Hi All,

Looking to change my current Passat, which has given me a few problems and the missus has lost a bit of faith in it. We went to local car supermarket, just to get a flavour and she immediately liked the Saab.

It will be the family car and we go camping, so the Sportwagon is the shape we would go for. The deals seem really good at the moment - I have about 12k to spend and have seen a couple so far.

Question;

The 'Linear' model (120bhp) - going to drive it tomorrow but any experiences? This one is a 56 plate 6 speed Tid with 19k on the clock for £8999 and is mint with full FSH etc etc. It's very well equipped too, meaning you would have to go top spec in other manufacturers to get equivalent stuff like heated seats, cruise control etc.

I have also looked at the 'Vector', which comes as a 120bhp or 150bhp, so I'm assuming it is the spec that the names refer to?

Just need some info on reliability - servicing costs, general experiences. I must admit, when I weigh it up against the Mundano, Vectra, Mazda alternatives it seems like it has a bit more about it somehow?

Cheers All.

blubs

ps - yes, the bladdy key in the centre console threw me completely !

 

I would hold off buying a Saab, with the company on the brink of going into bankruptcy the prices of Saab's could fall dramitically if the company isn't saved by the Swedish government or bought by someone else.

Think what happened to the values of MG's and Rovers when MG Rover collapsed.........

 

PistonHeads Headlines

and of course if you still want one the Saab you want could be an awful lot cheaper in a few weeks time!

 

Cheers Mate,

I've noticed today in the paper, (and now on the Saab website), they are offering 32% off all models.

Good advice though - I might hold back...

blubs

 

32% I thought it was just 15??

 

What about a new vectra? Maybe not your cup of tea but at the min they are going for around £10k brand new , yes thats right!! Fair enough thats the petrol models, but still a brand new vectra with 3 years warrenty, 18inch wheels etc for ten grand!!

I enquired about them last week, and was told i could get the CDTI 150bhp diesel with 6 speed gearbox for 12.5k, which is the same as you have to spend.

And correct me if im wrong, but i think the vectra and Saab diesel's use the same engne now??!!

Im dammed tempted alright, the new vectras are fantastic looking, and comming cheap now due to the release of the Insignia.

 

Matt,

This is my local dealer. They also have an add in the local paper offering new 9-3 Vector Sportwagon 1.9 TID at £16,495, (£7,673 saving - 32%)


SAAB 9-3 Special Offers | Manufacturer Special Offers on New and Used SAAB 9-3 cars


blubs

 

Jeez those 9-3 convertables look good value.

 

Cheers Boyo,

Gives me something to think about. I'm going down there tomorrow after phoning for some info. The garage is a joint GM and Saab dealer anyway and the guy reckons there are some amazing deals to be had, (tho I suppose he would say that ).

They were very evasive regarding questions about Saab being in trouble. The Pistonheads headline regarding GM cutting Saab loose was also news to them.

They also reckon the web price is a 'starter'. They could sort out an even better deal depending on circumstances'.

I'll keep ya posted!

blubs

 

Remember that the 9-3 is basically a shortened Vectra platform, most of the rest of it has Vectra bits, I have a 2003 9-3 Aero and its been ok, it isnt the most engaging thing to drive but remapped it goes like the clappers. They are well built in terms of the metal bits, the trim isnt as good as it could be considering their premium market aspirations. I wouldnt worry about them going bump, even if they do there are plenty around to keep producing spares, there are still a lot of Rovers around an my uncle has a Jowett Jupiter, a car they only made a few hundred of in the 1950's and he can still get pretty much everything for that, a mass market saloon shouldnt be a problem.



Mine has been ok reliability wise, key fobs gave trouble, the cd changer is hopeless and some rattly door trim but mine was a first year model and they sorted the issues with subsequent models. I suspect the lower powered models might be nicer to driver as mine has the sports suspension and 17 inch wheels and the ride is iffy, also the leather trim isn't as comfy as the velour, I preffered my old base model 9-3 (old shape) in some ways.

So, I think it could be a good buy, guy at work has the 150 bhp one and loves it, neighbour has the 120 and seems pleased with it.

 

Wow, when those new prices start impacting the used one, there will be some bargains around.

The tids are quite well regarded and have nice tax implications too if you're that way inclined.

Dealer near me have had a V6 petrol turbo for months, in fact must have been nearly a year, will need to have a check on it as IDGAF about tax or consumption

 

Theres a lot of info on Honest John website, they seem to rate fairy low on reliability,

 

Most unreliable vehicle we have ever owned. Great motorway car but after five years it was costing a fortune in repairs every year. I forget everything that went wrong but most of it started after the warranty expired and before five years were up. The car had 50k miles on it when it left us. (2001 2.0petrol 9-5t).

 

good review on saabs in driving section of sunday times.

also if yr worrying about saab, it sounds like vauxhall are about to go to the wall here in blighty !!

 

Ok, update!

Never got to the dealer - work intervened and I only got back to planet earth yesterday!

Looks like Saturday will be the day to drive, though the misses also wants to have a go at the C-Max TDCI.

Some interesting information though. I did discuss all things Saab with the local guy from Lookers, (pretty helpful guy actually). I got him down to just over 16k for a 150bhp Vector Sportwagon with full leather, roof rails and the better security parcel shelf.

However, the servicing for the Saab is dear, and parts are a nightmare. Every 18k or 12 months with every other being a main service at £400. The alternative 'intermediate' service comes in at just over £300. This is twice the price of Ford / Vauxhall structured servicing. The actual parts, such as pads etc are twice the price too.

It will be down to the drive I think. I still reckon, all things considered, the Saab at our local car supermarket is a good buy.

Does a C-Max signal the end of my motoring life then:

blubs

 

We have the New Ford Galaxy and a Saab 9-3, I would say that the Ford is a better car.

 

Saab dealers are painful. The servicing is pricey and when things start to go wrong you might aswell leave your card behind the counter. If you can find an indie you can trust then great.
Remember that Saabs used to depreciate at a shocking rate before the current down turn. If Saab go under anything you buy now will be worth next to zero in a couple of years. We were struggling to get £3k for our five year old 50k mile 9-5 with full Saab service history a couple of years ago. This for a car that listed for £25k when new!

 

Yep, I reckon mine is worth not a lot now, might as well keep it.