Ok so I've taken a fair bashing with the gags about Saabs being Vectra clones but it's time to stand up for it (and my decision to get one in the first place). It's ealry days but can genuinely say I'm thoroughly enjoying ownership of a Saab and in particular the fabulous engine this thing has, low down torque and outright acceleration is very impressive!

Saabs may not have the build quality reputation that an equivalent German alternative have but there is deffinately a 'quikiness' about the driving experience and ownership, some of the details are exceptional, for example the seats are very comfortable, the display clear and functional, stereo fantastic, handling better than my old Octy and frankly I'm loving the experience behind the wheel as it's a nice place to be!

My fellow Briskodians had pleasure in taking the mick yet again on Saturday at the Allams meet teasing me to the fact they thought I'd bought the wrong car and should have gone for the new Superb but with hand on heart I know I made the right decision, the Saab 9-3 TTiD Aero is a good car, end of

I for one hope that Saab pull through their current difficulties

Actual pics to follow soon but have these company images to give you a flavour as to what I'm talking about........................

Edited 23 February, 200917 yr by Makefish

I have a soft spot for Saabs, having had a couple ( in the dim and distant past, admittedly )

They always have looked 'interesting' which for me is a big plus point.

I do remember my old boss' 53 plate 2.0T Saab 93 Aero. Was nice enough, but economy was awful and for a 210hp turbo petrol, it didn't really go as fast as I would have liked. However, it felt nice to drive and was a pleasant car to be in. There's no way I could have lived with the thirst of it, or the list price (when I found out how much it was :eek: )

Still say you should have bought the Superb, sorry.

Still say you should have bought the Superb, sorry.

No need to be sorry Des afterall the Superb is without doubt a good car but like I said on Saturday it aint a car that you'd want to jump in it and going for a drive for the sheer hell of it and besides, I dont run a Taxi firm or am I at pensionable age just yet!

mate i did my apprenticeship with saab uk and can say you really cant go wrong with these they are a well built and strong car...the dash is a bit gash but always has been they never got that right.

send it to abbot racing

the viggen 9-3 was an animal of a car. we serviced one that was running 450 bhp+

p.s i still have some very good contacts so if you need anything just drop me a pm

nice car mate

Well, as much as it is HUGE fun taking the mickey out of you for it Steve, it has to be said that its a stunning looking car (just a lip spoiler needed to finish it off ) a really nice interior, excellent seats, and an absolute STORMER of an engine!! Really good shove in the back which just keeps on going and going! Really easy to make excellent progress. Thoroughly enjoyed the wee drive I had in it. Power delivery is much smoother than a PD170, but not quite as smooth as a CR170 imho.

Its a difficult one. As a company motor, I still think I'd opt for a CR 170 DSG Superb for hacking up and down the motorways. But as a daily driver, the Saab is more fun to drive, and a hell of a lot more stylish!!

Actally I'd still take the Superb I think. But I can't fault your decision of going with the Saab Steve.

... and trust me, I really wanted to hate it!

Always quite fancied the SAAB convertable, but even with the 11K off list being offered I can't quite bring myself to spend the 19 big ones, especially if they do go tits up and the warranty ends up worthless :(

Have to say though Steve - if they do put that engine in the 159 I'd take that instead over anything! Love the 159, the only disappointing thing was the engine is a bit gutless.

I love the look of the Saabs (always have) and I would love to get behind the wheel of one again, sadly the boot space on the estate was lacking which I needed.

Still, glad you like it though Steve.

I've always liked Saabs. Very capable mile munchers with the best seats in the business IMO. I personally like the dash layout and style and the quirkiness of the whole thing! So with an engine that's decent and economical (never a Saab strong point), with a decent handling chassis I'd say there was a pretty convincing argument.

Good effort Steve

They stopped making the 2 strokes then?

Just picked up on this thread and would be good to see some actual pictures of the car Steve?

I like the look of Saab's and my old house mate had a 9-3 Aero which I drove around for a while and I loved it, nice interior and like you said the seats were great but the 2.2 TDI engine was way too loud for my liking............they are styled nicely and with some modding I am sure they can look even better.........

Would I have a new Superb or a Saab, I think I would be a tough one but on looks the Saab wins IMHO..........