Purchasing A4 Cab or Saab 9-3 Cab

[JCB123]

Hi guys.

I'm thinking of buying one of the afforementioned cars.....thought I'd pop in here and see what the pros and cons of the A4 Cab are?!

Obviously I don't expect anyone to comment on the 9-3 (unless they've had one), but what are your experiences with the Audi....what should I look out for when buying etc?

I'm only looking for a 1.8, bascially because I have a new job and it is literally around the corner, so don't really need the power etc.

Thanks in advance guys!!!

[Dr G]

Smart, reliable, good-looking and a really nice place to sit. Rear seats not massive but usable and useful. Reasonable boot too.

1.8T is a tough old lump, service it to Audi's schedule and the only things that commonly fail then are the coil packs at 30 quid each to sort and an easy fix. They hold on to their money extremely well too.

If you can, buy a lower mileage 1.8T sport manual with full leather, low mileage, a few nice options and correct service history. Sell in the summer and you'll get a large chunk of your money back.

The Saab 9-3 cab I've driven a couple - scuttle shake was far more obvious in this compared to the Audi and the interior very poor in comparison. Didn't feel in any way special (they are extremely cheap, however).

[pbarlow0032]

I used to have an 03 reg 1.8T sport cabriolet and it was a lovely lovely car. Performance wise it wouldn't set the world alight, but it could certainly keep up with traffic. It wasn't a sports car, but then it doesn't claim to be.

We averaged high 30's mpg in ours, and had no problems whatsoever. We only kept it 6/7 months as it just wasn't getting used enough, but i wish we'd kept it now.

If there are any other questions you want answering let me know.

BTW, i've now got a Saab 93 saloon, so can compare to some extent, and would take the A4 everytime just because its such a nicer place to sit

[ClaphamGT3]

I have had a Saab Cab and my 1st wife has an A4 Cab. The Audi is probably the all-round better car, although the Saab is superior in terms of reliability, running costs, ergonomics

[JCB123]

Cheers guys - just had a couple of quotes back for insurance, and suprisingly the Saab was £80 more!

I like both cars equally - only the Saabs interior lets it down...its so dated, and those huge vents on the dash - tututut!

OK, we'll go for a test drive soonish me thinks - although a wedding and two holidays to go before I can actually hand some cash over.....

Out of the 1.8's what are the options, I know there is a 1.8T and quattro...is there any other models? I'm looking mid-range...oh, and is the quattro worth it?

[JCB123]

Thanks for the info tonker - very helpful!

I think I'll give the quattro a miss - think the 1.8T is enough for my needs....

I'll look out for the signs you mentioned!

Suppose I've just got the sell the Vec C now....

I've spotted a couple on Autotrader - what do you think?! Obviously I'll wangle a grand or so off......

first one

second one

Edited by JCB123 on Wednesday 11th June 08:51

[Dr G]

Both very well priced cars already - you'd be stealing it at a grand off either of those prices.

[Dr G]

Tis my day job tonker - the 1.8T sport cabs at 13/14 are very desirable pieces of kit with sensible mileage and I'd say the two linked above are pitched bang on.

[Dr G]

Margins are very tight right now, you're quite correct.

Well taken care of one with low mileage is an excellent ownership prospect as you point out and will cost you very little to own if you buy at fair money and in a fashionable spec.

I sold a 53 plate Dolphin/black sport with a few bits on last year (October ish) for 14, the owner has just sold it privately for 13.5 with very little difficulty.

Desirability and availability of really good, clean cars is crucial here and it isn't just A4 cabs - the new TTs are still stupidly high money even for early stuff.

[Dr G]

Very much so, we'll turn away anything that needs much more than minor cosmetics or a service.

I think the credit crunch at the moment is helping the value of low-mid teens convertibles where the S4s, big engines and late-model stuff are really struggling. Clean ones with a warranty look a safeish bet. Don't use much fuel, don't go far wrong, look a lot more expensive than they are to the untrained eye.

There are days where I feel 'tested' by peoples' idea of value on their car, but it's all we can do to smile, wave and politely explain the real world price.