mind that the oil in them will need changing about every 40'000 Klms. In the earlier models, these transmissions were sealed for life, and the oil was not to be changed...ever. But that has now changed, and oil changes are mandatory. Just something for you to inquire about if you decide to go for the Merc. Goes without saying, try to get a car with a good service history. The Merc would be my choice too. Good Luck with it. They are a lovely comfortable car, and it's a pleasure to drive them.

obi604

jmreire wrote: »

Agreed with everything you have said,Jay Zeus. Friend of mind has a 2005 Mercedes E class, 1.8 Petrol Automatic, From Limerick to Dublin Airport, and a bit of driving around, €40 worth of petrol. He has had this car for years and years, and only problem he has had was the electronic brake module, which is pretty much guaranteed to "go" at some stage too, once it has completed it's Nr of cycles. But this is either repairable, or the cycles can be reset....and off you go again. The timing chains were pretty much more than likely to need replacing too. I would not take a chance on them, and the very least, get them checked. I believe that this can be done while they are still in place on the engine? The Automatic's were pretty much bullet proof too ( 722.6 5 speed Box ) but bear in mind that the oil in them will need changing about every 40'000 Klms. In the earlier models, these transmissions were sealed for life, and the oil was not to be changed...ever. But that has now changed, and oil changes are mandatory. Just something for you to inquire about if you decide to go for the Merc. Goes without saying, try to get a car with a good service history. The Merc would be my choice too. Good Luck with it. They are a lovely comfortable car, and it's a pleasure to drive them.

Thanks. Does the specific version I am looking at need the automatic transmission fluid changed ? Early 2008. C180

jmreire

obi604 wrote: »

Thanks. Does the specific version I am looking at need the automatic transmission fluid changed ? Early 2008. C180

At the very least get it checked by some one who know's what to check. You have to remove the top engine cover, and right beside the engine oil dipstick, you will see another tube, a bit lower down. This will have a small plastic cap, and on one side of it, there will be a small retaining plastic clip. If this clip is colored "RED," then at some stage, some one has at least checked the level, if not actually changed the oil and filter. On the other hand, if the tab is colored "BLACK" , that's the original factory fitted one. Means that it has never been opened. This RED tab is a replacement one. What mileage is on it?

obi604

jmreire wrote: »

At the very least get it checked by some one who know's what to check. You have to remove the top engine cover, and right beside the engine oil dipstick, you will see another tube, a bit lower down. This will have a small plastic cap, and on one side of it, there will be a small retaining plastic clip. If this clip is colored "RED," then at some stage, some one has at least checked the level, if not actually changed the oil and filter. On the other hand, if the tab is colored "BLACK" , that's the original factory fitted one. Means that it has never been opened. This RED tab is a replacement one. What mileage is on it?

Not valid yet as still trying to finalise what car to get.

jmreire

obi604 wrote: »

Not valid yet as still trying to finalise what car to get.

OK so, Good Luck with whatever one you choose!!!:):):)

obi604

From the posts so far, the Merc seems to be the winner !!

jmreire

obi604 wrote: »

From the posts so far, the Merc seems to be the winner !!

Faced with a similar situation 18 mths ago, I choose Mercedes. Now 16'000 Klms later, no regret's. They are quite a big car ( 2010, EClass, 2.1 CDI ) and have a long front bonnet, so can take a bit of getting used to.But that's only a question of time and driving. But the real difference now for me is when I drive any other car's, particularly manual transmission's. It's hardship compared to the Merc. Driving uphill in town in traffic, and lights change to red? No problem, press the brake pedal again....hill hold. Lights go green? Press the accelerator...move off smoothly. Starts to rain? wipers come on automatically. Getting dark? Dash Lights come on automatically.....and get brighter as needed. Braking is effortless, as is accelerating. It can make you into a very lazy drive in a short space of time. It's just a lot of little things that add up, and I know that they are available in other makes too, but for me for now, the Merc is the kiddie. It's a pleasure to drive,and it loves the road. The diesel version is not really a car for short start stop, low annual mileage. The Petrol version is the one for that.

Mad_Mike

Saab all day long.
Bought one a few weeks ago for herself at ridiculous money
Because of perceived issues regarding dealerships etc, you'll pick up some bargains and they are a great car too. I saw something about 2 weeks ago where they were listed as one of the top cars in the UK along with Lexus for highest MOT pass rates.

I have joined a few Facebook groups, and there are independent guys dotted around the country specialising in nothing but Saab and also, the same guys are breaking Saabs and have every conceivable part available for them.

Just washed this one up today and after about a month of motorway and town driving, it averaged out at 34.8mpg or 8.1l/100kms over about 2000 kms

obi604

Interesting post mad mike. You have put the cat amongst the pigeons

The Specialists you mention, do you mean all over Ireland ?

endacl

obi604 wrote: »

Interesting post mad mike. You have put the cat amongst the pigeons

The Specialists you mention, do you mean all over Ireland ?

Anthony Jordan in Donegal will have whatever bits you need couriered to your door within a couple of days. For a fraction of what you thought it should have cost. Spends his days breaking Saab’s for parts. There’s a lively online community dedicated to answering questions and finding solutions.

Saab all the way.


Caveat: I drive a Saab. I know. I’m one of ‘them’.

What are you driving at the moment, OP?

Mad_Mike

obi604 wrote: »

Interesting post mad mike. You have put the cat amongst the pigeons

The Specialists you mention, do you mean all over Ireland ?

endacl wrote: »

Anthony Jordan in Donegal will have whatever bits you need couriered to your door within a couple of days. For a fraction of what you thought it should have cost. Spends his days breaking Saab’s for parts. There’s a lively online community dedicated to answering questions and finding solutions.

Saab all the way.


Caveat: I drive a Saab. I know. I’m one of ‘them’.

Was gonna say there are lads around the country, with the biggest by far being Anthony in Donegal, and as endacl says, he will courier parts all over the country and has absolutely any part you'd ever need as he breaks nothing but Saab

colm_mcm

JayZeus wrote: »

What are you driving at the moment, OP?

523i I think.

jmreire

Mad_Mike wrote: »

Saab all day long.
Bought one a few weeks ago for herself at ridiculous money
Because of perceived issues regarding dealerships etc, you'll pick up some bargains and they are a great car too. I saw something about 2 weeks ago where they were listed as one of the top cars in the UK along with Lexus for highest MOT pass rates.

I have joined a few Facebook groups, and there are independent guys dotted around the country specialising in nothing but Saab and also, the same guys are breaking Saabs and have every conceivable part available for them.

Just washed this one up today and after about a month of motorway and town driving, it averaged out at 34.8mpg or 8.1l/100kms over about 2000 kms

That's a very fresh looking Saab Mike. Technically, I don't have anything against Saab. The deal I got on the Merc, was what was available at that time, so I went for it. It is my first time buying a Merc. Had it been a Saab that was available at that time...no problem, I might have gone for that too. Generally, Sweden produces good car's, and always have done.They were the 1st to give 10 year anti-rust guarantee's, and Swedish Volvo's were rated the safest car's in the world. They were years ahead of their time back in the 60's / 70's. And to this day, I know people who will only drive Volvo's, just because of the safety issue, even though other marque's nowadays are just as safe. So if Saab's are your thing, by all mean's, go for it.

colm_mcm

colm_mcm wrote: »

523i I think.

It would be a good idea to go test drive both, then spend some time focusing on the interiors. I think the Saab has more ‘go’, but the C180 isn’t particularly lacking there either, IMHO. They’re both quite good looking cars, and I think pretty similar interior size-wise. I’m going back trying to recall, the Saab might be in the middle of a C and a 5er.

The 9-3 has a more dated interior to my eye and while it’s a nice place to be with a well specced example, that might be a notable difference between the two if coming from a similar age of 5 series.

There are some peculiarities about controls/interfaces in the Saab that I just never liked (I had one briefly in 2008), brand persistent stuff that’s really a matter of personal taste really.

But quirks aside, it’s also a fine car if you buy a good one and can work around some of the concern over parts/spares availability, which aren’t completely baseless.

jmreire

JayZeus wrote: »

It would be a good idea to go test drive both, then spend some time focusing on the interiors. I think the Saab has more ‘go’, but the C180 isn’t particularly lacking there either, IMHO. They’re both quite good looking cars, and I think pretty similar interior size-wise. I’m going back trying to recall, the Saab might be in the middle of a C and a 5er.

The 9-3 has a more dated interior to my eye and while it’s a nice place to be with a well specced example, that might be a notable difference between the two if coming from a similar age of 5 series.

There are some peculiarities about controls/interfaces in the Saab that I just never liked (I had one briefly in 2008), brand persistent stuff that’s really a matter of personal taste really.

But quirks aside, it’s also a fine car if you buy a good one and can work around some of the concern over parts/spares availability, which aren’t completely baseless.

As far as I know, the Merc 1.8 petrol produces 170 BHP, so it can move along too.

obi604

Would the Saab and the Merc be more a less equivalent on MPG?

Mad_Mike

jmreire wrote: »

That's a very fresh looking Saab Mike. Technically, I don't have anything against Saab. The deal I got on the Merc, was what was available at that time, so I went for it. It is my first time buying a Merc. Had it been a Saab that was available at that time...no problem, I might have gone for that too. Generally, Sweden produces good car's, and always have done.They were the 1st to give 10 year anti-rust guarantee's, and Swedish Volvo's were rated the safest car's in the world. They were years ahead of their time back in the 60's / 70's. And to this day, I know people who will only drive Volvo's, just because of the safety issue, even though other marque's nowadays are just as safe. So if Saab's are your thing, by all mean's, go for it.

What's funny is herself was driving a Volvo S40 for the last 2 and a half years, and had been eyeing up a couple of Merc C class, as we have never owned a Merc yet, but ended up going Swedish again! Yes, the S40 and the 9-3 are both very good safety wise and were probably ahead of their time and it's true that practically all cars these days would have a similar rating.

To the OP, if coming from a 523, which I have owned 2 of, the 9-3 is definitely a smaller car inside and although I didn't test drive a Merc, I would imagine they are a bit roomier compared to the Saab

Mad_Mike

obi604 wrote: »

Would the Saab and the Merc be more a less equivalent on MPG?

I would imagine they are probably quite close to each other in terms of MPG. Forgot to mention, my MPG figure is a manual. I see you are looking at Automatic, and I found before with most cars, that an auto of the same spec will generally be about 5-10% less MPG

obi604

So the Merc is probably a nicer looking car and more modern etc.

Saab nice looking too and I can get it for less by the looks of things and seems to have no major known issues.

Both are prob going to have the same mpg.

Couple of things in my head.

Saab with parts issue and no main dealers anymore was my main concern, but that seems to be null and void now from what’s been said.

Merc and the bloody timing chain issue is the big one. It may never happen but it seems like a ticking time bomb if not done which could essentially add 2000 extra to the car cost.

Ash.J.Williams

Mechanics will work on Mercedes... That's the difference

bri007

Here’s a nice E class 2009 sport model for sale OP, I do like the older c class model in same year mind but this is a lovely car as well.

My mate has one he bought from brand new in 2005 and still has it and going well no problem.

This is the newer updated spec of his one;

https://m.carzone.ie/used-cars/Mercedes-Benz/E-Class-200-K-ELEGANCE-SPORT-AUTOMATIC----LOW-MILES--01-20/201902014506427

colm_mcm

bri007 wrote: »

Here’s a nice E class 2009 sport model for sale OP, I do like the older c class model in same year mind but this is a lovely car as well.

My mate has one he bought from brand new in 2005 and still has it and going well no problem.

This is the newer updated spec of his one;

https://m.carzone.ie/used-cars/Mercedes-Benz/E-Class-200-K-ELEGANCE-SPORT-AUTOMATIC----LOW-MILES--01-20/201902014506427

€1200 tax on those. an 08 at €636 tax is better.

bri007

Ah I wasn't aware of that. That’s a huge difference in tax rates. There is still some good 08’s for sale out there

colm_mcm wrote: »

€1200 tax on those. an 08 at €636 tax is better.

obi604

Yeah. I know tax is not the be all and end all, but I do t want to be paying anymore than 710 or so.

bazz26

You can either pay more for a car with cheap tax or spend less on a car with higher tax for less, that's how it works here.

terrydel

colm_mcm wrote: »

The 93 came out in 2002, and definately feels it in the interior. The C Class interior wouldn’t look too out of place in 2019 IMO.

I quite like the look of the facelifted 93, in the right colour it can look quite sharp. The C Class looks more modern overall though.
Saab is probably a bit bigger overall too.

Is that an 08 c class interior? Wow!

terrydel

Mad_Mike wrote: »

Saab all day long.
Bought one a few weeks ago for herself at ridiculous money
Because of perceived issues regarding dealerships etc, you'll pick up some bargains and they are a great car too. I saw something about 2 weeks ago where they were listed as one of the top cars in the UK along with Lexus for highest MOT pass rates.

I have joined a few Facebook groups, and there are independent guys dotted around the country specialising in nothing but Saab and also, the same guys are breaking Saabs and have every conceivable part available for them.

Just washed this one up today and after about a month of motorway and town driving, it averaged out at 34.8mpg or 8.1l/100kms over about 2000 kms

Loads of independents around, my brother has one over 7 years now and it's never been an issue. It's a car anyway, not a space shuttle.
Don't know the mercs but my brothers 2.0t petrol 9-3 is a really great car to drive.

obi604

terrydel wrote: »

Loads of independents around, my brother has one over 7 years now and it's never been an issue. It's a car anyway, not a space shuttle.
Don't know the mercs but my brothers 2.0t petrol 9-3 is a really great car to drive.

Yeah. Slightly favouring the Saab now.

Merc is the nicer looking car (especially the avantgarde model) but costs that bit more.....and can’t get the bloody timing chain issue out of my head.

colm_mcm

terrydel wrote: »

Is that an 08 c class interior? Wow!

Is is, it’s a high spec model but yeah that’s from 2008.

obi604 wrote: »

Merc is the nicer looking car (especially the avantgarde model) but costs that bit more.....and can’t get the bloody timing chain issue out of my head.

The way I’d look at this is:

It’s an 11 year old car. It’s lasted 11 years without the timing chain going. If it has gone it’s been replaced. Let’s say you keep the car 4 years. Is it an absolute certainty that the timing chain will go in this time?
Why not find one where the chain has been done?
It’s not like the 93 was a paragon of reliability in its day either. We had one where I work and it had so many electrical faults it was ridiculous. I’d still consider one as a cheap used buy though.

obi604

obi604 wrote: »

Yeah. Slightly favouring the Saab now.

Merc is the nicer looking car (especially the avantgarde model) but costs that bit more.....and can’t get the bloody timing chain issue out of my head.

It’s not actually an issue.

It’s a fairly routine maintenance job and can be done using spurious parts for less than a grand for ‘everything’, supplied and fitted.

Or you go main dealer for €3000-3500, or indy specialist using branded/OE parts for the €2200-2500 sort of figure.

In all honesty, if you don’t like the idea of having to spend that kind of money on a maintenance job (and it’s a fair wedge), an actual breakdown/major fault will sicken you.

So, buy right and make sure you get a well maintained one and budget to keep maintaining it, including changing the timing chain when it’s due. No different to any other car. (You EV fellas can F.R.O, before you even start to type...)

obi604

JayZeus wrote: »

It’s not actually an issue.

It’s a fairly routine maintenance job and can be done using spurious parts for less than a grand for ‘everything’, supplied and fitted.

Or you go main dealer for €3000-3500, or indy specialist using branded/OE parts for the €2200-2500 sort of figure.

In all honesty, if you don’t like the idea of having to spend that kind of money on a maintenance job (and it’s a fair wedge), an actual breakdown/major fault will sicken you.

So, buy right and make sure you get a well maintained one and budget to keep maintaining it, including changing the timing chain when it’s due. No different to any other car. (You EV fellas can F.R.O, before you even start to type...)

But routine maintenance at over 2000 Euro is a bit much. That could be 10 standard services in some cases.

Think I’m swaying towards Saab.

bazz26

OP, your looking at 11 year old cars, there is no guarantee that either of them will not money spent on them outside of routine maintenance and servicing.

obi604

obi604 wrote: »

But routine maintenance at over 2000 Euro is a bit much. That could be 10 standard services in some cases.

Think I’m swaying towards Saab.

Buy whatever makes sense for you, to you, or like, or whatever.

Just telling you straight out what you'd need to keep in mind if you're looking at a 10ish year old petrol C class. You either go in with your eyes open, aware that you need to be prepared to pay to get the timing chain stuff done, or else you go in blind and end up bitching that it's a money pit and you wish you'd bought a XYZ.

But it's not an issue, except for the people who want to drink champagne on cider budgets and try to skimp on looking after a car that needs certain work at certain intervals. Not saying that's you, just generalising.

The 10 services thing, well, that's more of the apples and oranges kind of stuff.

This is it

I moved from a 93 to a C220 CDI. I absolutely loved the Saab. For what it cost me it was an absolute joy to drive and had very little issues but the bits I did have done we're done by various Indy mechanics with no issue though I did find a Saab specialist just outside Ashbourne, Co Meath.

Have the C220 a few months now and absolutely love it. It's my first auto and I don't think I'd ever change back. Love the extra power too. There's not much difference comfort wise, both are very comfortable, but the Saab certainly seemed bigger in the back.

You'll get a Saab cheaper but overall I don't think you'll go wrong with a decent spec of either.

obi604

Sounds like the auto version of these cars will roughly be 30 mpg.

Or are these ‘biopower” setups harder on juice?

obi604

Sounds like the auto version of these cars will roughly be 30 mpg.

Or are these ‘biopower” setups harder on juice?

obi604

obi604 wrote: »

Sounds like the auto version of these cars will roughly be 30 mpg.

Or are these ‘biopower” setups harder on juice?

37MPG is the sort of real world combined figure for the 1.8 petrol W204 with automatic gearbox, 50/50 city and motorway driving. On a long distance run without pushing your speed (doing say 90-100km/h for the most part), 45MPG is fairly easily achieved.

No idea what an auto Saab 9-3 will return.

Mad_Mike

Best thing first would be just to go take a spin in both.
I found previously, that I would take a shine to cars, and when I try a test drive, I might not actually like the car at all

By the way, my wifes one is the biopower engine, and yesterday she did a 300km round trip on main roads, but no motorway, and sticking more or less bang on to the speed limit all the way, she got 38mpg, but once you throw in town mix around home here, it comes back around 34ish, and an auto would probably see you down around 32