Jag S Type 3.0 or Saab 9-3 2.0T aero
Discussion
Both available in my local classifieds for a little under £1500
Saab 9-3 2.0T Aero manual
or
Jaguar S Type v6 3.0 SE auto
Long story -
Around a year ago I sold my 2001 Volvo S60 T5.
Since then, I've half-heartedly browsed the classifieds for something semi-interesting (and preferably 2 adults/2 young kids practical) to run alongside our really boring family cars (Ford S Max/Peugeot 307).
Doesn't have to be mega quick or super practical. Not looking to modify or re-map (probably the first thing people will mention with regard to the Saab). Just something a bit different to what I have, preferably reliable (hit and miss in cars this age, I know), and a decent drive.
Manual transmission preferred as the other two I have are autos, though it's not a deal breaker (the S60 was auto).
++++Which leads me to two cars currently in the classifieds, which are very local to me (a mile or so).+++++
Both look and sound like tidy examples of their marque. Nothing ugly in the MOT history of either. The Jag has an MOT twice as long as the Saab (year v 6 months). The Saab is newer (2007 v 2003). Annual road tax the same (£330). The Saab has done more miles (107k-ish v 90k-ish)
Not too worried about spec - both leather interiors, nice looking alloy wheels, and I assume reasonably equipped (things like cruise control or factory sat nav irrelevant as I don't use it).
Performance - very similar stats - Saab 210bhp-ish v Jag 240bhp-ish. Both 0-60 in 7.5ish, 140+mph cars, even the torque seems pretty similar looking on Parkers specs.
I know in this price range the advice is generally buy the best example, based on service history/condition etc. Or the one with the longest MOT.
But they are pretty similar condition wise (though the Jag wins on the MOT). So I'm interested in hearing any owners' opinions, anyone who has driven both, maybe.
Thanks in advance.
Saab 9-3 2.0T Aero manual
or
Jaguar S Type v6 3.0 SE auto
Long story -
Around a year ago I sold my 2001 Volvo S60 T5.
Since then, I've half-heartedly browsed the classifieds for something semi-interesting (and preferably 2 adults/2 young kids practical) to run alongside our really boring family cars (Ford S Max/Peugeot 307).
Doesn't have to be mega quick or super practical. Not looking to modify or re-map (probably the first thing people will mention with regard to the Saab). Just something a bit different to what I have, preferably reliable (hit and miss in cars this age, I know), and a decent drive.
Manual transmission preferred as the other two I have are autos, though it's not a deal breaker (the S60 was auto).
++++Which leads me to two cars currently in the classifieds, which are very local to me (a mile or so).+++++
Both look and sound like tidy examples of their marque. Nothing ugly in the MOT history of either. The Jag has an MOT twice as long as the Saab (year v 6 months). The Saab is newer (2007 v 2003). Annual road tax the same (£330). The Saab has done more miles (107k-ish v 90k-ish)
Not too worried about spec - both leather interiors, nice looking alloy wheels, and I assume reasonably equipped (things like cruise control or factory sat nav irrelevant as I don't use it).
Performance - very similar stats - Saab 210bhp-ish v Jag 240bhp-ish. Both 0-60 in 7.5ish, 140+mph cars, even the torque seems pretty similar looking on Parkers specs.
I know in this price range the advice is generally buy the best example, based on service history/condition etc. Or the one with the longest MOT.
But they are pretty similar condition wise (though the Jag wins on the MOT). So I'm interested in hearing any owners' opinions, anyone who has driven both, maybe.
Thanks in advance.
I've had saabs In the past but not a 9 3 so I'll leave other owners to comment
S type I have had
Comfy, auto suits it better,quiet great cruiser,the v6 has nice tone to it when you kick it down
Buy good colour, dark green dark blue avoid silver light blue etc
Get a light interior, they are not as spacious as they look, the sweeping roof line brings the headspace down. Also it's a Jag so leather and wood are part of the identity, if you want dark and soft plastics buy German.
Some have got lots of toys check they all work
If you are not using it lots then keep the battery topped up, it all goes a bit haywire with a dead battery,
Check the sills, plastic covers can hide bad rot, headlights suffer from clouding.
Buy post 2004 facelift, better interior early niggles gone.
Lots of parts are ford so cross check before buying at a dealer, loads have been broken so plenty of used spares.
You don't see many about, easy to spot in a carpark and personally I think they look better than all the other angry pointy cars on the road.
S type I have had
Comfy, auto suits it better,quiet great cruiser,the v6 has nice tone to it when you kick it down
Buy good colour, dark green dark blue avoid silver light blue etc
Get a light interior, they are not as spacious as they look, the sweeping roof line brings the headspace down. Also it's a Jag so leather and wood are part of the identity, if you want dark and soft plastics buy German.
Some have got lots of toys check they all work
If you are not using it lots then keep the battery topped up, it all goes a bit haywire with a dead battery,
Check the sills, plastic covers can hide bad rot, headlights suffer from clouding.
Buy post 2004 facelift, better interior early niggles gone.
Lots of parts are ford so cross check before buying at a dealer, loads have been broken so plenty of used spares.
You don't see many about, easy to spot in a carpark and personally I think they look better than all the other angry pointy cars on the road.
Both seriously good cars for not alot of money, can't comment on Jag ownership but had my SAAB 9-3 since December, having always loved the marque for such along time, and finally got one, I am really happy with it (and all its quirks, not annoyances). Paying so little money for a car, you can somewhat forgive it.
Truly a BMW fanboy and still own a 3 series Touring I have known since new (in the family), I jump in the SAAB a hell of alot more.
Truly a BMW fanboy and still own a 3 series Touring I have known since new (in the family), I jump in the SAAB a hell of alot more.
I've had a 2003 9-3 2.0t , 2008 9-3 diesel and a 2005 3.0v6 s-type so well placed to answer this!
In my opinion, and having done at least 20k miles in each, there is no comparison between the 9-3 and the s-type, the s-type wins hands down. Your budget would easily get you into a facelift car so suggest you go that route even if it means travelling a few miles! It's one of the few cars that I think the motoring press was a bit too hard on, the facelift is a wonderful car. This looks fairly decent:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
In my opinion, and having done at least 20k miles in each, there is no comparison between the 9-3 and the s-type, the s-type wins hands down. Your budget would easily get you into a facelift car so suggest you go that route even if it means travelling a few miles! It's one of the few cars that I think the motoring press was a bit too hard on, the facelift is a wonderful car. This looks fairly decent:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
markirl said:
I've had a 2003 9-3 2.0t , 2008 9-3 diesel and a 2005 3.0v6 s-type so well placed to answer this!
In my opinion, and having done at least 20k miles in each, there is no comparison between the 9-3 and the s-type, the s-type wins hands down. Your budget would easily get you into a facelift car so suggest you go that route even if it means travelling a few miles! It's one of the few cars that I think the motoring press was a bit too hard on, the facelift is a wonderful car. This looks fairly decent:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Nice looking car you link there, and funnily enough I used to live in Luton so an area I know well. Also some dodgy dealers around there (but I guess you can say that about most areas).In my opinion, and having done at least 20k miles in each, there is no comparison between the 9-3 and the s-type, the s-type wins hands down. Your budget would easily get you into a facelift car so suggest you go that route even if it means travelling a few miles! It's one of the few cars that I think the motoring press was a bit too hard on, the facelift is a wonderful car. This looks fairly decent:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Interesting view. I have read in the past that the facelift S type is better, yet the older car looks very similar and I assume the engine is the same. Not saying I'd particularly want one on a W/X/Y plate as many of these are starting to look a little tatty on the rare occasion I see one. But wouldn't a tidy 2003 car pre-facelift still be a decent bet?
DailyHack said:
but had my SAAB 9-3 since December, having always loved the marque for such along time, and finally got one, I am really happy with it (and all its quirks, not annoyances). .
I have previous experience of a 9-3.Twas a 150bhp LPT 1999 convertible.
Bought for a few hundred quid on 140,000 mile.
Basically was falling apart so it had plenty of quirks and annoyances!
Still, the 9-3 I'm considering looks much more solid (I hope).
bristolracer said:
I've had saabs In the past but not a 9 3 so I'll leave other owners to comment
S type I have had
Comfy, auto suits it better,quiet great cruiser,the v6 has nice tone to it when you kick it down
Buy good colour, dark green dark blue avoid silver light blue etc
Get a light interior, they are not as spacious as they look, the sweeping roof line brings the headspace down. Also it's a Jag so leather and wood are part of the identity, if you want dark and soft plastics buy German.
Some have got lots of toys check they all work
If you are not using it lots then keep the battery topped up, it all goes a bit haywire with a dead battery,
Check the sills, plastic covers can hide bad rot, headlights suffer from clouding.
Buy post 2004 facelift, better interior early niggles gone.
Lots of parts are ford so cross check before buying at a dealer, loads have been broken so plenty of used spares.
You don't see many about, easy to spot in a carpark and personally I think they look better than all the other angry pointy cars on the road.
Thanks for the tips.S type I have had
Comfy, auto suits it better,quiet great cruiser,the v6 has nice tone to it when you kick it down
Buy good colour, dark green dark blue avoid silver light blue etc
Get a light interior, they are not as spacious as they look, the sweeping roof line brings the headspace down. Also it's a Jag so leather and wood are part of the identity, if you want dark and soft plastics buy German.
Some have got lots of toys check they all work
If you are not using it lots then keep the battery topped up, it all goes a bit haywire with a dead battery,
Check the sills, plastic covers can hide bad rot, headlights suffer from clouding.
Buy post 2004 facelift, better interior early niggles gone.
Lots of parts are ford so cross check before buying at a dealer, loads have been broken so plenty of used spares.
You don't see many about, easy to spot in a carpark and personally I think they look better than all the other angry pointy cars on the road.
Interesting that the S Type seems to get the votes so far.
Agree on the good colour point, not a fan of these in light blue!
We’ve a 9-3 aero and I love it. Probably worth what we bought it for and it’s never failed at MOT time. Has needed some bits doing but nothing serious which hasn’t been fixed at home or local garage. Awful stereo mind you, however all the gadgets still work and do their job well.
I did have an afternoon in a 3.0 S type when they first came out - stand out is the engine just revving seamlessly while putting numbers on the clock in peace and quiet - much more of a comfy cruiser. Nice high, cosseting transmission tunnel too.
The Saab is all about the turbo delivery - quite good fun especially in a world of 2 litre diesels and gutless 1.2/1.4 petrols. Ours claims to do >40mpg on a 65 ish motorway trip, the only time I got to brim to brim check was on a boiling hot French road trip - 38mpg sat at 75mph and AC on.
Parts seem available, plenty of online guides and uksaabs forum seems to have decent life to it.
I did have an afternoon in a 3.0 S type when they first came out - stand out is the engine just revving seamlessly while putting numbers on the clock in peace and quiet - much more of a comfy cruiser. Nice high, cosseting transmission tunnel too.
The Saab is all about the turbo delivery - quite good fun especially in a world of 2 litre diesels and gutless 1.2/1.4 petrols. Ours claims to do >40mpg on a 65 ish motorway trip, the only time I got to brim to brim check was on a boiling hot French road trip - 38mpg sat at 75mph and AC on.
Parts seem available, plenty of online guides and uksaabs forum seems to have decent life to it.
andy118run said:
Nice looking car you link there, and funnily enough I used to live in Luton so an area I know well. Also some dodgy dealers around there (but I guess you can say that about most areas).
Interesting view. I have read in the past that the facelift S type is better, yet the older car looks very similar and I assume the engine is the same. Not saying I'd particularly want one on a W/X/Y plate as many of these are starting to look a little tatty on the rare occasion I see one. But wouldn't a tidy 2003 car pre-facelift still be a decent bet?
To give you some more info, the S-type has been in the family since it was 1 year old, taken from about 12k up to 72k it currently sits at. It's been really reliable overall apart from messing due to low battery voltage as mentioned about. No major work, no break downs, oil, filters and brakes only its whole life - it's royal blue, beige leather and a lovely place to be on long journeys, rear space is a bit tight and the boot is small. Watch out for rust. We test drove lots of XJs of similar age/mileage and couldn't justify the change as the S-type didn't seem like a massive step-down - maybe we're lucky with the one we got! Its in the shed now as I am driving an LCI 530i but I'll never sell it. The facelifts are far nicer than the early cars. The first refresh cars aren't bad but considering the fact that a little more money can get a facelift, that's where I'd go. Interesting view. I have read in the past that the facelift S type is better, yet the older car looks very similar and I assume the engine is the same. Not saying I'd particularly want one on a W/X/Y plate as many of these are starting to look a little tatty on the rare occasion I see one. But wouldn't a tidy 2003 car pre-facelift still be a decent bet?
For comparison I got my 08 9-3 when it was 6 months old. It was average and awful compared to the Navara and 530d I'd had as previous cars. I forgot I actually had a 2.0t Aero as a courtesy car for a month while the then 1 year old 9-3 was in for major work, it was good fun but the only fun bit was the boost which Saab's do so well. I did about 50k miles in that 9-3 over the year that I had it and lots broke :/
It was the memory of that boost that led me to buy my '03 9-3 2.0t in 2014 when I returned from abroad and needed some bangernomics while waiting for house purchase to complete. Overall, the chassis was really disappointing and the timing chain became noisy. I did about 20k miles in it fairly reliably but it was the most "white goods" car I've owned and wouldn't buy another.
I’ve had a 2005 9-5 Aero and a 2003 4.2 v8 s-type.
Jag is the better car.
There are 3 generations of S-type. The 1999-2001 cars which should be avoided, the 2002-2004 with much better interior, gearboxes and suspension. And the 2004 facelift with a few further tweaks like nicer dials
A 2003 S-type should be fine, I’d agree to stick to a light interior and wood.
Jag is the better car.
There are 3 generations of S-type. The 1999-2001 cars which should be avoided, the 2002-2004 with much better interior, gearboxes and suspension. And the 2004 facelift with a few further tweaks like nicer dials
A 2003 S-type should be fine, I’d agree to stick to a light interior and wood.
The Jaguar looks hideous in my opinion, BUT its got the refinement of a car in the class above, the 9-3 on the other hand rides and has the NVH of something from the class below. There is a huge gulf in trim quality too.
I’m not sure one would be any more reliable or cheaper to repair than the other.
I’m not sure one would be any more reliable or cheaper to repair than the other.
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