Volvo C70 - Saab 9-3 Conv, any preferences?

[tms996]

Looking for a bit of advice for a budget 4 seat convertible, about 10 years old, and narrowed it down to these two for a bit of fun. Must be FWD and would prefer an auto, but no real preference over petrol/diesel. Just looking at which might be the bigger money pit? For our budget of 5-7k we'd be after lower mileage and doing some maintenance ourselves.

Ideally looking after 2009 when the C70 had the facelift. Don't need hot hatch performance, so the Aero would be off the list, trying to find out which combination of GM/Saab and Volvo/Ford bits might work best together.

I do like the C70 folding roof and it has more legroom in the back for the teens. Don't need it to carry 4 adults but it does need a bit of space. The Volvo seems a bit more modern inside with the SE Lux spec, but I understand both have lousy satnav and need aftermarket phone kits?

I've always fancied the Saab, but whenever I drove them, they squeaked and rattled. The dash looks very old-fashioned and I remember the manual box was notchy. Is the Volvo any better?

[LTEcactus]

I would go Volvo, parts are available from the dealers and on eBay etc.

They are better built with nicer interiors, plus the manual gearboxes are really nice to use.

The downside is that the engines aren't as powerful as the Saab.

[Gareth1974]

Under budget, but see the last post on this thread https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[biggbn]

Owned the older shape c70 and loved it, really pretty car and a great cruiser with a wonderful 5 pot soundtrack, owned a v6 aero 9-3 cabrio and it was a different animal, more rigid than the volvo and a brawny punchy engine, handled really well with a form of rear wheel steer. I'd say the volvo as a cruiser, s convertible barge of you like, and the saab for a more sporting drive in aero trim. You can't go wrong with either to be honest.

[tms996]

Thanks, prefer the Volvo myself. Can they have any sort of satnav fitted if not installed or is it Google Maps on the phone?
Do the Ford auto boxes still have issues?

[biggbn]

tms996 said:

Thanks, prefer the Volvo myself. Can they have any sort of satnav fitted if not installed or is it Google Maps on the phone?
Do the Ford auto boxes still have issues?

As I said, it was the older C70 I had, I believe the focus based one is a much better drive.

[tms996]

Well the 3 series looks good value, but would prefer FWD where I live. Good colour though.