9-3 2.8Tadvice

9-3 2.8Tadvice

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Discussion

Thejimreaper

Original Poster:

3,178 posts

212 months

Sunday 27th September 2009
quotequote all
Hi

I have been looking at the 2.8T estates recently and you seem to get a fair bit for your money. I am looking to change my car and fancy an estate as I have now got two dogs, and I got the camping bug recently. I still want something that will keep up with the other machinery on the PH runs I regularly attend. I have not long got rid of a '06 Subaru Impreza STI as I hated having to pay £400 a year for tax. It would appear this Saab model comes in in the same tax band, so I have been looking at the 2005/2006 (55plate) models to avaoid this problem. I have a budget of £12k which would appear to cover it.

Does anyone know of any common problems with this model to look out for when buying? Also what mpg can i reaslistically expect to get? Various places suggest 27-35, which would be fine. Has anyone driven the auto and what is it like?

Many thanks

Jim

dannytherev

2,370 posts

192 months

Monday 28th September 2009
quotequote all
Allright Jim there are a few build quality problems with the 9-3's and also check this out
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Quite a common fault don't let me put you off the 9-3 though with that engine pretty rapid

Syd knee

3,132 posts

212 months

Tuesday 29th September 2009
quotequote all
I have had one from new, apart from routine servicing no problems. 42,000 miles. If you want a wolf in sheeps clothing it is the business. consumption is bottom end of your list when driven enthusiasticaly and I deffie you not to. If you are offering £12k you can have mine.

Thejimreaper

Original Poster:

3,178 posts

212 months

Tuesday 29th September 2009
quotequote all
Syd knee said:
I have had one from new, apart from routine servicing no problems. 42,000 miles. If you want a wolf in sheeps clothing it is the business. consumption is bottom end of your list when driven enthusiasticaly and I deffie you not to. If you are offering £12k you can have mine.
Thanks for the comments chaps. A sheeps in wolfs clothing is what im looking for. What sort of MPG do you get then Sid??

Syd knee

3,132 posts

212 months

Tuesday 29th September 2009
quotequote all
I just went and asked its computer, 25.3. I rarely bother checking but on a recent trip to Paris it did 29. Its manual not auto, not that I can understand why anyone would want an auto.

Thejimreaper

Original Poster:

3,178 posts

212 months

Wednesday 30th September 2009
quotequote all
Syd knee said:
I just went and asked its computer, 25.3. I rarely bother checking but on a recent trip to Paris it did 29. Its manual not auto, not that I can understand why anyone would want an auto.
Thanks mate

NST

1,523 posts

250 months

Wednesday 30th September 2009
quotequote all
hi

currently run a 2.8T estate manual with hirsch upgrade. if you want performance facts and figures look at the Hirsch website.

it isn't a STI, but what it is a good practical fast ish estate with a good engine.

it isn't however a car that likes to be chucked around or be driven hard (the brakes can't cope).

but i do like it. certainly rapid, it easily has the measure of the current hot hatches (Focus ST, GTI ED30, R32, Megane sport 225 etc).

there are issues which imho are minor. spark plugs and coolant header tank issues, other than that its been reliable in that it hasn't let me down. just small problems that could have been sorted quicker.

my mpg to work this morning was 32mpg. i usually get around 310-330miles from a tank. i could get 400 if i kept it off the turbo but that wouldn't be fun smile

town work usually 25/26mpg.

sorry for the rushed reply if you have any specific question i will try and reply to them later to day.

cheer
NST

Thejimreaper

Original Poster:

3,178 posts

212 months

Wednesday 30th September 2009
quotequote all
NST said:
hi

currently run a 2.8T estate manual with hirsch upgrade. if you want performance facts and figures look at the Hirsch website.

it isn't a STI, but what it is a good practical fast ish estate with a good engine.

it isn't however a car that likes to be chucked around or be driven hard (the brakes can't cope).

but i do like it. certainly rapid, it easily has the measure of the current hot hatches (Focus ST, GTI ED30, R32, Megane sport 225 etc).

there are issues which imho are minor. spark plugs and coolant header tank issues, other than that its been reliable in that it hasn't let me down. just small problems that could have been sorted quicker.

my mpg to work this morning was 32mpg. i usually get around 310-330miles from a tank. i could get 400 if i kept it off the turbo but that wouldn't be fun smile

town work usually 25/26mpg.

sorry for the rushed reply if you have any specific question i will try and reply to them later to day.

cheer
NST
Thanks thats really helpful.

Pretty much answered all the questions I had. Dont get me wrong, I have no intentions of driving it like its an STI!!!

I have been looking at various estates and this is the only one that really ticks all the boxes for me.

I will keep you posted and no doubt come back to you when I have some more questions!!

Cheers

Jim