Saab is a sure bet

SAAB has always been different, but since 1993 its mainstay 900 still sold in facelifted guise as the 9-3 - has been based on the humble Vauxhall Cavalier.

That's perhaps one reason why this 900 was never considered a top- rank rival to the German prestige brands, but as a second-hand buy, this sensible Swede outguns them all.

For a little over pounds 4,000 you could be the owner of a Saab Approved example, fully guaranteed for years more service, and supplied from a franchised Saab dealer.

The Saab isn't as sweet to drive as a BMW 3 Series, but you'll get a lot more room, an excellent driver environment, and an immense feeling of strength and safety. Small wonder that despite the 900's quirks (such as an infuriating gear lever-mounted ignition switch, which locks the transmission) it never fails to command great loyalty from its owners.

There's also a swish-looking covertible, but this lacks the solidity of its hatchback sisters, or its deadly rival, the BMW 3- Series convertible.

There's a big choice of engines from a brisk 130bhp to hot 190bhp Turbo Tarmac teasers, both using the versions of Saab's well-liked 2.0-litre engine.

There's also a swift, 155bhp 2.3i or the svelte 170bhp, Cavaliersourced 2.5 V6, which suits the car's nature better.

Saabs are expensive to repair, which is why using a specialist spares supplier makes sense. They claim up to 70 per cent off dealer spare-parts prices.

A service typically ranges between pounds 100-pounds 150, depending upon model.

According to Dean Kearney, of Saab specialist Warwick Car Care Centre Ltd, in New Southgate, regular servicing is essential.

If 900s have a weak point it's the gearbox. Warwick repairs them from pounds 150 (plus parts). Non-dealer supplied, reconditioned gearboxes will cost from pounds 495.

Saab attracts a different breed of individuals who are never as brash as BMW or snobby as Mercedes owners. They like understated quality. Does that sound like you?

Neo Brothers Ltd (01992 719280); Warwick Car Care Centre (0208 3616041); Euro Car Parts (0208 697 8805); German, Swedish and French (0208 917 3823); Two stroke to Turbo (Dismantlers) (01707 256100).

Best prices: L-reg 900S, dealer, pounds 4,000; N-reg Turbo SE, specialist, pounds 7,000; N-reg 2.3 SE Convertible, private, pounds 8,250.

Copyright 2002
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