Date: Sun, 20 Jan 2002 22:50:18 +0000 (UTC) From: H. <musicboxnopsamrider.co.uk> Subject: Re: Passat or Saab 9-3 Diesels UK interest only
Tony, I'm also in Birmingham, and have used Concept for a number of years. I agree their service is excellent. I very nearly bought a 9-3 TiD when they came out to replace me Citroen Xantia TD. I ended up with a turbo, but that's another story! I likewise am somewhat confused by the consumption figures - according to Saab GB's brochure, the figures are as follows:- city - 34.0 highway - 56.5 combined - 45.6 I do however agree that these are inferior to the VW figures, however I think there are several other matters to be taken into consideration. You haven't stated whether this will be a company or private purchase, so some of this won't affect you, but bear with me! On the not inconsequential issue of depreciation, the Passat will, like most VW's, fare better than it's usual competitors (Pug/Citroen, Renault etc) however, it won't hold it's value as well as the 9-3. Secondly, assuming you will go for an SE spec car, the specification is far superior to the Passat, including half leather sports seats, natty 16' alloys and a subtle but pleasing body-kit. Thirdly, how many Passats do you see between your front door and your local corner shop? How many 9-3's........? Fourthly, on the safety issue, indeed the 9-3 is somewhat better than the Passat, but there's not too much in it - however, on simply matters of road holding and handling and braking, the 9-3 is infinitely better, thus enabling you to both avoid accidents, or get yourself out of trouble. Of course accidents do happen, and to be honest, just my opinion, but I'd rather be in a Saab. Finally, they both have about the same luggage space, but the 9-3's is far more flexible. A friend of mine is a medical rep and continually carries piles of pharmaceuticals in his Passat's boot. On account of a auto gearbox failure (at 13.5k miles no less!) he was stranded, and it took us about 15 minutes to extract everything from his Passat...... and about 5 to throw them in the back of my 94 900 (practically identical to the 9-3 space-wise). The simple reason was the Passat has a very very deep boot, but a narrow awkward opening, whereas being a hatchback, the 9-3's boot is a cinch to access. Oh, and post finally, if it's a private thing, Saab are offering 3 years free servicing on 9-3's at the mo, up until the end of March! Just my 10%. Mail me if you want to pick my brains further! Hope this helps, H. On Sun, 20 Jan 2002 17:08:27 +0000 (UTC), "A.J.Clewes" <A.J.CLEWESnopsamTERNET.COM> wrote: >I am in the market for a new car, the choices are VW Passat 1.9tdi or >Saab 9-3 2.2 tdi. >The heart says Saab, the pocket says VW. >I get a feeling from this usergroup that pre GM Saabs are preferred to GM >Saabs . >Help >PS >My locally dealer, Concept Saab in Birmingham were excellent, lent me a >Saab 9-3 2.2 SE for >a day, no charge, up to 100 miles > >Regards >Tony Clewes >A.J.CLEWESnopsamTERNET.COM >
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
