[brian m]

...vauxhall Insignia. the SAAB would be? older but the same price or dearer than the vauxhall, i have my eye on a 59 plate 1.8ltr petrol sallon with 6 miles on the clock. 6. any advice would be welcome.
I see what you are saying but i do holiday a lot in the UK and like having the car for long distances, I dont think i would be as comfortable in a smaller car if im driving back and forth to all corners of the UK. the last SAAB i had was written off (not my fault) but despite being a lovely car i felt it was a little cheap looking inside and although the insignia doesnt have a lot of bells and whistles either it still looks nice inside and out.

[Neil]

It depends what you want from it.
The SAAB will hold its value better.
However, the 9-3 is based on the old Opel/Vauxhall Vectra platform, so is a generation older than the Insignia.

Personally, of the two I'd choose the Insignia, but as I couldn't fit either in my garage I wouldn't actually choose either for me.

[Leeky]

The 9-3 is based on the Vectra C GM platform, but doesnt have the same rear passenger space as one.

I've had mine 2 years now (9-3 Sports saloon), its been ultra reliable, holds its value much better, and I literally havent had a single thing go wrong with it, with the exception of the EGR which clogs up, but just needs cleaning and then its fine - Though at no point does it affect performance or economy.

I would choose a Saab over the Insignia any day of the week. They are so much better built, have plenty of toys, and for some reason are so much more reliable than their GM counterparts.

If you want to know any information about 9-3s, then get in touch, I dont mind giving a more detailed run-down in regards to things you want to know most - Just PM me mate.

[ianhad]

Just bear in mind that a SAAB is a modified Vauxhall, they use the same basic bodyshell and components.

[Leeky]

	Quote:
	Originally Posted by ianhad Just bear in mind that a SAAB is a modified Vauxhall, they use the same basic bodyshell and components.

Thats a rather crude way of saying it. They share the same monoframe, and GM stamped parts used throughout the brand name of GM, but the suspension, geometry, the handling characteristics, in fact everything that makes ti what it is, is Saab.

A Saab is not, as you put it, a modified Vauxhall, its a completely re-engineered car.

The only thing that lets down some of the Saab's is the plasticy feel to some of the plastics used inside the car... Other than that, they are engineered very well. Also, even though some of the plastics feel cheap, they have lasted daily abuse from me, and 2 kids and 2 different drivers. So the plastics are well built, they just feel cheap.