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Off-topic chat, Help, Advice, General motoring issues / Long time coming...
« on: 25 May 2023, 10:01:08 AM »
I've not been here much recently, I dropped by and saw the post about where the forum can go in the future, but it brings me to another thought....
My 2007 9-3 Aero sport wagon is now 16, it has been a total joy to own, it's currently sitting on 133k, I got it 7 years ago at 82k, since then it's really not had anything "bad" go wrong with it. In that time I replaced all of the suspension, a couple of sets of tyres, back box at the recent MOT, it did need a new power steering pump and replacement vacuum pump, new air-con condenser, battery, drivers door lock but none of those were expensive or particularly bothersome as the car always kept rolling... I had only ever purchased it thinking I'd keep it 4-5 years, but it's been a very good car.
Anyway, it's getting a little bit worn around the edges now, I think it needs relegating to be a second car in the next year or two, I don't know how long I'll keep it but it's an expensive thing to tax each year (over £600 now!)...
So, what do I replace it with? I had considered a Subaru, but they seem to have given up making fast and interesting cars in recent years... maybe a Skoda Kodiak? none of BMW/Audi/VW appeal much to me, I had considered a Alfa Giulia but they only do a saloon. Citroen no longer make anything sufficiently weird for my tastes, I had considered a Mondeo, but Ford stopped making them... perhaps a Focus? Volvo might be a safe bet, but they just feel too appliance like and a bit bland.
Does anyone have any suggestions that won't break the bank with stupid repairs? and that doesn't feel like I'm buying a kitchen appliance...
My 2007 9-3 Aero sport wagon is now 16, it has been a total joy to own, it's currently sitting on 133k, I got it 7 years ago at 82k, since then it's really not had anything "bad" go wrong with it. In that time I replaced all of the suspension, a couple of sets of tyres, back box at the recent MOT, it did need a new power steering pump and replacement vacuum pump, new air-con condenser, battery, drivers door lock but none of those were expensive or particularly bothersome as the car always kept rolling... I had only ever purchased it thinking I'd keep it 4-5 years, but it's been a very good car.
Anyway, it's getting a little bit worn around the edges now, I think it needs relegating to be a second car in the next year or two, I don't know how long I'll keep it but it's an expensive thing to tax each year (over £600 now!)...
So, what do I replace it with? I had considered a Subaru, but they seem to have given up making fast and interesting cars in recent years... maybe a Skoda Kodiak? none of BMW/Audi/VW appeal much to me, I had considered a Alfa Giulia but they only do a saloon. Citroen no longer make anything sufficiently weird for my tastes, I had considered a Mondeo, but Ford stopped making them... perhaps a Focus? Volvo might be a safe bet, but they just feel too appliance like and a bit bland.
Does anyone have any suggestions that won't break the bank with stupid repairs? and that doesn't feel like I'm buying a kitchen appliance...