Opinions on cheap Saab's as runaround?

Foxy-Stoat_3

If it were me and I had to have an auto with that budget and wanted some comfort, then I would be looking at Audi A8's 2.8 or 3.7's.

getmeouttahere

Foxy-Stoat wrote: »

If it were me and I had to have an auto with that budget and wanted some comfort, then I would be looking at Audi A8's 2.8 or 3.7's.

Thanks but a 2.8/3.7 isn't going to be economical on fuel is it?

Foxy-Stoat_3

Your current car is only achieving around 25 mpg, 2.8/3.7 will be similar to what you have.

You will probably get 30-35mpg out of your chosen Saab, if its running right.

getmeouttahere

Foxy-Stoat wrote: »

Your current car is only achieving around 25 mpg, 2.8/3.7 will be similar to what you have.

You will probably get 30-35mpg out of your chosen Saab, if its running right.

Thanks. The 2.8/3.7 may not be the best option then as I'm trying to save money in terms of fuel consumption. My mother suggested getting a small Peugeot but not keen on them really.

Foxy-Stoat_3

Arrr if your looking at saving as much money as possible buying and running it, then I would get a Toyota Avensis auto, 1.8. Ebay item 221740812697 looks a good bet with the mileage. Or maybe a Corolla.

If you have a good Saab specialist then go for them, Saabflight are local to me and what they dont know about them car could fill a small tin!

Baring in mind that you will save around £25 a month by choosing a 35mpg car over a 25mpg car, so the extra money spent on fuel is a small price to pay for some luxury!

Marktheshark

You just need to watch the early one is not the B series Saab engine, mind you if it was the Saab museum would want it as they all died from black sludge death before 100,000k
Around mid 2002 (03) plate they moved to the GM unit, which apart from rattling and overheating in traffic in hot weather its not a bad engine.
Auto Transmission, 5 speed af33 as used in Volvo t5 , forget the six speed, its is a total lemon

zappahey

Two things:

The 9-5 is a better built car than the 9-3.

Ignore everything marktheshark says. His B engine comment proves that he doesn't have a clue. The B engine hasn't been sold in a SAAB since 1981.

Paradigm

Lots of Saab myths in this thread...


I own a W reg 9-5 aero (tuned to 290bhp) powered by the b235 engine that is currently on 1700000 ish miles. It's had 6000 mile oil changes with good quality synthetic oil & no sign of sludge!


Saabs may be based on a GM platform & use some GM parts but that's no different to any other manufacturer... the Audi TT is based on the same platform as the Skoda Octavia (I believe), Ferrari use some Fiat parts/switchgear etc


A rebadged Vectra? So many changes were made by Saab mean it's a totally different animal.


I've never had a problem finding parts, they are not scarce or overly expensive... in fact http://www.am-online.com/news/2014/12/23/orio-assures-future-availability-of-saab-spares/37524/ might reassure Saab owners.


Find a petrol that's been looked after properly & there shouldn't be a problem, the same can be said for any make though.

agrinnall

Watch this for starters.

http://www.topgear.com/uk/videos/1664360796001

verityboo

Need to check for a cracked bulkhead on the Saab 9-3

This can be done by turning the steering wheel with the engine off (will be heavy!), you should check the peddles don't move

Most will be repaired or strengthened by now but worth checking