buying a saab 9-3 9-5 /ford focus

[japimport]

my girlfriend is looking for a car its between a saab year 00-03 9-3 or 9-5 model or a ford focus 00 -03 i looking or pointers in the right direction on which one to go for any info would be really appreciated

 

[roscoc180]

Mercedes Forum?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

 

[roscoc180]

Sorry i would like to revoke that post.

 

[Seeker_UK]

Buy a Saab 9-5 and go for the 2.3 Aero.

Anything with a 2.0l engine in it (ie 9-3 and smaller 9-5) is a possible liability - there is a risk that the engine fills up with oil sludge and then destroys the engine (sucks in gaskets etc).

Although many people reckon this can affect all 4 cylinder Saabs of the vintage you're talking about, I have yet to hear of a 2.3 being munched, only the 2.0.

http://www.topix.com/forum/autos/saab/T729QVRM7EBLJNOLJ

The 3.0 V6 9-5 Griffin is also nice if rare to find.....

 

[japimport]

oh im sorry if ive posted in the wrong section iknow its a mercedes forum i just thought id get some opinions of fellow members maybe they have had these models what section should i post in

 

[PeterCLK]

As it happens my son is also looking for a Focus af that age.

You might find this useful

http://www.fordownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=5001

 

[Razoo]

oh im sorry if ive posted in the wrong section iknow its a mercedes forum i just thought id get some opinions of fellow members maybe they have had these models what section should i post in

Personally I would go for a Focus - they outperform a Mercedes E320 in the snow

If your girlfriend can live with the blue oval, she should be well impressed with the car. Spares are plentiful and comparitively cheap and there is a very good choice of engines and trim levels.

I drove a 2007 Focus ST2 (2.5 turbo) for a few days. That sure was more fun than I'd had in a long time

I've still own a 2000/W Focus Ghia MkI 5-Door 1.8 petrol. It's done around 85K, returns 35-38 mpg and doesn't use any oil. It still drives perfectly. Mrs wife doesn't want me to sell it, but I probably will sometime this year because it's not getting enough use.

Isn't the Saab basically an old Cavalier wearing a different hat?

Razoo

 

[Bolide]

I smoked around in my dad's Focus for a couple of days. It's a very, very impressive car and bears no resemblance to the awful Escort Mk IV / V that preceded it

I found the ride too hard, and road noise a tad overbearing, but couldn't find any fault with the design or execution of it

I could live with one quite happily - and that's not something I thought I would ever be able to say

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[roofless]

like all fords parts can be had at the right price & most garages can fix them ..... not so easy with a saab

 

[Dosco]

like all fords parts can be had at the right price & most garages can fix them ..... not so easy with a saab

but of course there are SAAB 'indies' out there who like Merc 'indies' just love the marque

 

[alindsay81]

i drove a saab 9-3 at the start of the year, it was a lovely car inside, i really liked it untill i turned the key, it was a 1.9tdi but sounded and performed like a 1.1l ford fiesta, the autobox wasnt nice and the steering was so light i didnt feel in control.

 

[jberks]

There really isn't any comparison. A focus, whilst an excellent car, is an ordinary plastic box. A saab is a level up in terms of quality and that all important feel. Saabs have a strong loyal following for good reason, Fords, as good as they are, and I've had a few in my time and loved them, don't.
If I couldn't have a merc, Saab would be on my radar. Ford wouldn't.

 

[turbopete]

trust me and buy the ford.the saab may look a great car and feel great to sit in and be well equipped. unfortunately though, they are part of general motors now. a saab is based on a vauxhall vectra floorpan, much like the jag x type i based on the ford mondeo floorpan. the only difference is that the vauxhall engines arent as nice, the gearshift is far better in the ford based car and the mondeo was actually a far superior car to drive, however much you like vauxhalls. soreally the choice is should you buy a vectra in a posh party dress,or a focus, whic drives exactly like a mini mondeo? from here its a no brainer. focus focus focus! plus theres loads more choice. you can find the perfect car to suit your needs, colour preference etc!

 

[japimport]

i think shes leaning more to the ford focus now after i checked the saab site and the reviews are not good and from your views too thanks very much for your help alli heard about the saab was sludge,sludge,sludge thanks again

 

[roofless]

trust me and buy the ford.the saab may look a great car and feel great to sit in and be well equipped. unfortunately though, they are part of general motors now. a saab is based on a vauxhall vectra floorpan, much like the jag x type i based on the ford mondeo floorpan. the only difference is that the vauxhall engines arent as nice, the gearshift is far better in the ford based car and the mondeo was actually a far superior car to drive, however much you like vauxhalls. soreally the choice is should you buy a vectra in a posh party dress,or a focus, whic drives exactly like a mini mondeo? from here its a no brainer. focus focus focus! plus theres loads more choice. you can find the perfect car to suit your needs, colour preference etc!

it's sad but true :cry: