93 with the 2.8 v6 in a cab advise

[cheeky_chops]

Any pointer/reliability/costs with the 2.8 V6? Going to see one with 30k miles on it - I know its top £400 pa tax, also average 25mpg. Aero spec, elec seats, no satnav and was £32k new seems a bargain at <£10k.

cheers

[NST]

hi

running a 2.8T sportwagen as a daily hack. do around 20-25K a year.

obviously £400 tax..


my own comments about the car generally :
-if 18" alloys the tyres alittle more expensive then normal due to being an odd size.
-18" make the ride alittle harsh.. but make the car look so much better.
-brakes (i have hirsch upgraded brakes) i think are 'ok'
-interior quality is poor.. i like design and layout though. lots of creaking/rattling
-leather quality is poor.
-stereo isn't great for sound quality.
- gearbox shift quality isn't great.

-the engine is lovely, smooth and powerful. lots of torque when you need it.
- good performance
- mpg imho is excellent for the performance.
- practical.
- handles well.

look out for :
-coolant head tank leak (i have had this replaced under warranty)
-lumber adjustment is known to break (replaced under warranty)
-dimming interior SID display (software update -under warranty)
-front tyres don't last long..

regarding MPG :
i drive the car with climate set to auto and AC on, this effects the overall consumption by 2-3mpg.

i do 90% motorway driving so depending on driving style..
'rapid' progress = 28mpg
'regular driving' (not fast/not slow) = 32/33mpg
'economy driving 60-65mph = 35/36mpg

if you hoof if around in town/b roads expect low/mid 20s.

HTH

NST

[aeropilot]

cheeky_chops said:

Any pointer/reliability/costs with the 2.8 V6? Going to see one with 30k miles on it - I know its top £400 pa tax, also average 25mpg. Aero spec, elec seats, no satnav and was £32k new seems a bargain at <£10k.

I'm guessing it's a pre-current shape at that price.

The 2.8V6 does have a bit of a drink problem around town, better on a run though. Lots of torque, especially so after a relatively cheap remap

Factory Nav isn't that great so not a big issue, the leccy seats are a big bonus as the 9-3 has a pecuilar 'rocking' seat adjustment on the manual seats.
Audio upgrade (preferably the 13 speaker one) is a must as the standard system is pants.
Give it a good run over some iffy road surfaces to cheack for interior/dash rattles and squeeks as this can be a problem.

TBH, the 2.0 Aero version is a better car.

[cheeky_chops]

thanks for the pointers!

Its just out of warranty, late 55 plate. Not sure about the wheels (look 17" in the pics) or if the stereo has been upgraded. All good questions! Will check out the rattles as we have a honda accord as a family car so is pretty good quality.

When i mention remap the missus goes mad! - fed up of the cash i continually spend on my VXR220!

You reckon the 2.0 aero is a better bet? On cost and/or drive? Insurance for us is £100pa and tax £200pa more than the 2.0 aero so no great shakes.

And i havent owned a V6 before!

Edited by cheeky_chops on Tuesday 17th February 17:15

[gawdlpus]

As someone who has sold Saab's for the last 21 years I have to point out that in no way what so ever is the 2.0 litre Aero a better car . I have driven 1,000's of Saab's over the years and the 2.8 is the one to buy . At under £10000 it's a steal as I'm sure it would make that or more in the trade at the moment.

[aeropilot]

cheeky_chops said:

You reckon the 2.0 aero is a better bet? On cost and/or drive?

I was a bit underwhelmed by the V6 I drove, although it's is deceptive in it's delivery, very linear etc., but I didn't like the feeling there was more weight up front with the V6 and in a fwd car, especially a ragtop, I would go for a 2.0T Aero (with a few 'cough' tweeks to bring it up to V6 levels)....but I still prefer my B235R over both of those GM engines.

[NST]

I can't comment on the 2.0T, the 2.8T does have a soft linear power delivery and the soft throttle response which imho hides any feeling of instant power. the torque delivery from 1500rpm to 4000+ rpm means no need to wait for the turbo to kick in, just a case of press the loud pedal and over take in one swoop. sometimes it feels fast as the jag (its not but feels it)

cheers
NST

[cheeky_chops]

cock - been gazumped! Somebody has come up from Wales this morning Guy said he would let me know by 11, haven't heard anything so i guess its gone...

With the prospect of saab folding as soon as next month, i shall keep my powder dry!

Edited by cheeky_chops on Wednesday 18th February 11:49

[aeropilot]

cheeky_chops said:

With the prospect of saab folding as soon as next month, i shall keep my powder dry!

That's very wise move TBH.

[NST]

not looking good for Saab at the moment. real shame, that GM really didn't fully invest in Saab properly.

looks like our saabs will be worth all of £5 if saab fold.

[cheeky_chops]

yea... shame, remember going a old 900 16v T was bloody fast for a piece of granite!

I bought my current shed, a p reg rover 214 about 2 months after rover went into administration in 2005 - paid £350. Prob get £600+ for it now!! If they do go bump, there will be a knee jerk reaction as new cars will be offloaded for peanuts. If they dont, Spring is going to force up prices.... Do we wait or go for it now?? Choices, choices...

Edited by cheeky_chops on Wednesday 18th February 21:27