BMW or Saab Convertible

Seems like a reasonable price range. I've got a 1999 Saab 9-5, with the

Hard to say. Try 'em both!

They're both damn fine cars, with the same sort of engineering going in to both. I'm biased towards Saab, but it's subjective I'm sure.

I've had only consumables (gas/tires/oil), scheduled checkups (30K, 60K,

Sounds like you'll be getting a lot of windshield time, and as you're saying, it's important that it's done in a comfortable, fun, safe car. If snow is part of your world, you might give serious consideration to the front wheel drive of the Saab. I can't see you being unhappy, at all, if you select the Saab.

Dave Hinz

Check insurance costs, too. That may make a difference. Saab seats are incredibly confortable, more so than BMW, at least I think so.

snipped-for-privacy@madmousergraphics.com

The Saab should be more relaxing & the BMW more fun.

The BMW will probably give slightly better fuel mileage.

The real issue is your preference for front wheel or rear wheel drive - so you need to test drive both.

Tom

"apk1" haute in die Tasten:

1. The BMW is more fun to drive because it has rear wheel drive and the better gearbox. A 318i is only reccomendable with a manual gearbox, it will be too weak for an Auto. The Saab IMHO has the more comfortable seats and more space in the trunk.
2. no significant difference

1. Take the BMW 320 instead. It has a smooth-as-silk six cylinder engine which you will instantly fall in love with. I do not have figures about Saab fuel consumption, but the BMW engines are very economical.

Frank

You can be pretty darned enthusiastic with the Saab too ;)

My '99 Saab 9-5 with the 2.3Litre LPT engine gets me 27-28MPG in mixed city/highway driving. Not sure how that compares, but I'm not complaining.

Yup, and feel how the seats fit you, since you'll spend so much time in 'em.

Dave Hinz

Oh you poor thing - what a difficult life you have.

Having had a SAAB 900SE 1997 Convertible, a 1999 SAAB 9-3SE convertible. a BMW 2001 330ci convertible and now 1 BMW 2004 M3 convertible, I would only say that I would never buy another Saab, but have already pre-ordered the M4 convertible (whenever it may arrive>

Saabs are great cars, but the Beemer has just got that extra refinement in every category.

A little harsh, no?

Just because he can afford to have some fun, doesn't mean he needs to throw away his money or not perform any research! Next to a house, this is probably the second most expensive thing that mose people spend their hard earned money on!

Deep

I thought that on the BMW you had to add a radio as it's not standard fitment?

Bear in mind too that he has 12,000 to spend, that's hardly going to bag a new M4 or a 9-5 Aero is it?

David.

David Taylor haute in die Tasten:

Not necessarily a disadvantage, because so you are free to buy which model you want. I have a Philips radio with disc changer in the trunk. Cost me 200 bucks a few years ago. And given the budget of the OP, he will probably buy a pre-owned car, which will probably already come with a radio.

Frank

Why not even consider a Merc CLK convertible? As a new model came out quite recently prices of the previous W208 might be getting interesting...

DAS

Geeze, life is hard, huh?

Sadly, Saabs are not as great as they once were. I've driven Saabs for over 15 years, but my current car -- a post-GM 2002 9-5 Aero -- is a huge disappointment on many fronts. It will be my last Saab, unless I decide to look for a good pre-GM 900 turbo or 9000 turbo.

Gary

Frank Kemper schrieb:

I drive an saab aero 9000 @250.000km 225HP 365Nm@1800rpm from 0-100km/h in 6,7 Sec. at normal drive I need 10Liter/100km at very heavy drive at racingtrack never over 15Liter/100km.-> that's real fun!!! turbo->torque->fun at all gears but frank is right about the gearbox and the brakdisks are not recommendable for racingpurpose. but try them out!

jarod

Thanks for everyone's comments.

Bob, yes you are right with your comment, but I feel I have now got to the stage I can afford something "special", however I am only intending to pay the same as say a year old Mondeo, I intend keeping the car at least another

I have driven a couple of Saab's today, a 93 2.0 inj and a 93 2.0 lpt se auto, both very nice, and seemingly well cared for, the LPT having an oil leak from what looked like the head gasket ? this is now the second one I've seen like this is this common ? From driving I was surprised that both seemed to "shudder" more than expected, I am starting to think that the Saab offers better value and is a better passenger car, however the BMW is the "drivers car " ? need to drive a BMW next ....

Tony

Find one with the standard or HOT turbo to get a better feel for it.

Not that I've noticed, nothing that drips to the pavement anyway.

Driving a non-turbo and a light-presure turbo isn't going to give you the full example of a higher performance Saab.

They have, dramatically so.

Drive one; you'll know instantly it's not just a "change the interior and rebadge it" job.

Floorpan, yes. Bracing, suspension, and pretty much anything else handling related, no.

Don't know full extent of truth in it, but I was led to believe that the SAAB 9.3 is built around the UK vauxhall Vectra's floorpan, if that is the case then I shudder to think how it handles (Unless SAAB have seriously changed the suspension) as the vectra is about the worst driving experience car that I ever owned. Best way to describe it was as if the rear end just wasn't part of the same vehicle that your steering wheel was controlling. Seriously underdamped at the rear, even with replacement shocks that were uprated from standard. It was like a floppy blancmange on ice, with a hangover! If the above is true re. the saab's floorpan origins then I'd go for the BMW myself. Badger.

I'm pleased with the economy of my Aero too, just done 300 miles @ 41 imp mpg at a pretty steady 70 mph.

Am not sure if there is a problem with my news server and I can't see a pearl of wisdom I rolled forth earlier, so: Have you considered a Merc CLK cabrio?

With the arrival of the new shape, the old W208 might get particularly interesting in price.

DAS