Any recommended independants in the MK area?

[pmanson]

Changing circumstances are going to mean selling the MX5 (our only car) and moving to something more practical later in the year - top of the list (my list anyway) is a 9-5 Aero Estate (black on black).

Thinking about a manual 04 model (i want the revised front bumper etc).

Was just wondering if any one knows/can recommend an independent who can supply/service the car in the Milton Keynes area (we're based in Leighton Buzzard).

Thanks,
Phill

[pmanson]

Bump....

Going to be on the look out for a car in the next couple of months so it would be good to find a good independent to look after it before hand.

[aeropilot]

There is one in your area I think, but, from memory they were more a specialist on older (C900 and 9000 etc) than the newer models, so may not have the update info for the Tech2 etc.
I can't remember the name unfortunately.

There is very good and highly recommended one in Stevenage though, which isn't too far, but I don't know how willing or not you are prepared to travel.

Info here:-
http://www.saabtechlimited.co.uk/

[pmanson]

Stevenage wouldn't be a problem (got a mate that lives over that way).

I've not been seriously looking but the cars I like the look don't hang around long! I think I may start looking at the end of April, we're going to be keeping the Mazda but as my wife is pregnant (due in Oct) I think she's going to start finding it uncomfortable to drive on a daily basis before long.

Cheers!
Phill

[aeropilot]

pmanson said:

I've not been seriously looking but the cars I like the look don't hang around long!

I'm surprised you say that.

Maybe, it because you are looking for a manual one, which are harder to find as most are auto's....?

[pmanson]

aeropilot said:

pmanson said:

I've not been seriously looking but the cars I like the look don't hang around long!

I'm surprised you say that.

Maybe, it because you are looking for a manual one, which are harder to find as most are auto's....?

I quite fancy the mint green one in the classified but it's auto and my Wife doesn't lile the colour.

Manual's don't seem to be as common... oh well like I say i'm in no rush to buy so i'll have to wait and see what's about nearer the time.

[aeropilot]

pmanson said:

aeropilot said:

pmanson said:

I've not been seriously looking but the cars I like the look don't hang around long!

I'm surprised you say that.

Maybe, it because you are looking for a manual one, which are harder to find as most are auto's....?

I quite fancy the mint green one in the classified but it's auto and my Wife doesn't lile the colour.

Manual's don't seem to be as common...

Do you mean the 46k mile Glacier Blue one being sold by Craignairn Cars...?

If so.....it's blue not mint green.....and it's a stunning colour, especially in the sunlight......but I'm biased as it's the same colour as mine
It's actually very rare, very few Aero's around in Glacier Blue as it was only available for the one year.
The mega boring and dull Black, Silver and Steel Grey are probable the most common colours and account for about 70% of all the cars around.

Manual's arn't common in the later cars as by then most buyers had worked out that the auto's are just that much better to drive. Sadly, the manual gearbox can be a bit agricultural in operation.
The only people that tend to want the manual are those looking to substantially mod the engine or want to fit an LSD.
When I was looking for mine 4 years ago, I was able to arrange a back to back test with my dealer of an auto and a manual, and had the auto for an hours drive. I took it back to swop with the manual, and ended up taking that back after about 10 mins as by then I'd decided that the auto was so much better

[pmanson]

That's the one... i love the colour but the wife doesn't... also it's out of my budget - I really only want to spend £5-£6k if possible

My wife will be driving the car more than me and she'd prefer an auto but i'm not so keen... (lower mpg etc and although I enjoyed driving the auto I had in the 5 series I never really clicked with it).

Also does the performance suffer with the auto?

Mainly the car will be driven around town with a regular trip down to the coast (200+ mile round trip).

This one would have been ideal - http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/816328.htm

Edited by pmanson on Saturday 7th March 13:12

[aeropilot]

pmanson said:

My wife will be driving the car more than me and she'd prefer an auto but i'm not so keen... (lower mpg etc and although I enjoyed driving the auto I had in the 5 series I never really clicked with it).

Also does the performance suffer with the auto?

The auto isn't much worse than the manual on fuel, a bit around town perhaps, but there's no real difference on a run as the 5-speed auto has mechanical lock-up in 3rd,4th & 5th.
My auto 9-5 Aero is actually more economical around town than my previous manual 9000 Aero was. Most of my driving is within the M25 boundary and I average about 25-26mpg at this time of year, 27-28 in the warmer months. Which, for such a heavy and high power car with an auto I don't think is much to complain about. Mid to high 30's are easy on a run, and that's not even driving like the Queens chauffeur.

The auto is really nice, and actually suits the engine more than the manual IMO, and you also have the option of using the flappy paddle manual mode if the urge takes you, and there's also the 'S' for 'silly' button a mere left thumb flick away if you really want to fly

Oh, if you are looking for a '04 Aero, you really only want to consider one fitted with the Aero Lux Pack, so you get the full compliment of toys.

[pmanson]

Thanks for all your help...

Might go and drive both at some point and see how I/we get on with both options.

Does the Lux pack give you the electric seats etc?

[nonplussed]

If you're still looking for an independent in the MK area, talk to Andy Buik at the Saab Centre. He doesn't have a website but the number it 0198 505 587. He's looked after 2 of my 9000's and my 9-5 for years, and I have nothing but praise for the work he's done.

[aeropilot]

pmanson said:

Might go and drive both at some point and see how I/we get on with both options.

Thats the best thing, as long as you can get a good try of both rather than a brief 10 min job.

pmanson said:

Does the Lux pack give you the electric seats etc?

Yes.

Aero Lux Pack for 04/05 consisted of dual electric front seats, with 3 postion memory for seat + door mirror on drivers side, auto dim door mirrors, heated front and rear seats, park assist, 200w Harmon Kardon AS3 8 speaker audio upgrade, rain sensor wipers & power fold door mirrors.

Be careful in that some people advertise a car as having electric seats, but often this is not a Lux Pack car, as there was all the Lux Pack options were available as single options. There was also a single option of an electric drivers seat only without memory, and quite a few cars are poorly advertised as having electric seats, but in fact only have this non mem electric drivers seat option.