Saab 9-3 Aero 2.0T - why the price difference?

[Mark E]

Hi All,

I'm looking for a 9-3 at present. Must be an estate with full leather. Other than that, all options are still open.

I've seen two or three petrol 2.0T models and they always seem to be loads cheaper than any other engine choice.

They also seem to be the only one that sits in the L tax band (£485 a year). Is that the reason people don't want them or am I missing something else? I know someone who is selling an identical car to this...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

It's done slightly more miles (66k) but could be mine for £4.5k. The tax doesn't put me off as the amount I'll save on the purchase price makes up the difference for a good few years over an equivalent model in a lower road tax band.

Is this model a good buy or one to be avoided?

I work in London in the week so it's just a bus for ferrying the family round at the weekends with the occasional use for work. I do about 5k miles a year.

Any words of wisdom greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance

Edited by Mark E on Monday 30th March 16:15

Edited by Mark E on Monday 30th March 16:15

Edited by Mark E on Monday 30th March 16:20

[campionissimo]

I think you've hit the nail on the head - if you're paying £490 a year for road tax, then you might as well get the 210bhp version or the v6. Or get the 1.8t and get it remapped. The 1.8t and 2.0t will both remap to 220bhp.

Having said that, today I've bought a 9-3 vector sport 2.0t and love it. It's on a 57 plate, has 80k on the clock, in immaculate condition with FSH (stamps and invoices). It was local to me, a good price, and the cost of the tax is neither here or there to me.

[PAUL RUN]

check the year of registration.
,
i have the pre-facelift 2006 (march) 2 litre aero 210hp rag top...full leather etc...
and pay £285...(25/month) with my tax.
.
talking to a dealer last weekend was told great cars to buy secondhand but keep them until they die.... as in the trade they have almost no value..
.

[z4goon]

Just picked up a Saab 9-3 SportWagon 2.0T Aero on a 57 plate, tax is only £285 a year?

[campionissimo]

serious? my 2.0t vector sport on a 57 plate is £490 a year.

[j4ckos mate]

are they auto's perhaps that makes them dearer?

[madbadger]

j4ckos mate said:

are they auto's perhaps that makes them dearer?

Autos are normally a higher band.

I decided if I was paying the top band I might as well get the V6.

[iamed]

campionissimo said:

serious? my 2.0t vector sport on a 57 plate is £490 a year.

Vector Sport 2.0t Biopower manual 6spd 09 plate 175bhp on 95ron 12 month rate is £255. That's according to the gov.uk car check website, although Parkers lists it at £265 and I'm sure that what I paid in Feb this year. I don't know if the Biopower aspect makes any difference, although I doubt it because there's been no political backing of high ethanol petrol at any time.

Seems to be a lottery.

Edited by iamed on Sunday 19th April 14:39