Should I want a Saab.....

[dema]

Which one should I go for?
Hi all, with the arrival of my first child, I'm thinking that I'll be needing a larger car at some point soon. Although I'm in not need of cavernous space, I'm thinking that an estate will be pretty future proof.
I've been window shopping for a few months now and Saabs tend to regularly come on my searches.
I would love to get another Alfa but the current ones don't match my needs 😥. I've looked at mondeo st220 but a bit worried about the low 20mpg.
Bmw e46 330I do look boring but also do tick all other boxes, although not sure I'm prepared to pay the premium that comes with the brand name.
Octavia VRS are good on price and performances but on my budget I'll only be able to afford the boring looking model.
So, Saab seems tick everything...
I'll be looking for a petrol estate, manual on a budget between 6 and 10k (all depend on the px of my current car).
I love the look of the 900 but unfortunately I don't think it would be a wise choice, I've heard that the 9000 has a really strong engine although I'll be looking for something a bit more modern. The 93 and 95 seems the one to go for.
Not knowing anything about Saab, which model should I b e looking for?
Only used at week ends for mainly short trips with the odd 100+ miles drive, reliable, 30mpg average, doesn't have to have masses of power as standard but, has to be tuneable.
Will I be able to get this.
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/s... on an estate version?
Thanks

[dema]

Thank you,
Is that on a 2.0t petrol? 35 mpg is what I get know which would be perfect

[dema]

Thank you gents!
So, if I got it right, I would be looking for a 9-5 hot with electric memory seats. I've read around that the post 07 models have a better (easier to swap ) radio.
Could I find an 07 without the big chrome bits on the head lights or, has anyone successfully painted those?
Bluehawk- which Alfa did you have? I

Thank you again for the advise

[dema]

Thank you for the info, all very useful.
I had a look around on Saab uk and other sites, few more questions have popped up which I'm sure you'll able to advise on.
Some people describe the 2005/6 models as the last proper Saab, is this due to Saab going bust and being bought by a Chinese company?
Also some web site describes the later models has gone to production not fully finished? I guess this is due to the company that bought Saab not being able to finance the project.
Is this something to look out for or just web myths?

Thanks again
Alex

[dema]

Thank you for the info.
More stuff I didn't know... Had to google what dame Edna is, although I haven't been able to find what post/pre DE is?
The car in the picture looks really smart!!

Had a look at the classifieds, aero estate manual seems to be pretty rare, specially with a low mileage...

Edited by dema on Tuesday 1st March 09:52

[dema]

Sharing is caring! The more the welcome!
That 02/03 in blue looks really nice!
The DE ( I now know what it stands for ) looks good but, but, on second thought, I wonder if it looks a bit too company car like..
I thought of a DE as the radio seems to be a straight swap to an aftermarket as I've read that the pre DE radios are not that great.
I think Alfas will still in my hart but, until I can afford a 159 TBI or a new Giulia I'll have to move on

[dema]

I did look at 3 series but e91 are out of budget and e46 are either overpriced or very high mileage.
Similar to an aero, 330i manual msport seems very thing on the ground

[dema]

There are no e91 on the market now (with the spec I want) I did see an e46 with 61k at 4950 but was in the north of Scotland and I live in Bucks, a bit of a way to go

[dema]

Very true

[dema]

For the first time ever I've seen on of the latest 9-5 made.
It did stand out from any other current models