What car to get next?

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adamskibx
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What car to get next?

Post by adamskibx »

Ive still got a few months before ill be in a position to move onto something else and im really not sure what to get. It will probably be a Dyane, BX16V, solid CX, or, sorry to think non Citroen:-), a Saab 99 or 900. My milage has decreased somewhat so I just need something interesting and good looking in an ungly kind of way, but must be reasanably depenadable as I will be using it for some commuting.
If I go with the Saab plan, I imagine I will wont to change back to Cit after a year or so but I think I need a change away as ive never ownerd a non Citroen car and want to try something else.
Anyone got any experience with Saabs? Good or bad idea?
Cheers.
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demag
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Post by demag »

Be careful if you have a Saab 900 (original style) They are expensive to repair. (Bitter Experience[:(])
Paulmi16
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Post by Paulmi16 »

BX 16v would be my choice.
Paul.
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Post by madasafish »

Car Mechanics had a series of articles on SAABs. Front suspension problems / front subframe/potential engine problems.
Look up spares prices..
Definitely not for those who believe in low cost motoring.
I looked at the original turbo.. and ran away...
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Post by James.UK »

Arry_B used to have a Saab I think?
But if you want a non Cit car to play with, I suggest a Mazda 323f or maybe some sort of Toyota, RAV4 two wheel drive maybe? both have good reliability records.. [:)]
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Post by j_roc »

How about a SAAB 9000? I have never owned one, but a neighbour of mine use to and he couldent stop raving about it. Its based on the "Type 4" platform, and if you dont like the look of the 9000 what about a Alfa 164 Super T-spark (nice engine), Fiat Croma (treat with caution) or a Lancia Thema ie turbo. If I wanted something different I would go for the Lancia. I can't remember the last time I saw one (buy 2 - 1 for parts, 1 to drive) on the road. But it's something to think about if you want something different.....
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Post by bxbodger »

I don't think Saab's are as expensive as they used to be as long as you don't use main dealers for bits or service.
Now that there are more specialists around like two stroke to turbo, parts are not as shockingly expensive as they once were, and they are well catered for by gsf and the other company- a bit like Citroens really!!!
As for dependability, well, any car can be made dependable, no matter how old or weird looking it is, as long as you can get the bits!
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davek-uk
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Post by davek-uk »

I really loved my old SAAB9000.[8D] Turbo, auto, cruise, acc, leather the lot! Overtake at 60mph with a boot and you're pushing the ton before you realise[:D]. Other half used to hate her head banging against the headrest every time I booted it! The bloody thing cost me a bomb - new steering rack, fuel pump, tyres, fuel[B)]. The alloys were dented and leaking, the cruise packed in, the acc motors to control the heating flaps broke linkages, the turbo control played up and I had a white hot turbo[:0] and eventually it died at 175k with cracked pistons[xx(]. It was one hell of a job getting the head and the sump off - you think Cits are hard to work on... And with a piston at nearly £100 each it became a plush garden shed![:(]
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Post by Kowalski »

My Dad had Saabs a 99 (which broke its timing chain), a 900 (ate its clutch and heater matrix) and a 9000 (ate its head gasket), he has a Lancia Thema Turbo 16v (snapped cambelt) that is rusting (only the Italians can make fully galvanised cars that rust).
All in all, the Saab 9000 would be the only one I would recommend, the 99 and 900 weren't common enough that parts were cheap and they'll be a nightmare to get bits for. The Lancia was fun, it shared its engine with the Delta Integrale but didn't share its 4x4 system, its turbo seemed to have two states, 'off' or 'on'. When you put your foot down, you had to grip the steering wheel and wait, then when the turbo came in you usually had to take your foot off the accelarator again or you'd run into the back of the car in front.
adamskibx
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Post by adamskibx »

Umm interesting. Yeah it may well be a BX16V because of Saab parts cost and I know what to look for in a BX. I drove for a car auction today and was pleased to get back behind the wheel of my BX- the seat in the BX surpassed the comfort of every single car seat I sat in including expensive Mercs. Mind you the clutch was heavier than all of the cars I drove! I think my stategy will be to wait for the time and then see whats out there at the time and go for it rather than having a car in mind now. I think my first choice will be the 16V but if theres a good 1980's Saab 99 available first ill go with that.
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Post by vanny »

theres a couple of pretty imaculate BX's going at the moment, take a look at www.bx16v.com/forum
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Post by yangreen »

There are specialists that help reduce the cost of Saab ownership but check out the mpg! Less than impressive for a 4 cylinder. Much prefer my Audi 100 with a five banger and 32mpg at the last count!
16v gets my vote too.
adamskibx
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Post by adamskibx »

Yeah they do seem thirsty too-think it must be the weight of them, as well as the fact that their not as aerodynamic as they look. Yep its definatlety a Citroen again I reckon. Cheers for pointing that forum out Vanny- there are some really nice ones on there-Think that silver one would be lovely; only problem is that it will be mid October before ill be able to swap cars due to finances so ill have to check out whats available at the time.
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Post by tomsheppard »

Nobody ever bought a SAAB because it was cheap to run. The old 900 Turbo (I had ten of them over ten years) is the best car I have ever driven but it is extremely costly, parts costing more than those for a 911. For go, stop, stick and steer, it was in a class of its own. Well built and durable, I only got out because I had the opportunity to buy a new car for once. If you do not have deep pockets and lots of know how (And £500 to rebuild the gearbox every two years,) then leave it alone.
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Post by yangreen »

An Audi 100 is still a good bet or a 90 - must have five cylinders though. Easy enough to work on (thanks Mr Stinkwheel!) great for towing projects, not expensive to run. I'm really starting to like mine! Best £400 ever spent!
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