SAAB

[reg]

Hi,iv been looking at the 02 SAAB 9-3 20T SE and the 01 SAAB 9-5 20T VECTOR,
they both have much the same spec,but does anyone know what the difference is with the two models,
thanks
Mark

[Dyna]

The main difference is the model....

The '02 9-3 you are looking at is a hatchback with the B205 engine, in SE spec 185 hp and running Trionic 7 engine management. Nice car, very thin & high-looking compared to the later 9-3's, but its a hatchback - you can fit virtually anything in it ! Handy when you have two large dogs and dont want a estate... of a couple of MTB's or lots of RC kit ! I presume you are looking at the 3-door and not the 5 door ?

Fuel economy is suprisingly good, parts are relatively cheap, its extremely quick and it dosent have too many inherent problems - the old sludging problem isnt so much of a concern these days as they will have been sorted out by now with a clean out and the latest oil breathing kit.

The '01 9-5 is the larger model, booted with 4 doors - basically larger all round. A family car. I personally dont like it myself - i still prefer the old 9000 for the larger Saab - but if you do have a large family its great. It also runs the B205 engine in 2.0 litre form, basically the same so the same rules apply as for the 9-3's engine. But larger car, slightly slower. And a bit boring tbh

Ive been a Saab fan for years for 9000's and early 900 Turbos, i had the same choice as you for a buisness car recently so i went for a '01 Saab 9-3 Viggen with the biggest engine they put in it - the B325 with 230 hp.... Great fun, cheap to run, huuuuge boot, its as quick as anything your likely to meet, and i still get 35mpg if i drive steady

Also look at the 9-3 Aero HOT up to '02 - same bodykit as the Viggen but with the 2.0 T engine. Better interiors in my opinion, and also not expensive. And a bit quicker than the SE. Oh, and if possible get a 3-door if you decide on a 9-3, they command better re-sale values than the 4 door. Early 9-5's are now cheap as chips - if it goes wrong, bin it and buy another....

If you need more info go on UKSaabs. Bets place for friendly information and advice if you require it.

[Robbiejuk]

Saab 95 is bigger than the 93. Like the diffence between a vectra and a omega. The 93 is hatchback and 95 is a saloon.

[reg]

wow thanks Dyna,just the info i was after,out the two the 02 has the least milage,only 46,000,only trouble is the cream leather,not to sure about it,both have full Saab service history,the 01 is in budget,but with 103,000 on the clock,

Thanks rob,you understand how my brain works

[jimmyfish]

Nice car if u want a vauxhall.

[reg]

Originally Posted by jimmyfish

Nice car if u want a vauxhall.

nothing wrong with vauxhall.......but i like the saab better

[daz]

Originally Posted by reg

nothing wrong with vauxhall as long as its not a Vectra or a diseasel.......but i like the saab better

EFA.

[wes j.]

Originally Posted by reg

Hi,iv been looking at the 02 SAAB 9-3 20T SE and the 01 SAAB 9-5 20T VECTOR,
they both have much the same spec,but does anyone know what the difference is with the two models,
thanks
Mark

We're not in our 60's yet mate .

[budfish]

Originally Posted by reg

nothing wrong with vauxhall.......but i like the saab better

The Saab 9-3 is based on a vectra!!!

[reg]

Originally Posted by budfish

The Saab 9-3 is based on a vectra!!!

i know!!!!!!!!!

[reg]

Originally Posted by daz

EFA.

i dont know why you edited my post,

wtf are you on about

[reg]

Originally Posted by wes j.

We're not in our 60's yet mate .

dont worry wes,the boot is big enough for all our stuff,and you

[Dave Dodd]

Does this mean you can drive now reg

be careful with anything thats got a z19dth engine in it , unless u make sure it gets serviced regularly and cambelt/waterpump every 50,000 plus injectors serviced every 100,000.

[daz]

Originally Posted by reg

i dont know why you edited my post,

wtf are you on about

You will soon find out if you buy a car based on a Vectra

[reg]

Originally Posted by Dave Dodd

Does this mean you can drive now reg

be careful with anything thats got a z19dth engine in it , unless u make sure it gets serviced regularly and cambelt/waterpump every 50,000 plus injectors serviced every 100,000.

i have been driving for 20 years,its only the last 3 years iv not needed a car,i drive at work

thanks Dave,ill make sure i ask

thanks Daz,very un helpfull as usual

[Chris56]

Bloody hell Mark, how did I miss this thread!

Although both the 9-3 and 9-5 are based on a Vauxhall platform, Saab has done plenty with these to make them very un-Vauxhall-like.

I've just acquired a 2002 9-5 Aero with 1 owner, 60K on clock for an unbelievable steal and it puts a smile on my face every time I jump into it! (250 BHP, 0-60 in 6.5 secs )

Out of the 9-3s, I definately prefer the 02 model to the later ones - in fastback they look more like proper Saabs.

I do agree that the 2.0t 9-5 model is a bit underpowered for the car's size.

If you can stretch to an Aero spec model I would as they SE spec is fitted with a Garrett turbocharger and the Aero is fitted with a Mitsubishi TD04 turbo (same on both the 9-3 and the 9-5, and the Scooby Impreza!!) - my understanding is that the Mitsubishi turbo is more reliable good for 150K, even though it is a high-pressure unit. There isn't much difference in the car's fuel economy so long as you don't go stupid with my right foot. I managed 40mpg on a return run to Luton airport.

Even though the 9-5 has a higher milage, I wouldn't be put off with high-milage Saabs - they are generally driven by people who look after them and are good for 200k miles.

If you want a blast in mne give me a shout

[Chris56]

Worth a look if you don't mind travelling:

http://www4.autotrader.co.uk/classif...ge/1?logcode=p

If you go for a 9-5, try and get a post 2002 model since these were drastically improved (better handling, sharper front end etc

[reg]

Hi Chris,thanks for the info,iv bought the 95 2.0t vector,after budget,insurance was the next thing,iv got no no claims so the sports model,at this pointis a nono,out of the 93 and 95 i do liked the look of the 95 better,

[Chris56]

Was it the one from Vee-Dub cars? if so it looks a nice motor! They aren't the cheapest cars to insure: my Aero is costing me £800 per year, and thats with 12 years NCB!

[reg]

no its from a garage,12 months MOT,full saab service history and a month or 1000 miles warranty,i pay £700 with no NCB,and a claim in the last 5 years