Saab 9-3 or Alfa 156?

[Tonberry]

I didn't want to do this but my lack of ability to make a simple decision is starting to annoy me.

Saab 9-3 Aero - 03 onwards

Alfa 156 1.9 JTDm SW - 03 onwards

Which would you go for and why? I realise these two cars are pretty different but all comments would be appreciated.

I do roughly 10k PA with any additional miles for business use where I am paid a mileage rate.

I should mention that both cars will be remapped.

The Saab will become 250bhp and the Alfa will become 190bhp.

Fuel saving of around £600 PA for the diesel so pretty insignificant when you take into account frequent cambelt changes.

Has anyone owned or driven either car?

Budget is £3000 but can increase up to *£4000

I'll throw in a curve ball to make things interesting.

• E46 320d and E46 330d (both 03 onwards for the 6 speed manual)

[1bhp]

Its been a while but i used to own a saab 9-5 aero it didn't handle great but man it was such an awesome waft machine i loved the mid range clout really did shift for a big car 2nd and 3rd gear were awesome, absolutely cracking car especially for the money fully loaded inside too. mine was very reliable in the 2 years i owend it.

[forzaminardi]

I find that if you get an Alfa you regret it, while at the same time if you don't get an Alfa, you regret that too.

[exgtt]

If you dont mind the poor quality dash/poor sound system (fiber optic system so a hassle to upgrade too) then the 9-3 is a very capable car at 250bhp. Strong power, strong brakes and much inproved handling over the previous generation 9-3. Google noob tune remap if you havent already. If you don't need to go diesel the 9-3 blows the Alfas doors off in most repects. A bargain!

The auto can be hassle at hight miles, and there is a DMF on the manual although the clutches are reliable. Timing chain engine developed from the 2.2 vauxhall unit and has none of the timing chain woes of the 2.2. A fine engine and strong gearbox.

[Eggman]

I had a 156, albeit a petrol one, and found it mostly reliable and pleasant to drive. All of their usual faults cropped up in the time I had it (radiator, thermostat, wishbones, sticky brakes etc), but they are not particularly difficult things to work on. What finally killed it was the balance shaft belt broke and mucked up the cam timing. By that time I had got bored of the jiggly ride quality, and given that it needed a couple of hundred pounds worth of bits and some time and trouble to fix it I drove it to the scrappy and came home on the bus. Diesels don't have balance shaft belts, so are less prone to belt breakage. A friend has one and seems very happy with it.

Saabs are known for their comfy seats (which commends them to me), but come with their own set of problems e.g. cracked bulkheads. Someone at work had all kinds of electrical problems with one; not sure if that's common. The newer ones have surprisingly low rent interiors, which put me off them last time I was car shopping.

In your position I would go and look at some. You'll soon work out which you prefer.

[exgtt]

Cracked bulkheads don't effect the 2003> cars.

Worthy upgrades - remap, better speakers, dynamat the doors.

Edited by exgtt on Sunday 25th March 13:30

[beck1234567]

Have you thought about the 2.4 Diesel Alfa? Sounds very good for a diesel, economy is ok from what I hear. They can be found in budget as well.

[Tonberry]

beck1234567 said:

Have you thought about the 2.4 Diesel Alfa? Sounds very good for a diesel, economy is ok from what I hear. They can be found in budget as well.

The 2.4 is a little heavy on the gogo juice, though it does sound pretty nice.

Cheers for the comments, will need to have a poke around both I think.