9-3 Sportwagon - Why Not?

[DaveyBoyWonder]

Thinking about getting one of these. Currently running two cars but a change in job circumstances means we can go down to running one car again (plus maybe a weekend toy at some point in the future!) and for the price (£7k'ish), these seem like a decent buy. Might go for the 2.0T but the 1.9TiD seems to be more common and cheaper to run.

So... what do people think? I know its a GM product blah blah blah and it'll only really be getting used to ferry the family around and for holidays and strapping my bike/board to the roof for weekends away. So for that, would it be a decent buy?

The one unknown is what impact (if any) Saab recently going under and being resurrected means in terms of servicing/parts? I use my local independent garage for all the work on my cars but will they find getting parts etc a PITA?

Any help appreciated,
Dave

[DaveyBoyWonder]

Oh and what do the trim levels (Vector, Linear etc) equate to?

[gawdlpus]

Why would be a better question as there are better cars out there for 7k .
Certainly forget the 1.9 150 diesel. Awful reliability and expensive to repair....just have a look at the Saab forums. They look nice but the build quality is useless and they are nothing special.

[JensenA]

If you want something a little 'different' I'd go for an Accord Tourer. You'll get a good one for £7k, with all the toys, and they're a very good car.

eg.... Accord

[DaveyBoyWonder]

Is that opinions of owners / ex-owners? Accord might be an option as I like my Hondas. Owt else? Passat is on the list but you seem to get sod all equipment on the ones between 7 and 8k (SE and S models don't even get rear leccy windows!).

[JensenA]

DaveyBoyWonder said:

Is that opinions of owners / ex-owners? Accord might be an option as I like my Hondas. Owt else? Passat is on the list but you seem to get sod all equipment on the ones between 7 and 8k (SE and S models don't even get rear leccy windows!).

The Accord was the Auto Express Estate of the Year for a few years running. thay have all the toys, great build quality, great engine, cavernous load area - go and drive one.

[NST]

Hi

I run a Sportwagen,

things to look out for an early Sportwagon :

-Rattling rear tail gate -this is mainly the interior plastics. can be fixed with very simple foam inserts.
-Rear tailgate is alu, make sure it doens't have any corrosion. The issue is isolated and not wide spread. just look under the number plate and silver plastic trim. if possible get the number plate taken off to have a good look.

More generally :
Interior plastics and build quality not great.
1.9 diesel unit not that reliable but does provide excellent performance.


HTH

NST

[The_Jackal]

Try and stretch to an 07 facelift model, the interiors are much better.

[Prof Beard]

If you want a Saab and a lugger, why not for for a 9-5 Estate - a better car than the 9-3SW IMHO?

[Syd knee]

I run an Aero 2.8 sportwagen, it is 5 years old next week, never missed a beat, only rutine servicing and wearing parts. No ratles No problems No hastle. Goes like stink and looks totaly anonomouse.
If your ego does not need others to look at you go get.

[RedLeicester]

DaveyBoyWonder said:

Oh and what do the trim levels (Vector, Linear etc) equate to?

Linear = Bog spec
Vector = Sportyish spec
Arc = Luxury spec (may be 9-5 only, can't remember)
Aero = Sports spec with sports engines.