What do you think?

[Prof Beard]

Sadly, Mrs B's old 1994 GM900 has finally decided to enter its senility and has developed appalling "won't idle" problems. I've done the IAC valve - no joy - and am about to change EVAP purge, PVC check and vacuum lines. (All very cheap).

BUT if they doesn't solve the problem, the poor old thing will be off to the breakers as Mrs B will have "lost faith" in it and won't drive it any more.

SO - possible time for another Saab! Mrs B wants a petrol auto load lugger, and I want to spend less than £3K. There are plenty of 9-3s in that range, which I obviously know a fair bit about, BUT I notice that 9-5 Estates can also be had for the same money.

What would people advise 9-3 hatch or 9-5 estate? Any 9-5 models particularly problematic? Anything I need to watch out for? (Mrs B is a very low mileage driver, so fuel consumption not important and neither is performance)

[NiceCupOfTea]

I would have the 9-5 as I think they are better cars. The 2.3s do get their sumps clogged, so if you go for one get it dropped and cleaned out, then mobil 1 every 6k miles

[siwil1]

Ive had my 9-5 2.3 se estate (2001/y) for a yr and 14k miles it now has 94500 on the clock. It let me down once 2wks after I bot it when the crank sensor failed. Its comfortable, huge internally and the loadspace is awesome.The dog rattles around in it! (large pointer)

Sludging is a well documented potential problem but regular oil changes coupled with an initial sump drop will cure this.

I am currently driving like miss daisy(imo!) to see max mpg and am acheiving circa 35mpg. 5 up fully laden to Barcelona recently, travelling not like miss daisy returned 28mpg (According to sid) which I was pleased with.

Overall would totally recommend one but I personally could not drive one with the Dame Edna front, so if/when I change it will be for the last poss before facelift.

I previously had a 99(T) conv 93 which was also a lovely car so have a little exp of 9-3 but not a hatch version.

Hope that helps

Any Q's just ask away

Simon


edited as cant spell !

Edited by siwil1 on Thursday 3rd July 11:09

[aeropilot]

If fuel isn't an issue and you want auto, load lugging and comfort, I'd say look for a nice mint 9-5 Griffin estate.....

[BIG DUNC]

Prof Beard said:

Sadly, Mrs B's old 1994 GM900 has finally decided to enter its senility and has developed appalling "won't idle" problems. I've done the IAC valve - no joy - and am about to change EVAP purge, PVC check and vacuum lines. (All very cheap).

BUT if they doesn't solve the problem, the poor old thing will be off to the breakers as Mrs B will have "lost faith" in it and won't drive it any more.

SO - possible time for another Saab! Mrs B wants a petrol auto load lugger, and I want to spend less than £3K. There are plenty of 9-3s in that range, which I obviously know a fair bit about, BUT I notice that 9-5 Estates can also be had for the same money.

What would people advise 9-3 hatch or 9-5 estate? Any 9-5 models particularly problematic? Anything I need to watch out for? (Mrs B is a very low mileage driver, so fuel consumption not important and neither is performance)

I hope you get it fixed, it always seems a shame when a car goes to the breakers for something like this.

If you do go for the 9-3 option, mine ( LPT auto ) will shortly be for sale, and will be well within your budget. If you are interested, PM me for more details so as not to upset the mods.