Saab 93

Thrash · 20 Oct 2009 at 01:31

I'm returning to the UK in December for a few years and will be needing a car. Looking at spending abut 10k, need 4 doors, new as possible.

Having had a quick squint at Autotrader it looks like I can get a 2 year old Saab 93 with low mileage for round about the 10k mark. This looks like a good option, having owned a Saab a while back and liked it. I have looked at comparable BMW's and from what I can see for the same money I would be looking at an older vehicle with higher mileage.

Any opinions or suggestions appreciated.

The Edge · 20 Oct 2009 at 07:15

New Saabs are not a patch on the old ones i'm afraid.

brassd · 20 Oct 2009 at 09:29

I'm fairly sure the 9-3 uses the Vectra's platform and engines (diesels). Bear that in mind if your looking for driving dynamics.

Skalaberg · 20 Oct 2009 at 10:06

The Edge said:
New Saabs are not a patch on the old ones i'm afraid.

I have an 09 plate 9-3 aero ttid hirsch. done around 13000 miles in it now and its a cracking car. You sir are wrong.

[TW]Fox · 20 Oct 2009 at 10:30

Skalaberg said:
I have an 09 plate 9-3 aero ttid hirsch. done around 13000 miles in it now and its a cracking car. You sir are wrong.

Have you driven a BMW 325d M Sport or a Mercedes C250 CDI Sport?

In isolation, perhaps if you've only ever driven Fiestas and a Corsa before, I can see how the Saab might be cracking. However when sensibly compared to its rivals, it's a bit crud.

The 9-3 wasn't a credible rival to Mercedes or BMW back in the E46 days, it certainly isn't now both Mercedes and BMW have had new models for quite a few years yet Saab is still peddling the E46 rival it built on a Vectra and released 7 years ago.

Thrash · 20 Oct 2009 at 11:00

Thanks for the comments so far and I knew we would get some anti GM feeling coming through, some of which I'm sure is justified. I'm not looking at comparing a new Saab 93 with its BMW counterpart but I am looking at the comparison between a 10k Saab 93 and a 10k BMW (anything excluding the 1 series), if you see what I mean.

The Saab I previously owned was one of the first GM associated 900's if I remember correctly and although not the most exciting drive it didn't let me down for a lot of years and was cheap to run. I had a bike to provide all the motoring thrills I required.

Firestar_3x · 20 Oct 2009 at 11:08

With 10k to spend i'd go to several other makers before Saab ever got hold of the money, these being Honda / Mazda and Ford.

Skalaberg · 20 Oct 2009 at 11:19

[TW]Fox;15131574 said:
Have you driven a BMW 325d M Sport or a Mercedes C250 CDI Sport?

In isolation, perhaps if you've only ever driven Fiestas and a Corsa before, I can see how the Saab might be cracking. However when sensibly compared to its rivals, it's a bit crud.

The 9-3 wasn't a credible rival to Mercedes or BMW back in the E46 days, it certainly isn't now both Mercedes and BMW have had new models for quite a few years yet Saab is still peddling the E46 rival it built on a Vectra and released 7 years ago.

Yup..i gave myself a budget of 35k max for a new car...borrowed for 24 hours a 5 series 520d m sport..a 3 series 320d m sport and the merc c class 220d amg sport (the 250 wasnt out at the time) amongst a few others and put my hard earned money on the saab. As nice as all the others were I personally found them uninspiring..go figure eh. Like I said in 6 months I've done around 13k miles in it and love it..the new re-ax steering system is just sublime..I love the torqs and smoothness of it too..but hey its my personel opinion. The point is..I spent my money and haven't regretted it for a minute.

As for you assumption about the fiestas and corsa's etc..Its been a long time since I've been in that league i'm afraid..my memory is a little faded.

i'm not slating the bmw's or any of the others for that matter...they were all very nice..just boring to drive

[TW]Fox · 20 Oct 2009 at 11:20

Jeez, £35k for a car and you bought a Vectra diesel :eek:

Skalaberg · 20 Oct 2009 at 11:21

Dont be a snob all your life bud

[TW]Fox · 20 Oct 2009 at 11:31

Hardly think its snobbery given you must have one of the most expensive cars on this forum :eek:

mikeh501 · 20 Oct 2009 at 11:36

surely its not even possible to spend 35k on a saab93?? :confused:

Skalaberg · 20 Oct 2009 at 11:38

I gave myself 35k as a max budget..I certainly didnt end up spending that. I'd also be very surprised at a saab 93 being one of the most expensive cars here.

Thrash · 20 Oct 2009 at 12:22

Firestar_3x said:
With 10k to spend i'd go to several other makers before Saab ever got hold of the money, these being Honda / Mazda and Ford.

So to add to the mix, I take it you are referring to the Honda Accord, Mazda 6 and Ford Mondeo and you personally rate them higher than a Saab 93?

iaind · 20 Oct 2009 at 12:26

What are your needs/priorities from a car? That would help suggest something more suitable

Sukh · 20 Oct 2009 at 12:33

£35k = http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1277838.htm

Thrash · 20 Oct 2009 at 12:38

Need: 4 door, 5 seats.
Priorities: Reliable, comfortable, get me to work and good for longer trips (Europe).
Fuel: Diesel or petrol.

Currently own a Nissan X-Trail and Mazda 3 (in Aus).

In the past always had big bikes for my vehicular thrills.

iaind · 20 Oct 2009 at 12:43

Volvo S60 D5/T5?

Thrash · 20 Oct 2009 at 12:47

iaind said:
Volvo S60 D5/T5?

Had not considered the S60 but now added to list, thanks.

iaind · 20 Oct 2009 at 12:52

If you like the Saab you'll probably like the Volvo - 10k buys a lot of car too

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1301402.htm