9-3 or 9-5

Author
Discussion

Billybig

Original Poster:

73 posts

263 months

Tuesday 26th April 2005
quotequote all
Hello,

I recently sold my Chimaera and am hopefully going to be starting a new job in the next couple of months without a company motor. I frequently drive from London to Leicester at weekends and my main criteria for my new set of wheels will be a quiet, comfortable ride and am not at all fussed about performance.

My budget is 5-6k and am not sure whether to go for a 9-3 or a 9-5.

I guess I have specific questions which I would appreciate any of your feedback and experience on:

1) According to Autotrader the 9-5 is significantly quieter on the Motorway would you guys agree?

2) What are the comaparative running costs on the two models and are they as reliable as they are reputed to be?

3) Whats the depreciation like?

Cheers

Will

900T-R

20,405 posts

270 months

Tuesday 26th April 2005
quotequote all
Of the two (Cavalier-based 'old' 9-3 and 9-5) the latter is the significantly more accomplished vehicle in all areas (except engines which are largely shared, but at least there are no breathless normally aspirated 9-5s) and price levels are about the same. Only the smart 9-5 Estate does command somewhat of a premium. Servicing and depreciation from your 5-6K purchase price will be similar, too.

I'd avoid the 2.2 litre Opel/Vauxhall diesel engined version in the 9-5, apart from that there are no duds in the range - all are turbocharged and all give effortless motorway/A-road cruising/overtaking.

NiceCupOfTea

25,336 posts

264 months

Tuesday 26th April 2005
quotequote all
I'd agree that the 9-5 would be the better choice.

If you're looking for a nice lazy cruiser my choice would be the 2.3LPT auto Go for SE spec with all the toys.

NIck_F

10,508 posts

259 months

Tuesday 26th April 2005
quotequote all
Seconded - thirded?

9-5 a much more accomplished vehicle - in effect a generation newer.

Tog

4,697 posts

241 months

Wednesday 27th April 2005
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NiceCupOfTea said:
If you're looking for a nice lazy cruiser my choice would be the 2.3LPT auto Go for SE spec with all the toys.


Agreed, though I always prefer a manual. 2.3 much better than 2 litre, and they've depreciated so much that you can be picky and get exactly the spec you want - climate, heated seats, leather etc. 3.0 diesel supposed to be good though I have not driven one.

Billybig

Original Poster:

73 posts

263 months

Thursday 28th April 2005
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So a 9-3 it is then! Thanks guys will start looking in earnest now.

NiceCupOfTea

25,336 posts

264 months

Thursday 28th April 2005
quotequote all


Billy, I think we were all recommending the 9-5

Not that the 9-3 is a bad car...