Convertible: E46 v A4 v 9-3
Discussion
Crusoe said:
Really don't need the maintenance costs of an M3 
My recently acquired 330i Touring will hurt the pocket enough as it is!ZesPak said:
If you really want a 4 seater convertible, imho the saab will give you the best vfm.
The 3 series is pretty cramped and the A4 isn't much better.
Ahh, right. I should go look at all 3 then. So the 9-3 has much better rear space than the other 2? I knew the e46 was supposed to be a bit cramped but thought the A4 was ok?The 3 series is pretty cramped and the A4 isn't much better.
Baz Tench said:
The 2002 9-3 I drove suffered from awful scuttle-shake. It really was a jelly!
I can't really speak for the other two. E46 may be the better drive, whilst the Audi is nicer looking (imo) and will always be in demand when/if you decide to sell on...
Was hoping to get a post 2003 9-3 for that kind of money. Most folks seem to say its a whole lot better in terms of rigidity than the previous model.I can't really speak for the other two. E46 may be the better drive, whilst the Audi is nicer looking (imo) and will always be in demand when/if you decide to sell on...
JonnyO said:
ZesPak said:
If you really want a 4 seater convertible, imho the saab will give you the best vfm.
The 3 series is pretty cramped and the A4 isn't much better.
Ahh, right. I should go look at all 3 then. So the 9-3 has much better rear space than the other 2? I knew the e46 was supposed to be a bit cramped but thought the A4 was ok?The 3 series is pretty cramped and the A4 isn't much better.
Go and have a drive with all three though. I haven't driven the A4 yet, but I've driven an E46 (318i though
) and the saab, and I have to say that the saab, well, euhm, is a great convertible. As in I wouldn't like it that much with the top up.I've got a 9-3 Convertible (07).
It's a good car - a bit thirsty - ~25mpg on spirited backroad driving - and comparatively high tax. It's not a sports car - the suspension is softer than both the Audi and BMW, I would think, but it is fast and grippy enough.
Very comfortable seats and some rear legroom if you don't need the front seats all the way back - I can drive happily enough with the seat forward a bit with 2 kids in the back and I'm 6'1". I have it all the way back when it's just me.
I have the cheapy 1.8t Linear (2.0l engine), but even that has remote lighting, full electric roof (while moving at slow speeds, too, which is good in April showers!), decent sound system etc.
The other trick is to buy the 1.8t and Hirsch/Abbott it which leapfrogs the 2.0T in torque and bhp and puts it close to the Aero. I'm thinking about doing that soon.
It's a good car - a bit thirsty - ~25mpg on spirited backroad driving - and comparatively high tax. It's not a sports car - the suspension is softer than both the Audi and BMW, I would think, but it is fast and grippy enough.
Very comfortable seats and some rear legroom if you don't need the front seats all the way back - I can drive happily enough with the seat forward a bit with 2 kids in the back and I'm 6'1". I have it all the way back when it's just me.
I have the cheapy 1.8t Linear (2.0l engine), but even that has remote lighting, full electric roof (while moving at slow speeds, too, which is good in April showers!), decent sound system etc.
The other trick is to buy the 1.8t and Hirsch/Abbott it which leapfrogs the 2.0T in torque and bhp and puts it close to the Aero. I'm thinking about doing that soon.
JonnyO said:
I have about £6-6.5k to spend on a 4 seater convertible (want some open top fun in the sun and have 2 kids)
Which one from the choice of a BMW E46 3 series, Audi A4 or Saab 9-3 would you choose?
Or, are there any other options (classics?) that I should consider instead?
I have the Audi Cab and have driven the other two extensively, and owned the saloon variants of them. Which one from the choice of a BMW E46 3 series, Audi A4 or Saab 9-3 would you choose?
Or, are there any other options (classics?) that I should consider instead?
Saab is good value but feels the poor relation IMO. Having owned a 93 I wasn’t too impressed with reliability or service either.
The BMW is by far the best driver’s car (get the 330, same MPG as 323).
The Audi feels the most expensive one with best MPG (1.8T) and very decent interior and boot space. I think it’s the most stylish too.
Cheers
nine6four said:
I have the Audi Cab and have driven the other two extensively, and owned the saloon variants of them.
Saab is good value but feels the poor relation IMO. Having owned a 93 I wasn’t too impressed with reliability or service either.
The BMW is by far the best driver’s car (get the 330, same MPG as 323).
The Audi feels the most expensive one with best MPG (1.8T) and very decent interior and boot space. I think it’s the most stylish too.
Cheers
Can you get a decent A4 cab for £6.5k? That will buy you quite a good spec low(ish) mileage Saab but in terms of an Audi won't this be buying you into a rough one?Saab is good value but feels the poor relation IMO. Having owned a 93 I wasn’t too impressed with reliability or service either.
The BMW is by far the best driver’s car (get the 330, same MPG as 323).
The Audi feels the most expensive one with best MPG (1.8T) and very decent interior and boot space. I think it’s the most stylish too.
Cheers
Forums | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff