Saab 9-3 2.8T.

[essexplumber]

Right, I am at the end of my tether as I can't find a decent 330i touring so I've been looking around for another fast(ish) estate.

I came across a rather nice looking Saab 9-3 estate on a 55 with 48k and FSH for about £7k.

Now I know its basically a Vectra and I assume that this is the same engine as the one in the Vectra VXR but will that make the Saab a bad buy? I like the looks and it also has loads of kit (Xennons/nav etc) but it is an auto (would rather manual).

I don't know how to post a link but its for sale from Lakeside cars Harlow Essex if any of you wanna butchers.

So, what is the PH opinion on these?

[J4CKO]

I have a 2.0 Aero version, remapped to the same power as the 2,8T, it will be quick and I bought it instead of a 330i as that didnt have three rear lap belts for my three kids that rarely go in it in the 12k I have done in four years, should have got the BMW !

The look great, go well, corner ok and are pretty reliable but the interior, though it looks ok is built to a price and they are FWD.

Hang on for the BMW or make a really cheeky bid.

[essexplumber]

J4CKO said:

I have a 2.0 Aero version, remapped to the same power as the 2,8T, it will be quick and I bought it instead of a 330i as that didnt have three rear lap belts for my three kids that rarely go in it in the 12k I have done in four years, should have got the BMW !

The look great, go well, corner ok and are pretty reliable but the interior, though it looks ok is built to a price and they are FWD.

Hang on for the BMW or make a really cheeky bid.

The thing is I know that if I bought one I would always lament not getting the BMW. Theres not really another sub £10K estate that can compete with a 330i touring is there?

[V8Wagon]

Shoot me down if you like, but I was also looking for a fastish estate recently. The 330i was top of my list for a long time though in the end something approximating common sense/middle age prevailed and I went for an Accord. Way way better spec than the BMW for a fraction of the cost and still very nice to drive.

[essexplumber]

V8Wagon said:

Shoot me down if you like, but I was also looking for a fastish estate recently. The 330i was top of my list for a long time though in the end something approximating common sense/middle age prevailed and I went for an Accord. Way way better spec than the BMW for a fraction of the cost and still very nice to drive.

I like the Accord but its not that fast is it? Why do Honda not make a fast version of such a nice looking car?

[cheeky_chops]

essexplumber said:

I like the Accord but its not that fast is it? Why do Honda not make a fast version of such a nice looking car?

we have the 2.4 which when you nail it goes ok, but feck all torque means you are constantly out dragged by diesels when you want to nip out on the motorway. Dropping it 3 or 4 cogs is just tiresome

That said, in 7 years (bought 2 years old) the only things to break is a ABS sensor. v reliable

We also have a 93 tdi - agree, interior looks good but isnt up too scratch. I would go for the remapped 2.0 petrol as the 2.8 is pretty thirsty and higher tax.

[Chicharito]

£7k. For a 6 year old 9-3. No chance.

[T84]

I really liked the Accord 2.4 when I test drove it, but it's a bit of an old mans car isn't it? I was 26 at the time I tested it...

[barky]

Chicharito said:

£7k. For a 6 year old 9-3. No chance.

you mean they'll be cheaper? ...quick look on autotrader says they'll be £5K to £7K including upto 07/57 plate

[Chicharito]

barky said:

Chicharito said:

£7k. For a 6 year old 9-3. No chance.

you mean they'll be cheaper? ...quick look on autotrader says they'll be £5K to £7K including upto 07/57 plate

Just checked - if you aren't too fussed about mileage, they're a lot cheaper.

[pitbull turbo]

to be honest i had a e46 330 msport and had a company 9-3 1.9ttd 160bhp. i actually really liked the saab, quite fun to drive with good grip when needed but fun when wanted. interior was pretty good too. do 6k in 2 months no prblems. the 330 was no where near as good! sold it after 7 months at a huge loss as it was so unrelibale and not good to drive!

[V8Wagon]

I've got the 2.4 Accord and it is reasonably quick. My last motor was a 4.2 so it was always gonna feel slower than that!

I really bought it for the spec. It drives very nice and smooth. It's got sunroof, satnav, good stereo with subwoofer, dual zone climate, cruise, full electric heated leather, bluetooth, parking sensors.

FSH mega reliable on an 04 plate for £4k.

[texasjohn]

essexplumber said:

So, what is the PH opinion on these?

I've had the Vectra VXR, once you get past the bland styling and crashy suspension it was actually ok and good value for money as a used buy. I paid £6k for a 56 plate with 30,000 miles 15 months ago so it makes the Saab you are looking at seem very expensive. It was not too bad on fuel on a run, 30 achieved quite easily.

I've also driven the 2.8T 9-3 over a fair distance but the Auto version. I would say the auto is very well suited to the car, particularly the Saab which is a lovely drive; much better ride than the VXR.

You want a 55 plate or very early 06 plate to avoid the £450 a year tax too.

I wouldn't be paying anything north of £5k for either of these cars now.

An E46 330i will be similar on fuel, possibly 10% better. Most 330i will be autos, and it won't have the torque. But it will feel much better to drive and be cohesive in the bends.

[Toaster Pilot]

texasjohn said:

I've had the Vectra VXR, once you get past the bland styling and crashy suspension it was actually ok and good value for money as a used buy. I paid £6k for a 56 plate with 30,000 miles 15 months ago so it makes the Saab you are looking at seem very expensive. It was not too bad on fuel on a run, 30 achieved quite easily.

I've also driven the 2.8T 9-3 over a fair distance but the Auto version. I would say the auto is very well suited to the car, particularly the Saab which is a lovely drive; much better ride than the VXR.

You want a 55 plate or very early 06 plate to avoid the £450 a year tax too.

I wouldn't be paying anything north of £5k for either of these cars now.

An E46 330i will be similar on fuel, possibly 10% better. Most 330i will be autos, and it won't have the torque. But it will feel much better to drive and be cohesive in the bends.

Vectra VXRs are bargainous IMO. I've often been tempted by a £3k ex police one

[Steve_F]

I'd prefer one of these to the SAAB:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3398631.htm

But if a 330 is what you're after I doubt you'll be happy with much else.

[Toaster Pilot]

Steve_F said:

I'd prefer one of these to the SAAB:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3398631.htm

But if a 330 is what you're after I doubt you'll be happy with much else.

Do want

[Ved]

Toaster Pilot said:

Do want

Warp speed wardrobe. Very good indeed!

[Fox-]

essexplumber said:

The thing is I know that if I bought one I would always lament not getting the BMW. Theres not really another sub £10K estate that can compete with a 330i touring is there?

Yes, a 530i Touring. Like a 330i Touring only better screwed together inside and more refined.

[anonymous-user]

V8Wagon said:

I've got the 2.4 Accord and it is reasonably quick. My last motor was a 4.2 so it was always gonna feel slower than that!

I really bought it for the spec. It drives very nice and smooth. It's got sunroof, satnav, good stereo with subwoofer, dual zone climate, cruise, full electric heated leather, bluetooth, parking sensors.

FSH mega reliable on an 04 plate for £4k.

I too have an Accord! 2.4 Exec Tourer which I would agree is quick rather than fast. However it is extremely reliable full of kit and lovely to drive. Been thinking of getting rid of it but every time I go and look at somthing I go back to the Accord.

[Chicharito]

Why are you looking at 9-3s?

What you want is a 9-5 Aero HOT, and in particular a 'Turbo Edition', if you can find one.