What car would you have if it wasn't a Saab?

[silversam]

Well Mrs silversam has just had to trade in her 9-3 2.2 Diesel - 130k, original but just about to go clutch, knackered sid,  seats pulling up at the front etc etc.  So she settled for an Audi  A4 estate diesel and is delighted. I still have my 9-5 Estate and will be keeping it.

Me, well a tidy old Landy would be brill - for lugging the boat around, launching it and getting out of the village when we have the wrong sort of snow!

Silversam

[Martin]

A Merc - S320 (if I can afford it) or a CLK 320 CDI (more likely)

[zorganator]

Currently drive a Saab 93 Aero running 250bhp with remap and 19" Zito alloy wheels. Also own a Ford Orion that I am restoring...

If I didnt have a Saab I would prob go for a Evo or Focus ST/RS...

[Kev_Mc]

Welcome to STT, Martin and zorganator.

zorganator - I have a soft spot for Orions. Everyone these days seems to say how rubbish they were, but my mum had two, and both were fine. Second one we had from new (F ref Orion "Plus") - I bought that off my mum and it was in the family for 8 years in the end.

[Petemate]

It would have to be an Audi A4 or Volvo V70. The Mondeo is nice, and compared to the Signums, has a proper decent-width tailgate, but OH would not entertain a Ford. Personally, I think one would fit the bill but it would have to be the latest 200 BHP one, therefore beyond my budget.

[Steve McF]

Hopefully Saab will do better than Rover!  At least GM let them keep the new products.  BMW pinched the Mini and sold the rest.  If Vladimir Antonov gets on board (and he is as clean as they say), I think there's a good chance of survival.

Very true - Saab have the brand new 9-5 and 9-4X, so those should have a shelf life of at least 5 years, or longer with a mid term facelift. The 9-3 is apparently close to replacement, and then there is Victor Mullers baby, the 9-2 or whatever he wanted to call it.

In Rovers case, the Phoenix 4 were scapegoats, it was BMW that ensured Rover couldn't survive in the long term. BMW kept the Mini, the R30 (replacement for Rover 25/45) development plans, the Powertrain operation (initially), Swindon body and pressings plant, and the Rover brand itself, and then gave the engineering capability to Ford as part of the sale of Land Rover.

By comparison, Saab is relatively intact, and should be in a better position.....but.......Saabs money seems to have run out within a year :-o

[Burnsside42]

Well - I can't see getting rid of all our Saab's - but they do come and go with time.  Currently I think the only Saab we have I could replace easily is our 2001 9-5 Wagon - I view the 9-5 as a disposable Saab.  No emotional attachment, nor any true value aside from being a rather nice and reliable solid car. 
If I were to replace this car with a NON-SAAB - #1 it would be for the wife, as this is HER Primary car.  #2 It would have to be a wagon or a hatchback - at the very least a large sedan. #3 - Replacement would better have a factory warranty - I'm old enough now to want one and appriciate having one I think. #4 - Should get same or BETTER fuel economy then the automatic 9-5 4 speed.
 
So - the question; What car would we have if it wasn't a Saab?
 
Kia Soul - Cheap, "Cute," Decent MPG's - Practicle
Scion xB - Cheap, Decent MPG's - Practicle
Subaru Outback - Practicle, FAIR MPG's, Reliable
Volvo XC70 - It's Swedish, It's Stylish, It's Practicle - But out of my realistic Price Range.
 

[Q80 SAAB]

hmmmmm

VW Golf GTi or jeep Wrangler

[Al]

If I could afford the fuel - a 928 -

or a Bristol,

or a renault 4 witha Fuego turbo under the bonnet

most things other than a eurobox!!

Al

[Cheapskate]

Last year I had £1500 for a large estate - either a 9-5 or a V70. At that price we're talking late 1990s. I had sold my classic 9-3 a couple of years before, but never driven a 9-5. In the end I went for the V70, as I reckoned at that vintage it'd be less trouble, plus you get a 5-cyl engine. £1200 later I got probably one of the best value cars I've ever had, glorious engine, solid build, easy to work on (not that I've had to) and I have to say I'm a bit of a convert. I'd say the 9-3 was more comfortable and rode the roads better but 3000+rpm on a 5cyl is very addictive...
We're a two car house now, the other being a Honda Jazz but I hanker after the "new" 9-3 as family trips are always in the Volvo. Trouble is the Jazz does 45-50mpg, handles like a go-kart (bet you're surprised at that but no need to slow down for roundabouts) and has just had extended warranty work done courtesy of Honda, at 6 years - takes some beating. It ain't no cruiser though - my 9-3 was the best long distance car I've had.

[Kev_Mc]

If I could afford the fuel - a 928 -
..
Al

A 928 S4 is on my shopping list for when I win the now £136 million jackpot tonight

[Rob Beard]

Another Honda Civic Type S i-CTDi GT 3 door, super car, handles like a go-kart, stops like an F1 car and super reliable, paint chips easy though, same as most cars I have seen though, crap paint with no lead in it, innit

[Max Headroom]

If it wasn't for the SAAB I'm in the process of buying at the moment - it would probably be one of the other models I was considering buying  - Pug 307cc,  308cc, Alfa Spider, Vauxhall TwinTop, were some of the ones I was closely looking at but the Alfa being a two-seater didn't really fit the bill ...I just happen to really like the look of them!

[Saabman]

Or if money was no object, a GTR

Ah yes, even the wife likes those  and only 53 grand

[Drac]

Ferrari 458, Aston Martin Vantage, Lamborghini Gallardo - actually all 3. But my 2002 9-5 Aero is more practical and I only have 1 space on the driveway...