BMW 3 Series or Saab 9-3

Car_54

bigjl wrote: »

Saabs will have a cult following eventually.

Like the Allegro?

Tilt

Have you considered an Alfa 159? There's some good examples around but I would go for a 2.2 ltr petrol. I have the 3.2 V6 version and although it's a fantastic car to drive with all the toys, it ain't half thirsty.... oh and the tax, well don't ask!

bigjl

Car_54 wrote: »

Like the Allegro?

What exactly does an Allegro have to do with a Saab.

Since you clearly know nothing about Saabs why are you trying to act smart?

straighttalker

I had a Saab 9-3 convertible in the early 2000's. 2.0 LPT. I loved it but it was a bit flawed. Terrible scuttle shake and torque steer. I fitted a steering rack clamp from Abbot Racing which improved things no end but it was far from a sorted car though. I still loved it. I doubt any post GM cars would become classics though. Having said that I still eye up the odd late, leggy 9-3 convertible on Autotrader.

bigjl

straighttalker wrote: »

I had a Saab 9-3 convertible in the early 2000's. 2.0 LPT. I loved it but it was a bit flawed. Terrible scuttle shake and torque steer. I fitted a steering rack clamp from Abbot Racing which improved things no end but it was far from a sorted car though. I still loved it. I doubt any post GM cars would become classics though. Having said that I still eye up the odd late, leggy 9-3 convertible on Autotrader.

I never mentioned "classic" status.

I said they would likely have a cult following. Which would secure demand for some cars.

Maybe not a diesel 93 with 200k. But possibly the last of the 95's or some of the turbocharged petrol stuff.

Scuttle shake or not the Saab Convertible is likely to always be in demand for those looking for something a little different.

david_a

Go for the Mazda.

Minrich

Don't buy either at that money

agrinnall

The Top Gear Saab special explains how little Vectra there is in a 9-3, although I don't think it would be enough to persuade to me to buy one.

http://www.topgear.com/videos/jeremy-clarkson/tribute-saab-part-12-series-18-episode-5

AdrianC

bigjl wrote: »

The Saab is renowned for having an awful lot less Vectra than the uniformed think.

Underpinnings are similar but everything you sit on and touch inside are worlds apart from a Vectra.

Obviously you would be advised to sort out the bulkhead problem soon after purchase.

Except it'll be a 9-3ss, not an NG9-3 - completely different cars, and it was the older one that suffered the bulkhead cracking.

Saabs will have a cult following eventually.

Some already do. The 9-3ss? Unlikely. Perfectly competent, but dull - and generic GM engines (well, Fiat in the diesels).

They're both massively overpriced.

dlm

Go and buy an LPG Merc or 300C (still a Merc) - enjoy economy and comfort all in one package. No plastic thermostat housing of the BMW to worry about, no Gearbox of the Saab. 2000 onwards came with 10 anti rust warranty, which was only ever any good after 2004 (first to develop water based paint) and the engines are great. 3.2 is best.

With a quality kit improves performance and gives you equiv mpg of between 50-65mpg.