[Brennan]

Well this is it guys, after a somewhat troubled year of BMW ownership, ive decided to move on to something different. Decided to go for a new SAAB 9-3 Aero TTiD 180.

Few of you may know, i put the beemer on the market a couple of weeks ago, basically just fancied something different and with a bit more grunt.

Seen this car advertised and liked the look of it, so went up to see it and was able to make a deal. Thing about these cars is that there is very few of them on the roads, especially facelift Aero models and even moreso now.






Has every conceivable extra on it from the factory so couldnt really turn it down, the spec is

1.9 Twin Turbo Diesel 180 Aero
Brand new 19" Voltage alloys & tyres
DVD Satellite Navigation
Full leather heated sports seats
Integraded bluetooth system
Climate Control
Bi-Xenon headlights

Will miss the beemer when it goes, originally looked at a 330 but they are still very expensive to insure, but i only keep my cars around a year so i may consider one next year. I think no-one will deny the Saab is a great looking car, it is a really nice car to drive and extremely comfy.
It may not be as well built or as tight to drive as a BMW but it has bags of character and the power output after a remap would put a 330d to shame.

I just basically want to say thanks for the support and information over the past year and a half, as ive said, i had a troubled time with the E90, im not going to tar all BMWs with the same brush, i probably just bought a lemon, but i have had fun times with the car too.

I'll still pop in from time to time and who knows, i may return to BMW in the near future

[RagingKileak]

To be honest, I think some of the things you've mentioned might raise an eyebrow or two but I am glad you're happy, especially if you've been having trouble with your BM.

I've found it's not so much other marques getting better lately, but BMW dropping the ball. The F30 (which I still think looks dull) is apparently going to put them back on track though so it will be interesting to see what the long term tests read like.

Enjoy.

Rgds
Matt

[xenon]

I bought a brand-new 9-3 Convertible in '04 because it was available and I needed something quickly after changing jobs and losing the company car. I agree that it's the most comfortable car I've ever driven and it looked great with the roof down. Sold it after a year though because it was just so uninspiring to drive and if you re-mapped it (mine was the 2.0t petrol) the torque steer was pretty bad.

That does look a nice motor though.

[Kerr]

Looks good and better luck with this car.

With a remap and 210-220bhp, I don't think it will push a 330d too hard though.

[mowflow]

I've always had a bit of a soft spot for SAABs and appreciate their history of completely and utterly over engineering everything in a safety aspect. Not sure if it's the same given recent developments with the company.

To me it's a much nicer looking car than the E90 or even the F30 (apart from the 330d F31 in Estoril that I saw last night ).

Always good to get shot of a lemon.

[MEGA]

I'm not sure I'd buy the last car from an extinct car maker. And it is much slower than what you had. But I've always had a soft spot for saabs. Real shame the way the company has gone..

[dobbo99]

nice looking car.

my step father has just bought a 9-3 estate, the 2.8 twin turbo thing, its quality.
good value for money as well.

[Brennan]

Cheers guys, this one has the twin turbo diesel engine, similar to the set up in the 335d, the thing i liked the most was the fact that they are a rare sight on UK roads, i love the character and quirkyness of them and they are indeed very safe cars

[rich1068]

I had a 9/3 1.9TDI 150 Vector Sport before my E91. It was OK if a little unexciting. Did the job though.

How do you go on for possible warranty issues with Saab now?

Does look very nice btw.

[xenon]

It's 2008 so no warranty anyway. A few indys about to get parts from.

[Brennan]

As xenon said no warranty on an 08 car, but I know of a Saab specialist and my local Saab dealer also still does extended warranty/servicing and repairs through the SAAB GB parts company

[davyk31]

Saabs generally do look pretty good, just a bit wooden in the chassis department and wheelspin crazy on anything with a bit of power.

[dxb335d]

I think it looks alright Arron mate. I wouldn't own one myself though.

My 82 year old grandad has just bought a Saab Aero estate 2.3 turbo petrol. Circa 250HP that's Gangsta for an 82 yr old!!

[rich1068]

^^ A sort of motoring praise sandwich that one

[Brian mc21]

Best of luck with it Aaron and i hope it gives you less gip than the e90. Now do me a deal with your csl s.

[Brennan]

Originally Posted by Brian mc21

Best of luck with it Aaron and i hope it gives you less gip than the e90. Now do me a deal with your csl s.

lol unforunately the csls are going with the car mate but thanks

[TMP]

Looks in great condition mate, and nice for a Saab.

No BM though when it comes to performance or driving.

[Brennan]

Originally Posted by TMP

Looks in great condition mate, and nice for a Saab.

No BM though when it comes to performance or driving.

Might try to stick a hybrid main turbo in the car, then remap it, that would see some serious gains from standard

[dakhu1]

That looks sweet and well done for being different!

[Chris100]

Looks pretty nice, stick up a few shots of the interior.

[makkan00]

I guess Saab is left with just a good looking body kit!

It puts me off due to the fact that 'GM' produces the spare parts for these cars (& so for Vauxhall).

Originality of Saab is gone long time ago....

[Brennan]

Thanks guys. I think the whole appeal of Saab was to be different, and not to follow the crowd. They prided themselves on their 'left field' approach to things.

It may be on the same Epsilon platform but it feels much more premium than your run of the mill Vauxhall. The whole reason why GM and Saab fell out was because Saab was costing GM so much money by fitting superior parts to their cars, Saab wanted to distance themselves from the budget brands that GM stood for. Shortly after this, Saab was dropped by GM and sold to Spyker Cars.

Most of you im sure have seen the Top Gear episode with the history of Saab. Listen to what clarkson says at 13.15 onwards.