Saab aero 2.8 v6 turbo?
Discussion
Edit: 9-3 aero.
Fancy one of these once this Corona crap has passed. What do I need to know about them before buying? I am aware that there are 250hp versions and 280hp versions, I'd rather have the 280hp version if it doesn't sacrifice much else.
Will probably keep it standard for a short while then most likely end up modifying for more power. Budget would be up to 3k for the car, which would seem to give plenty of scope from what I'm seeing.
Fancy one of these once this Corona crap has passed. What do I need to know about them before buying? I am aware that there are 250hp versions and 280hp versions, I'd rather have the 280hp version if it doesn't sacrifice much else.
Will probably keep it standard for a short while then most likely end up modifying for more power. Budget would be up to 3k for the car, which would seem to give plenty of scope from what I'm seeing.
Friend has a estate one. What’s can I say. It’s fairly fast in a straight line and makes a bad noise. Has a stage 1 map ect. Doesn’t stop and doesn’t go round corners and interior is very GM and falls apart.
Extremely thirsty even driven normally way better things out there for the money tbh.
Extremely thirsty even driven normally way better things out there for the money tbh.
Mostly Vauxhall underneath so parts are not that expensive, I’d concentrate on doing the suspension and brakes first though if you are set on one.
The 2.0 Turbo may be a safer bet as it’s still very tuneable.
The 2.0 Turbo may be a safer bet as it’s still very tuneable.
Edited by Belle427 on Saturday 4th April 15:14
Edited by Belle427 on Saturday 4th April 15:16
Roon205 said:
Friend has a estate one. What’s can I say. It’s fairly fast in a straight line and makes a bad noise. Has a stage 1 map ect. Doesn’t stop and doesn’t go round corners and interior is very GM and falls apart.
Extremely thirsty even driven normally way better things out there for the money tbh.
Cheers for that Extremely thirsty even driven normally way better things out there for the money tbh.
is theirs well looked after? Or a bit ropey? Im Used to french cars so naff interior is par for the course. Guess sound is subjective, is theirs on a standard exhaust or aftermarket? Haven't heard much about them handling wise either good or bad but they are a heavy car so I'm not too surprised. nuttywobbler said:
At the end of the day, it will be old, rubbish and knackered.
Go for something else / better / newer.
Without you expanding on why you have that view I'm not taking you seriously frankly. I know the age of the cars I'm looking at as I can read. Why do you think they are rubbish. You are clearly aware of every 2.8 9-3 currently on the market to know they are all knackered. Go for something else / better / newer.
I have a 2003 9-3 manual 2.0T 210bhp. Paid £500 2.5 years ago taken it from 120k to 170k in that time.
Mainly motorway driving which it’s fine at. Pulls well and surprises many new cars had it close to BMW limiter speeds GPS measured on a erm private road.
Clutches are expensive mine cost £800. Other Saab things front springs are crap and usually crack. Can get upgraded ones which are meant to be stronger. Drop links same. Rear callipers seize. I parked mine for 3 weeks and right hand hand brake seized off luckily.
Electrics can be a pain. Sometimes just the battery needs changing. Other things I have had is it just wouldn’t lock. Disconnecting the battery for 30 mins which solved it, sometimes solves things.
Overall apart from the clutch it’s been quite cheap to maintain.
One thing why I have kept it is the seats are so comfortable handling could be better but straight line it’s not bad. Fuel wise it will do 40mpg at 60mph easy. Noobtune can take it to 250bhp for about £100.
I asked my indie about V6, he worked for Saab for 25 years. He said honestly they are better, low down torque is good get a stage 1 it’s so much better.
Negatives are can get chain stretch which is expensive pig of a job.
Other thing is turbo is on right hand side as you look at the engine bay. It’s gets so hot usually wrecks the plastic around that area and can cause other issues. Saab/GM could have done better but cutting costs.
If you do get one make sure you know a Saab person who has a tech 2 diagnostics. Not many garages have them but they solve a lot of problems. Any more questions get over to UKSAABS website they are more than happy to help.
Mainly motorway driving which it’s fine at. Pulls well and surprises many new cars had it close to BMW limiter speeds GPS measured on a erm private road.
Clutches are expensive mine cost £800. Other Saab things front springs are crap and usually crack. Can get upgraded ones which are meant to be stronger. Drop links same. Rear callipers seize. I parked mine for 3 weeks and right hand hand brake seized off luckily.
Electrics can be a pain. Sometimes just the battery needs changing. Other things I have had is it just wouldn’t lock. Disconnecting the battery for 30 mins which solved it, sometimes solves things.
Overall apart from the clutch it’s been quite cheap to maintain.
One thing why I have kept it is the seats are so comfortable handling could be better but straight line it’s not bad. Fuel wise it will do 40mpg at 60mph easy. Noobtune can take it to 250bhp for about £100.
I asked my indie about V6, he worked for Saab for 25 years. He said honestly they are better, low down torque is good get a stage 1 it’s so much better.
Negatives are can get chain stretch which is expensive pig of a job.
Other thing is turbo is on right hand side as you look at the engine bay. It’s gets so hot usually wrecks the plastic around that area and can cause other issues. Saab/GM could have done better but cutting costs.
If you do get one make sure you know a Saab person who has a tech 2 diagnostics. Not many garages have them but they solve a lot of problems. Any more questions get over to UKSAABS website they are more than happy to help.
Edited by Aiminghigh123 on Sunday 5th April 00:14
That's exactly what I was after thank you, I guess a cheaper car you can expect more issues but still very handy to know what to look out for. I hadn't realised that clutches were such an expensive job so I'll look into that. I have been looking at the 2.0's but not convinced it will satisfy me.
Fancy having a more interesting engine while we still have the choice and as a bit of a reward for not going bat s
t mental being stuck in for however long. I may well get onto the owners forums so I can get some real world ownership opinions, thanks again.
Fancy having a more interesting engine while we still have the choice and as a bit of a reward for not going bat s
t mental being stuck in for however long. I may well get onto the owners forums so I can get some real world ownership opinions, thanks again. I'm now on my 6th Saab, which is also my 4th 9-3 Aero, my 3rd 9-3 Cabriolet but my first 2.8 V6. My others were the 2.0. Why did I buy the 2.8? Well, I like a six cylinder engine, although in fairness, like most will tell you, the 2.0 Aero at 210bhp (as opposed to the 250bhp of the V6 I have) feels just as quick, if not quicker. You just seem to get more of that traditional Saab turbo "kick" from the 2.0 that you just don't get in the 2.8. Its smooth engine, mind you, but perversely, I'd say it suits an automatic box better (mine is a manual) as it feels much more of a cruiser.
Timing chain stretch is an issue, so watch for that, and as others have said, clutches can be fragile Be wary if you buy a V6 and want to remap it as the clutch is the weak point. Theres a chap on here and on UKSaabs called GriffinDai who had a very nice 2.8 that he mapped and it ended badly. He is a good source of knowledge on what should (and also shouldn't) be done to the cars if you go down that route. Coil packs are also an issue too, so just make sure the history is good.
The cars were 250bhp as standard, but they had a Hirsch 275/280bhp official remap option through dealers. Not many aftermarket tuners offer much for the 2.8, and as I said, a lot more needs doing to make it acceptable depending on who you talk to. Latterly, Saab offered 280bhp models in the Turbo X and Carlsson, but something makes me think the very last Aero 2.8s were also 280bhp (but don't quote me on that).
Unless you were absolutely set on having the 2.8, I'd be tempted to suggest a 2.0 Aero and talk to a guy called Karl who goes by the name of Noobtune as he does probably the best remap for the 4 cylinder engines. He will get a standard engine up to 270bhp without much extra work. I had a Noobtune stage 3 on my last 9-5 Aero which was just over 300bhp and was silky smooth and reliable.
The cars themselves? As mentioned, front suspension is made from twigs, so I'd be tempted to spend money there rather than on engine. Drop links aren't too much and some of the older dealers who were Saab (and so still offer servicing) usually have deals on parts or servicing through the year. Orio UK is the "new" Saab on the UK, and well worth signing up to them for the various offers they sometimes do. Polybushing the cars makes a huge difference as they get sloppy as they get older, and this just sharpens things up. They're no back road blaster, but are great when you drive them at about 7/10ths (if that makes sense?). They are much better on a fast open A-road than tight B-road, hence why I'd suggest getting the suspension right, rather than chasing power.
If you are looking at a V6 with the XWD system, then be very careful. The Haldex system they use needs very stringent servicing and oil changes, and if it hasn't, then big bills will be coming your way. Also check for damage underneath as any impact damage to the diff will be ruinous.
The interiors aren't brilliant in terms of plastic quality (its no BMW or Audi inside) but they are way ahead on these cars for comfort. The seats are exceptional, and driving position is superb for most. Strangely, the V6 gets an odd half leather/half silver plastic steering wheel on the Aero (which mine has) which is really uncomfortable to hold! The 2.0 Aero is full leather and much nicer. I'll be swapping mine if I keep the car. Also, the later facelifted cars (07MY onwards) used more GM parts inside, and just don't seem to have the quality of the earlier cars, especially the leather.
Audio systems on the earlier cars (03-06) was by fibre optics and an absolute nightmare to change or add to in any way. If you can, look for a car with the better factory fit audio and just accept that it will be what it will be. The HVAC control buttons usually flake black paint (GM had the wonderful cost-cutting approach to painting white switches black, rather than etching black plastic like Saab did) but there are lost of kits available on line to repair these yourself
People either "get" Saabs or they don't. Like I said, I'm on my 6th, and I don't really see me driving anything else. I went away from the brand briefly last year, but soon realised my mistake, as I went straight back to another. Anytime I look at another car, MrsB just pulls me up on it and says "You know you'll end up just buying another Saab, so why bother even looking?" and she is right. She has always liked my 9-3 Cabs, and my 76 year old mother once commented that my old 9-5 Aero was the most comfortable car she had sat in, and my late father drove Lexus, and my sister has had 6 Volvos!
UKSaabs is a great place for advice and owners help, so drop by there. I'll be happy to answer any questions you have, or if you fancy a nice, cheap 2.8 Cabriolet I might be tempted to sell mine as I think I might go back to an older Saab.
Anyway, don't listen to the naysayers, they are probably the best value for money sports saloons/wagons/cabriolets you can buy. Yes they have their faults, but for the money, I don't think anything comes close. And I was in the retail motor industry for 27 years (but not with Saab) so I've got a wee bit of experience in this field!
Timing chain stretch is an issue, so watch for that, and as others have said, clutches can be fragile Be wary if you buy a V6 and want to remap it as the clutch is the weak point. Theres a chap on here and on UKSaabs called GriffinDai who had a very nice 2.8 that he mapped and it ended badly. He is a good source of knowledge on what should (and also shouldn't) be done to the cars if you go down that route. Coil packs are also an issue too, so just make sure the history is good.
The cars were 250bhp as standard, but they had a Hirsch 275/280bhp official remap option through dealers. Not many aftermarket tuners offer much for the 2.8, and as I said, a lot more needs doing to make it acceptable depending on who you talk to. Latterly, Saab offered 280bhp models in the Turbo X and Carlsson, but something makes me think the very last Aero 2.8s were also 280bhp (but don't quote me on that).
Unless you were absolutely set on having the 2.8, I'd be tempted to suggest a 2.0 Aero and talk to a guy called Karl who goes by the name of Noobtune as he does probably the best remap for the 4 cylinder engines. He will get a standard engine up to 270bhp without much extra work. I had a Noobtune stage 3 on my last 9-5 Aero which was just over 300bhp and was silky smooth and reliable.
The cars themselves? As mentioned, front suspension is made from twigs, so I'd be tempted to spend money there rather than on engine. Drop links aren't too much and some of the older dealers who were Saab (and so still offer servicing) usually have deals on parts or servicing through the year. Orio UK is the "new" Saab on the UK, and well worth signing up to them for the various offers they sometimes do. Polybushing the cars makes a huge difference as they get sloppy as they get older, and this just sharpens things up. They're no back road blaster, but are great when you drive them at about 7/10ths (if that makes sense?). They are much better on a fast open A-road than tight B-road, hence why I'd suggest getting the suspension right, rather than chasing power.
If you are looking at a V6 with the XWD system, then be very careful. The Haldex system they use needs very stringent servicing and oil changes, and if it hasn't, then big bills will be coming your way. Also check for damage underneath as any impact damage to the diff will be ruinous.
The interiors aren't brilliant in terms of plastic quality (its no BMW or Audi inside) but they are way ahead on these cars for comfort. The seats are exceptional, and driving position is superb for most. Strangely, the V6 gets an odd half leather/half silver plastic steering wheel on the Aero (which mine has) which is really uncomfortable to hold! The 2.0 Aero is full leather and much nicer. I'll be swapping mine if I keep the car. Also, the later facelifted cars (07MY onwards) used more GM parts inside, and just don't seem to have the quality of the earlier cars, especially the leather.
Audio systems on the earlier cars (03-06) was by fibre optics and an absolute nightmare to change or add to in any way. If you can, look for a car with the better factory fit audio and just accept that it will be what it will be. The HVAC control buttons usually flake black paint (GM had the wonderful cost-cutting approach to painting white switches black, rather than etching black plastic like Saab did) but there are lost of kits available on line to repair these yourself
People either "get" Saabs or they don't. Like I said, I'm on my 6th, and I don't really see me driving anything else. I went away from the brand briefly last year, but soon realised my mistake, as I went straight back to another. Anytime I look at another car, MrsB just pulls me up on it and says "You know you'll end up just buying another Saab, so why bother even looking?" and she is right. She has always liked my 9-3 Cabs, and my 76 year old mother once commented that my old 9-5 Aero was the most comfortable car she had sat in, and my late father drove Lexus, and my sister has had 6 Volvos!
UKSaabs is a great place for advice and owners help, so drop by there. I'll be happy to answer any questions you have, or if you fancy a nice, cheap 2.8 Cabriolet I might be tempted to sell mine as I think I might go back to an older Saab.
Anyway, don't listen to the naysayers, they are probably the best value for money sports saloons/wagons/cabriolets you can buy. Yes they have their faults, but for the money, I don't think anything comes close. And I was in the retail motor industry for 27 years (but not with Saab) so I've got a wee bit of experience in this field!
Own a Saab 9-3 TTiD 2011 (only for 3 months now), own a 2012 E91 318d aswell, as German comparison.
I take the keys to the Saab more often, that's says alot, and I am a BMW fanboy! - Love driving it, yes it's not as sharp, and suspension is little wooden but there is something that gets under you skin with them.
And it shifts like a stabbed rat in stock form aswell
Very underated cars in my opinion.
I take the keys to the Saab more often, that's says alot, and I am a BMW fanboy! - Love driving it, yes it's not as sharp, and suspension is little wooden but there is something that gets under you skin with them.
And it shifts like a stabbed rat in stock form aswell
Very underated cars in my opinion.
Edited by DailyHack on Monday 6th April 22:30
MrB. said:
I'm now on my 6th Saab, which is also my 4th 9-3 Aero, my 3rd 9-3 Cabriolet but my first 2.8 V6. My others were the 2.0. Why did I buy the 2.8? Well, I like a six cylinder engine, although in fairness, like most will tell you, the 2.0 Aero at 210bhp (as opposed to the 250bhp of the V6 I have) feels just as quick, if not quicker. You just seem to get more of that traditional Saab turbo "kick" from the 2.0 that you just don't get in the 2.8. Its smooth engine, mind you, but perversely, I'd say it suits an automatic box better (mine is a manual) as it feels much more of a cruiser.
Timing chain stretch is an issue, so watch for that, and as others have said, clutches can be fragile Be wary if you buy a V6 and want to remap it as the clutch is the weak point. Theres a chap on here and on UKSaabs called GriffinDai who had a very nice 2.8 that he mapped and it ended badly. He is a good source of knowledge on what should (and also shouldn't) be done to the cars if you go down that route. Coil packs are also an issue too, so just make sure the history is good.
The cars were 250bhp as standard, but they had a Hirsch 275/280bhp official remap option through dealers. Not many aftermarket tuners offer much for the 2.8, and as I said, a lot more needs doing to make it acceptable depending on who you talk to. Latterly, Saab offered 280bhp models in the Turbo X and Carlsson, but something makes me think the very last Aero 2.8s were also 280bhp (but don't quote me on that).
Unless you were absolutely set on having the 2.8, I'd be tempted to suggest a 2.0 Aero and talk to a guy called Karl who goes by the name of Noobtune as he does probably the best remap for the 4 cylinder engines. He will get a standard engine up to 270bhp without much extra work. I had a Noobtune stage 3 on my last 9-5 Aero which was just over 300bhp and was silky smooth and reliable.
The cars themselves? As mentioned, front suspension is made from twigs, so I'd be tempted to spend money there rather than on engine. Drop links aren't too much and some of the older dealers who were Saab (and so still offer servicing) usually have deals on parts or servicing through the year. Orio UK is the "new" Saab on the UK, and well worth signing up to them for the various offers they sometimes do. Polybushing the cars makes a huge difference as they get sloppy as they get older, and this just sharpens things up. They're no back road blaster, but are great when you drive them at about 7/10ths (if that makes sense?). They are much better on a fast open A-road than tight B-road, hence why I'd suggest getting the suspension right, rather than chasing power.
If you are looking at a V6 with the XWD system, then be very careful. The Haldex system they use needs very stringent servicing and oil changes, and if it hasn't, then big bills will be coming your way. Also check for damage underneath as any impact damage to the diff will be ruinous.
The interiors aren't brilliant in terms of plastic quality (its no BMW or Audi inside) but they are way ahead on these cars for comfort. The seats are exceptional, and driving position is superb for most. Strangely, the V6 gets an odd half leather/half silver plastic steering wheel on the Aero (which mine has) which is really uncomfortable to hold! The 2.0 Aero is full leather and much nicer. I'll be swapping mine if I keep the car. Also, the later facelifted cars (07MY onwards) used more GM parts inside, and just don't seem to have the quality of the earlier cars, especially the leather.
Audio systems on the earlier cars (03-06) was by fibre optics and an absolute nightmare to change or add to in any way. If you can, look for a car with the better factory fit audio and just accept that it will be what it will be. The HVAC control buttons usually flake black paint (GM had the wonderful cost-cutting approach to painting white switches black, rather than etching black plastic like Saab did) but there are lost of kits available on line to repair these yourself
People either "get" Saabs or they don't. Like I said, I'm on my 6th, and I don't really see me driving anything else. I went away from the brand briefly last year, but soon realised my mistake, as I went straight back to another. Anytime I look at another car, MrsB just pulls me up on it and says "You know you'll end up just buying another Saab, so why bother even looking?" and she is right. She has always liked my 9-3 Cabs, and my 76 year old mother once commented that my old 9-5 Aero was the most comfortable car she had sat in, and my late father drove Lexus, and my sister has had 6 Volvos!
UKSaabs is a great place for advice and owners help, so drop by there. I'll be happy to answer any questions you have, or if you fancy a nice, cheap 2.8 Cabriolet I might be tempted to sell mine as I think I might go back to an older Saab.
Anyway, don't listen to the naysayers, they are probably the best value for money sports saloons/wagons/cabriolets you can buy. Yes they have their faults, but for the money, I don't think anything comes close. And I was in the retail motor industry for 27 years (but not with Saab) so I've got a wee bit of experience in this field!
Great post. Timing chain stretch is an issue, so watch for that, and as others have said, clutches can be fragile Be wary if you buy a V6 and want to remap it as the clutch is the weak point. Theres a chap on here and on UKSaabs called GriffinDai who had a very nice 2.8 that he mapped and it ended badly. He is a good source of knowledge on what should (and also shouldn't) be done to the cars if you go down that route. Coil packs are also an issue too, so just make sure the history is good.
The cars were 250bhp as standard, but they had a Hirsch 275/280bhp official remap option through dealers. Not many aftermarket tuners offer much for the 2.8, and as I said, a lot more needs doing to make it acceptable depending on who you talk to. Latterly, Saab offered 280bhp models in the Turbo X and Carlsson, but something makes me think the very last Aero 2.8s were also 280bhp (but don't quote me on that).
Unless you were absolutely set on having the 2.8, I'd be tempted to suggest a 2.0 Aero and talk to a guy called Karl who goes by the name of Noobtune as he does probably the best remap for the 4 cylinder engines. He will get a standard engine up to 270bhp without much extra work. I had a Noobtune stage 3 on my last 9-5 Aero which was just over 300bhp and was silky smooth and reliable.
The cars themselves? As mentioned, front suspension is made from twigs, so I'd be tempted to spend money there rather than on engine. Drop links aren't too much and some of the older dealers who were Saab (and so still offer servicing) usually have deals on parts or servicing through the year. Orio UK is the "new" Saab on the UK, and well worth signing up to them for the various offers they sometimes do. Polybushing the cars makes a huge difference as they get sloppy as they get older, and this just sharpens things up. They're no back road blaster, but are great when you drive them at about 7/10ths (if that makes sense?). They are much better on a fast open A-road than tight B-road, hence why I'd suggest getting the suspension right, rather than chasing power.
If you are looking at a V6 with the XWD system, then be very careful. The Haldex system they use needs very stringent servicing and oil changes, and if it hasn't, then big bills will be coming your way. Also check for damage underneath as any impact damage to the diff will be ruinous.
The interiors aren't brilliant in terms of plastic quality (its no BMW or Audi inside) but they are way ahead on these cars for comfort. The seats are exceptional, and driving position is superb for most. Strangely, the V6 gets an odd half leather/half silver plastic steering wheel on the Aero (which mine has) which is really uncomfortable to hold! The 2.0 Aero is full leather and much nicer. I'll be swapping mine if I keep the car. Also, the later facelifted cars (07MY onwards) used more GM parts inside, and just don't seem to have the quality of the earlier cars, especially the leather.
Audio systems on the earlier cars (03-06) was by fibre optics and an absolute nightmare to change or add to in any way. If you can, look for a car with the better factory fit audio and just accept that it will be what it will be. The HVAC control buttons usually flake black paint (GM had the wonderful cost-cutting approach to painting white switches black, rather than etching black plastic like Saab did) but there are lost of kits available on line to repair these yourself
People either "get" Saabs or they don't. Like I said, I'm on my 6th, and I don't really see me driving anything else. I went away from the brand briefly last year, but soon realised my mistake, as I went straight back to another. Anytime I look at another car, MrsB just pulls me up on it and says "You know you'll end up just buying another Saab, so why bother even looking?" and she is right. She has always liked my 9-3 Cabs, and my 76 year old mother once commented that my old 9-5 Aero was the most comfortable car she had sat in, and my late father drove Lexus, and my sister has had 6 Volvos!
UKSaabs is a great place for advice and owners help, so drop by there. I'll be happy to answer any questions you have, or if you fancy a nice, cheap 2.8 Cabriolet I might be tempted to sell mine as I think I might go back to an older Saab.
Anyway, don't listen to the naysayers, they are probably the best value for money sports saloons/wagons/cabriolets you can buy. Yes they have their faults, but for the money, I don't think anything comes close. And I was in the retail motor industry for 27 years (but not with Saab) so I've got a wee bit of experience in this field!
MrB. said:
My last couple of cars have been set up for handling over outright pace, although far from slow. I kind of fancy a change and having something with some proper shove, ideally with a characterful engine. Sounds like the 2.8 is a good engine but not particularly interesting perhaps. I'll reconsider a 2.0 aero, know they have good tuning potential as I have known a couple of people with them but theirs were upgraded to larger hybrid turbo for around mid 300's bhp. This may be the route I look to go down as not too worried about a refined handling car as I've done that recently. Although on sure I've read that 300bhp is about as far as you want to push the 2.0 in standard form. What did it take for you to achieve your 300bhp?
Drive it fix it repeat said:
MrB. said:
My last couple of cars have been set up for handling over outright pace, although far from slow. I kind of fancy a change and having something with some proper shove, ideally with a characterful engine. Sounds like the 2.8 is a good engine but not particularly interesting perhaps. I'll reconsider a 2.0 aero, know they have good tuning potential as I have known a couple of people with them but theirs were upgraded to larger hybrid turbo for around mid 300's bhp. This may be the route I look to go down as not too worried about a refined handling car as I've done that recently. Although on sure I've read that 300bhp is about as far as you want to push the 2.0 in standard form. What did it take for you to achieve your 300bhp?
The 2.0 engine in the NG 9-3 (New Generation, which you also might see referred to as SS {Sport Saloon} and these are the cars from 2003-2012) is much more user-friendly and less prone to issues than that in the earlier OG (Original Generation) 9-3. These suffered from the familiar oil breather/strainer issues and need careful looking after.
If you do fancy something a bit different, and aren't too fussed about handling finesse, then perhaps also consider the 9-5 Aero like I had. The sweet spot on these are the cars built 2004-2005 which are the first generation cars, but with what is known as the Shark Tooth front bumper. Tuning these is easy on the auto (which both of mine were) so you don't need to uprate the clutch. Downpipes need changing past 275bhp, as do exhausts, and then 300bhp is easily achievable. But its teh mid-range that is simply sensational on these. Little can touch them for in-gear acceleration (well, bar proper supercars of course) and they are supremely comfortable. Also, they can be bloody cheap!
I also meant to say, just watch your road tax. Post March 2006 9-3 Aero V6s are the higher band (£555 - £575) and this is why I specifically bought a 2005 car, as are the 9-5 Aeros from that date but only the autos. Manual 9-5 Aeros after that date will be the lower £325, but they will also be the "Dame Edna" ones, so called because of their facelifted front lights featuring the upswept, chrome surround.
Confuse yet?
I'll keep looking and researching. Really do appreciate the time you have put into your posts, cheers. Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff