Ok, I'm going to replace my Alfa 156 in the next few months but not sure with what, have a few options on th go

a) petrol or diesel
b) 9-3 or 9_5, or
c) if a 9-3 old version or the sports saloon

I have a 50 mile round trip each day to work and currently doing about 16000 miles per yea in total.

Looking to spend £8-9k on a replacement car (no trade in) and hoping for as near to 40mpg as possible

What do you all think ?

a) petrol or diesel - I'd go for petrol, though if you want anywhere near 40mpg then it'll have to be diesel. I used to have a 2.0LPT 9-5 - I now have a Diesel Skoda Superb. The Skoda does mid 40'smpg quite easily, but I really do hate the black plume of smoke when I accelerate hard. Initially it is hard to get used to the engine and keep stalling it. I also prefer the power delivery of the petrol turbo. Mind you, I do 20,000miles per year so diesel is the sensible (and boring!) choice for me. :sad:

b) 9-3 or 9-5 - unless you need a smaller car, or absolutely must have a hatch, it has to be the 9-5. We've had a 9-3 (1999) and a 9-5, and the 9-5 was far superior. In my opinion the 9-5 is more comfortable and a better drive. It is far more roomy - especially in the rear, and the boot is pretty huge. If you must have a hatch, get a 9-5 Estate!

c) 9-3 or 9-3ss - I've only ever driven one 9-3ss (1.8i Vector) and it was a lot nicer to drive than our old 9-3 2.0s. Having said that, the newer car will cost you several grand more.

The best thing you can do is drive all of them. I'd go for the 9-5 every time, though I do prefer comy barges :biggrin:

... but I really do hate the black plume of smoke when I accelerate hard...[/b]
Don't accelerate hard, then, Kev http://www.saabscene.com/forum/images/smilies/ooo.gif

thanks Kev, interesting ot hear your thoughts, I did something similar moving from a GM 900 back to an older 9000 a few years ago as I didn't like the 900.

Will get some Test Drives as soon as there are motors near me that fit the bill.

thanks Kev, interesting ot hear your thoughts, I did something similar moving from a GM 900 back to an older 9000 a few years ago as I didn't like the 900.

Will get some Test Drives as soon as there are motors near me that fit the bill.[/b]

E-man, I have both.
A MY'99 9-5 2.3LPT SE and a MY'02 9-3 2.0FPT SE convertible, so here is my twopence-worth.

I blew £1000 on the Hirsh springs and dampers for the 9-5, and £1700 at Abbott for their springs, konis, ARB, Viggen Recue Kit and air filter.

The 9-5 is my preferred option for cruising and the 70 mile round trip to work. Very comfortable, the Hirsh set up makes it pretty chuckable for a big car and enough to raise a few Mondeoman's eyebrows coming our of roundabouts.
The 9-3 feels more 'urgent' and is transformed by the Abbot gear. It handles like a dream and corners on rails, and the FPT is plenty quick enough for driving in the south east mire.

If both cars were stock I would not have to live on the difference between cruising comfort and open air happiness, but if we are talking saloons it would have to be the 9-5. The thing feels bullet-proof and very very comfortable.

Drive them all and good luck.