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Topic: Saab 93 1.9 Turbo Automatic

Vic Wildish

06/8/2010 at 5:21pm
Location: Knebworth Hertfordshire
Outfit: Vauxhall Insignia SE

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I'm in the frame for a Saab 93 1.9 Diesel Turbo Automatic on an 07 plate.

Does anyone have any experience of owning/towing with one of these cars?

My concern with it is that Saab are part of GM and as such this car is built on the floorpan of the Vectra model which I currently own. On top of that it is the very same engine and automatic gearbox so am I getting a Vectra in Saab clothing?

Would welcome comment/opinions/advice ie does the car have any generic wrinkles that I should be looking out for? The one I'm looking at has only done 20,000 miles so in diesel parlance, it's barely run-in.

Vic

Grampian91

07/8/2010 at 1:28pm
Location: Midlands
Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram

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Depends on the price, I wouldnt pay ££££ more for a jaguar x type when a mondeo is the same car in a different shape.

Lots of people do though, More money than sense? or badge snobs?

PigletandTigger

07/8/2010 at 1:43pm
Location: Dorset
Outfit: Lots.mainly Cabanons!

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I'm not sure how similar they are, I have an older, 02 reg Saab and whilst it's built on the same platform, it's very different from the Vectra and IMO the build quality is significantly better (I've owned mine from new).

It's easy to say "they are the same" but certainly with the older 93 model that isn't the case.

Check out the forums at somewhere like Saab Central for some informed advice.

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Piglet

Vic Wildish

07/8/2010 at 3:27pm
Location: Knebworth Hertfordshire
Outfit: Vauxhall Insignia SE

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I've just got back from having a test drive of the car and I must say that it performs every bit as well as my Vectra with the same engine but with a much greater degree of refinement ie smooth ride, less engine noise and so on.

Certainly build quality is better and seat comfort for me, a big bloke, was better.

Not sure that its badge snobbery with me, never even thought of Saab before now. Certainly from a quality point of view, the Saab is better by a country mile.

Just kicking the idea of such a radical change around now. The Saab is two years younger and has done half the mileage of my Vectra. Sounds like I'm talking myself into buying it, but I have read some horror stories about the marque on the various Saab forums and this is what is causing me to hesitate.

I spent almost a year getting the Vectra right, but that was all under warranty whereas this Saab is just out of manufacturers warranty and if these things start appearing could cost me literally thousands to put right.

I really am between a rock and a hard place over this.

Vic

Vic Wildish

07/8/2010 at 3:35pm
Location: Knebworth Hertfordshire
Outfit: Vauxhall Insignia SE

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Quote: Originally posted by Grampian91 on 07/8/2010
Depends on the price, I wouldnt pay ££££ more for a jaguar x type when a mondeo is the same car in a different shape.

Come off it,I bet you would if you could afford it.

For me the choice between a Jag and a Mondeo is a no brainer. If I could afford it, I'd have the Jag every time purely for the degree of luxury and comfort that you just don't get with a Mondeo.

Vic

PigletandTigger

07/8/2010 at 3:43pm
Location: Dorset
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From my experience - and bear in mind it's the earlier model - I had quite a lot of niggles in the early months of ownership (I've had mine from new) quite a lot of sensor failures that led to engine malfunction messages.

Since they have been solved I've had very few problems. I know this is asking for it to blow something major in the next few days but I've done very little to mine in 8 years of ownership.

Mine is the older 2.2 tdi engine and it's done 120,000 miles with very few problems.

If you go for a Saab then find yourself a Saab independent garage - there are lots of them around, they have the expertise to deal with the models but don't carry the dealer surcharge. My original dealer's aftercare was dreadful and I dumped them as soon as my free servicing deal had run out! The Saab independent I use is fab, they often have second had parts and when I stuck it in the ditch the other day they saved it from being a write off.

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Piglet

664DaveS

07/8/2010 at 9:04pm
Location: Shropshire
Outfit: Bailey Phoenix GT 75

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I have had a 93 convertible since Feb and we love it. Have had no problems with it Itsa 1.9tid manual. It has plenty of power and is economical. Am considering a towbar as it will tow our van.

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Petemate

07/8/2010 at 11:26pm
Location: Kennington OXFORD
Outfit: 2005 Eccles Sterling Topaz 2 berth

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Well, as one can see from my other posts on this forum, I am well pleased with our Saab. We have the 1.9 TDi Sportwagon 150 BHP. It has the same engine as many Vauxhalls, Fiats and Alfas. But the car drives perfectly; very smooth and refined. I don't care that it has links with GM products - for us, it delivers just what we want and also has a certain up-market image. Our grand-daughter's grandma has a Vectra of the same vintage but complains of harsh drive train and poor quality interior. I can recognise the similarities regarding general service parts, eg brakes etc., but I am still very pleased with the car. Time will tell with regard to reliability but I have the advantage of commuting daily over motorway mileage and so far the car has given good MPG and excellent performance.
With regards to towing, I would say to anyone considering a Saab to go for it. The stability is top-notch - we haven't even had to fit rear suspension assisters, although they are in the workshop ready in case (same ones as were fitted to the Rover) The acid test was during our last holiday coming home from Dorset on a downhill stretch of the A34 in medium winds, when a White Van Man sped past us - not even a wiggle. We have an Alko 1300 stabiliset fitted, and compared with the Bulldog one we had on our Whirlwind, there is a bit of pitching but we can put up with that.
HTH
Pete

664DaveS

08/8/2010 at 6:44pm
Location: Shropshire
Outfit: Bailey Phoenix GT 75

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Apparantly a lot of the parts are common with Gm and Fiat, should make them cheaper? A work colleague has a Fiat Croma which apparantly has the same floorpan and engine/transmission.( Not as posh though!)

We owned a couple of the old style Saabs in the past, they were built like tanks and towed very well(900 turbo was very quick!). Parts and servicing were expensive but they were reliable.

Totally agree with he upmarket image, we have been out for a trundle in ours today, roof down luvverly!!!

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DS-There's more to life than football!!!

Vic Wildish

09/8/2010 at 9:02am
Location: Knebworth Hertfordshire
Outfit: Vauxhall Insignia SE

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Thank you so much for all your opinions and advice.

I have decided not to proceed with the purchase principally because the car had the same engine as I have now in my Vectra and when I first got that I was backwards and forwards to the garage for the first 9 months getting all sorts of sensor niggles and other bits sorted out.

Having done that once, I don't really want to let myself in for another lot especially as this car is just out of manufacturers warranty.

I think we can draw a veil of this thread - many thanks once again.

Vic

mattlad

10/8/2010 at 11:13am
Location: Worcestershire
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So what are you going to get then Vic?

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Love a lot. Trust a few. But ALWAYS paddle your own canoe!!

Minds are like parachutes:- They only function when they are open!!!
Those who talk don't know.
Those who know don't talk.

alanpwebb

17/8/2010 at 11:37am
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Just as a warding, we have an 04 saab 93 2.2. We have had a few problems with it, Having to have the Boost control valve replaced on it at a cost of £350 on top of the inlet valve which we had to have replaced last year at about £300 odd quid! But having said that, we love the car, its confortable, refined and get you out of spots when you need the power. Towing with it is ok, We also have a Vauxhall Signum (same floor plan) and we have founf many of the part the same! The gignum Does tow better than the saab though!.

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