Hi guys.

Bobbing into the main section from my usual haunt in the Octavia section to discuss this.

So, for various reasons looking to get an estate, as well as fancying something different. Always loved the Aero TTiDs and can't believe what you can get for your money!

I know they are a Fiat lump... Same as my old 1.9cdti Vectra. Just wondering what your thoughts on them are, mainly... Reliability?

I have my own thoughts based on the Vectra.. Which I didn't find to bad... But my bigger thought is, my CR diesel VRS has a storming engine... Would the Saab be lesser?

I do 70miles a day, and of course would look at a private warranty... Love the Saab... But it's that swap from VAG engine to Fiat...

What do you guys think? More to the point.. Do you understand my thinking?

Thanks

Mike

Isn't it just a vectra in disguise?

Downgrade from a Cr octy, imo.

I don't think the ttid is actually a fiat engine. Its based on one but Saab's run a different setup entirely to even Vauxhall.

I like Saab's. Go and drive one..it won't be as refined as the octy CR but its a bit special

Didn't they used to annoy Vauxhall because they used their gear and stuff under a license agreement but changed it all so much that they bared hardly any resemblance in the end? Sure I remember Clarkson going on about it. On another note I've often been tempted by a Saab, get loads for your money and some of the high output ones are pretty impressive. Looked after they go forever, classified ads are full of 100k miles plus cars and they tend to be well looked after. Would I switch from VAG to one now? I'm not sure I would, but I understand why you're asking yourself the question. What would concern me is servicing and parts. I only test drove one once, was nice but not as involving or as full of character as a Seat,Skoda,VW. Less of a drivers car, more of a cruiser I reckon.

Parts are plentiful, there is a huge service and parts network. GM got annoyed as they gave Saab a Vectra and said "do a bit of styling and leave it at that" and they came up with the 9-3..where nothing is shared with the vectra. Then the insignia was given to them and they were told not to go wild and they created the last gen 9-5 which was awesome to look at.

The Saab engines have a special ECU system..trident or something.

Hmmm... Yes it's got my head in a tiz!

As a car package my Octavia VRS is more refined.. I just love the look of the Saab Aero... Looks better stance and proportion to my Octavia.

Your right.. Need to test drive one! Wouldn't want to end up owning the saab wishing I had my Octavia!

Mmm... Back on the thinking!

only reason i wouldnt buy a 9-3 is the road tax cost for one in my price range over here. I couldnt come to newer than 07 so would be on old capacity tax rate like me octy, but a 2.2l, almost all over here seem to be, would be mad money to tax. My 1.9tdi is 670 quid /yr. I wasnt sure about the parts etc after the factory closed. Glad theres still loads around!

only reason i wouldnt buy a 9-3 is the road tax cost for one in my price range over here. I couldnt come to newer than 07 so would be on old capacity tax rate like me octy, but a 2.2l, almost all over here seem to be, would be mad money to tax. My 1.9tdi is 670 quid /yr. I wasnt sure about the parts etc after the factory closed. Glad theres still loads around!

Is that £670 or €670?

As for the saab the basic 1.9 lump is the same as the vauxhall & fiat, i cant comment on its management system tho. My mum has a zafira with the same engine and its torquey enough around town but lacks the oomph on the motorway IMO but im used to my octavia. The saabs do look great tho

Isnt the TTiD a twin turbo?

Just avoid the 4wd system a few of the high end ones have, seems to have problems and spares are hard to get.

 

I know a bloke with a 55 plate 95 Areo and he likes it and has no problems getting it serviced. Looks like it's wearing the years well.

My dad has one of the last proper Saab 9-3's (before Vauxhall got hold of them) and its never skipped a beat. 

Is that £670 or €670?

The saabs do look great tho

Isnt the TTiD a twin turbo?

its euros, but still makes me cry a little bit every year paying it, i reckon its why there not many 1.9s for sale - anyone with one isnt letting it go! I love the look of the saabs, but im a structural engineer so part of their target market i dunno about the twin turbo.

Isn't it just a vectra in disguise?

Downgrade from a Cr octy, imo.

If you listen to top gear, they reckon Saab went bust because they changed soo much of the car to better stuff than vauxhall could provide. Spent too much money.

How true it is, I've no idea.

Defo rather a Saab than a vauxhall though

"Stance?" - god, I must be getting old...

not much help but I can point you to a man who does a good line in turtle neck sweaters and frameless glasses :yes:

I looked at the Saabs when on the hunt for my current car.  They were unbelievably cheap for what you got, especially the V6 versions but as Lee01 said, they were a bit pipe & slippers.  I freely admit that they seemed to be nicer inside than the equivalent Vauxhall and probably don't squeak and rattle as much but each time I looked at one it left me thinking, 'Meh...'

 

If I ever grow up I might consider a Saab as they look like lovely places to sit and contemplate if another Werther's Original might be taking things too far or not.

I have a 1.9 Multijet FIAT for 8 years from new - it is crap.  I would avoid anything with that donk in.

Edited 20 December, 201411 yr by camelspyyder

My mate has the 9-3X TTiD and it's brilliant, he's ran it for almost three years without putting a spanner to it other than service. I'd have one without a doubt.

Plus saab are back producing the 9-3 again.

Edited 20 December, 201411 yr by mdon

Personal opinion is the 1.9 isn't actually such a bad engine, is just the magnetti marelli electrics. But then saab redid the electrics...

Having read my first post I realised it sounded negative.  Sorry about that.

 

I'm a complete chav so therefore a well screwed together, reliable and very safe car isn't going to be top of my list.  However, knowing people who have Saabs and have done for years I can appreciate that they are great cars and make a decent alternative choice to the norm. 

 

Drive one and see what you think.  If it floats yer boat then go for it as that's what matters most.  I know someone who has the 1.9 engine in a Fiat and as camelspyyder said he was annoyed at the engine for it being a bit underwhelming.  However, a remap later and he's happier with how it pulls the car around although it has started to make strange noises.  That could be down to the cheap map though.

 

All the reviews I read seemed positive but as with all cars they have particular quirks but on the whole most owners are happy with them.

 

I lurked here for a while to read up on things before making my decision,

 

http://www.saabclub.co.uk/

 

http://www.saabscene.com/forum/index.php?s=d1b2b3a59f066dc2857b5bec61a31da0

 

This isn't the cheapest out there but it looks like a good example.

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Saab-9-3-Estate-AERO-TTID-FULL-LEATHER-/181533771150?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2a4441858e

 

Although this place is near you in Stockport & they have three in stock.

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SAAB-9-3-1-9-TTiD-AERO-/171541072543?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item27f0a50a9f

 

Cheers,

 

Andrew.

Thanks for all the input guys.

Well, my budget is 8.5k ish, which should get me a nice 58/59 plate around 60-70,000 miles.

I've spotted the one you linked to Andrew, that's basically what I'm looking at. Have found a black with cream leather one near me.. Been to see it and it does look special!

Going to test drive it tomorrow... See what I think of it!

Kinda want something substantial, family, reliable and a bit different...

I'd be interested to know what you think as the one in Stockport looks like a decent example.  Interesting thing is they have the saloon and convertible version in as well so you'd be able to compare them easily.

After borrowing a 9-3 Viggen in the late 90s, I'd never own a Saab. Build quality on the 9-3 is shocking for a semi-premium brand. 

That's the exact one... Hoping it will be good as it looked nice in showroom?

Have my eye on few others but looking forward to driving it... Will see?

Aye, same on the results for the test drive, some of the Saab tourers looks good, like the cross country variant version

After borrowing a 9-3 Viggen in the late 90s, I'd never own a Saab. Build quality on the 9-3 is shocking for a semi-premium brand.

Really? They are just as good as any other premium brand, no squeaks or rattles and built to last.