Decisions, decisions.

[shed driver]

I'll repost this in here, I didn't get any responses in general Gassing.

I'm currently pootling around in the ex's 52 plate Punto 1.2. I've recently put on 4 new tyres and got an MOT and 12 month's tax just before Xmas. Shortly after that it needed a new sump - apparently they are made of weetabix!

I've come out to see it sitting in a gently shimmering lake of oil (well, a few drops anyway) - it isn't the sump, that's bone dry - I'm told that it's the front crank case oil seal.

So, having spent several hundred pounds - probably the value of the car - should I unleash the power of man-maths and get something more reliable exciting.

Local independent has a Saab 9-5 3.0 V6 TiD, or an Alfa 156 Sportwagon 2.4JTD. Both come in within budget - although I'm worried that bar room tales of wallet raping bills on the Saab and horrendous build quality on the Alfa may put me off. They've got other stuff, but these two caught my eye as almost pocket money motors to buy - not sure about running though!

Could stick with the Punto - repair it or play Russian roulette with it, or chop it in as a runner with a twelve month ticket?

Current motoring is about 13-15000 a year, motorways to commute to work, couple of long trips to Wales and Scotland with the kids etc.

Also, being single a punto isn't too much of a Fanny-magnet.

I'm veering towards the Saab - just because I've always found them a left-field choice (and I've never had one!)

SD.

[Lemonyfresh]

Why the diesel one? I dont think the 3.0 engine has the best reliability to be honest (from what i remember reading on various saab forums etc)
Have you tried looking for petrol aeros? You can get heaps for your cash if you're not fussy on mileage..... Keep the oil changes regular and youre on to a winner!



http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...

Edited to remove second ad.

[scrwright]

I was advised the 3l diesel wasn't the best in a 9-5 by my local saab indy garage. Just picked up a 100k mile '02 aero auto estate with full history and in excellent condition for £1500. Doing 32mpg ave which is much better than the 2.0lpt 9-5 we had before

[shed driver]

Thanks guys - the reason I mentioned the Saab diesel is because that was what was in the dealers - ready to go, good price etc. I'm a bit of a sucker when it comes to instant gratification. Will have a look out for petrol ones.

SD.

[LesKellet]

The later 9-5 3 litre diesels were OK - the early ones fell foul due to the Isuzu engine dropping its cylinder liners as it did on all its applications. It was sorted, but far too late.