Dealer or private these days?

[5.0ltr]

Chaps, thinking of a 9-3 convertible later on so looking about at the mo. Is there any thinking on these cars as to dealer Is best? I see a few quid difference between these two as an example? Both seem nice but could save going private?
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/s...

[pewe]

Can't comment on your specific question but what I would be concerned about is the structural rigidity of the body given its a Vectra with the roof chopped off, particularly if they are a bit leggy.
My local indie lent me one while my 9-5 was in and I couldn't believe the amount of scuttle-shake.
BTW my other car's an MX5 and whilst it did suffer some scuttle-shake until I sorted the problem, it was always designed as topless.
Chaqun a son goo but might be worth looking at a 5?
Cheers, Pewe.

[oblio]

...I reckon you must have had a bad 'un then as I have owned 2 and neither have any noticeable shake at all. Whilst they share the floor plan and drivetrain I think comparisons between a 9-3 and vectra really stop there. I have found the build quality to be excellent and the turbo is also very good.

[pewe]

oblio said:

...I reckon you must have had a bad 'un then as I have owned 2 and neither have any noticeable shake at all. Whilst they share the floor plan and drivetrain I think comparisons between a 9-3 and vectra really stop there. I have found the build quality to be excellent and the turbo is also very good.

Can't argue with that.
My limited experience says SAAB engineers weren't averse to improving on the base platform.
I went from a Lancia Thema Turbo (Type 4 chassis) to a SAAB 9000 LPT (also Type 4), so essentially the same package.
The SAAB weighed in at significantly more and also the rear doors didn't creak as I reversed out across the road camber outside my house!
Cheers, Pewe.