Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: chrisgixer on 24 October 2013, 18:16:10

Title: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: chrisgixer on 24 October 2013, 18:16:10
Saw one similar to one of these tother day
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201309028586305/sort/pricedesc/usedcars/model/9-5/make/saab/onesearchad/used/onesearchad/nearlynew/onesearchad/new/page/1/quicksearch/true/radius/1500/postcode/rg64da?logcode=p

...and find myself rather taken by it. Going by appearance anyway. Worth perusing? Opinions?

Obviously the link is for illustration purposes, I don't know what engines are available etc, just it was a Saab and they are front wheel drive. That's all I know.

Anyone want to educate me?
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: chrisgixer on 24 October 2013, 18:17:51
That link is from this dealers web site, as it happens.

http://www.chelmsfordsaab.co.uk/?source=autotrader-desktop
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: tunnie on 24 October 2013, 18:20:37
Lot of parts GM I think? Few years ago I was considering Del's 93 2.8T Aero, which is same engine as Vectra/Insignia VXR.

So think lot of parts from Insignia should fit? Good for trade club/DIY.

Quick search though suggests 2.8 was never fitted to that shape?
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: 05omegav6 on 24 October 2013, 18:21:34
Insignia diesel in a polished Vectra C chassis :-X not many made so drivetrain parts readily available, all the SAAB bits might be harder to find :-\

Personally I'd stick with what's on the drive now :y
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: chrisgixer on 24 October 2013, 18:22:41
Yes the Gm connection might help re tech2 etc, but dealers? Is that a problem?
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: chrisgixer on 24 October 2013, 18:24:31
Insignia diesel in a polished Vectra C chassis :-X not many made so drivetrain parts readily available, all the SAAB bits might be harder to find :-\

Personally I'd stick with what's on the drive now :y

Lovely looking car IMO. Although a phaeton would be cheaper compared to that one.

...and if things turn out as planned, there will always be an omega in the drive. Although the engine might find its way into something else, but not anytime even remotely soon.
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: tunnie on 24 October 2013, 18:25:56
Yes the Gm connection might help re tech2 etc, but dealers? Is that a problem?

Have a feeling Saab dealers were in some cases incorporated into Vx dealers? When it all went belly up?
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: 05omegav6 on 24 October 2013, 18:26:26
Yes the Gm connection might help re tech2 etc, but dealers? Is that a problem?
They have enough of a following for specialists to be nearby, but being the last of a very short production run I would be wary of actual knowledge/experience for that model... Doubt anyone could comment accurately on the build quality/reliability/life expectancy of them... :-\
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: cam2502 on 24 October 2013, 18:45:02
We have a Saab 95 estate. It's the 3.0 TiD vector. 03 plate.
I find it very comfy, pulls like a train and being the 3.0L quite good on fuel. Had it almost 2 years now and never gives us a problem. Would def buy a Saab again
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: Webby the Bear on 24 October 2013, 18:50:22
For £8k less you can get a late, mutts nuts Phaeton. that's what i'd prefer. but each to their own of course :)
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: tunnie on 24 October 2013, 18:51:21
For £8k less you can get a late, mutts nuts Phaeton. that's what i'd prefer. but each to their own of course :)

I like Phaeton, it's running costs are a worry though  :-\
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: Webby the Bear on 24 October 2013, 18:54:16
For £8k less you can get a late, mutts nuts Phaeton. that's what i'd prefer. but each to their own of course :)

I like Phaeton, it's running costs are a worry though  :-\

I looked in to it a little while back and there's still a good chance we'll get one in future. However, the fuel costs are a touch better than the Omega should you choose a diseasal version. However the owners forum/club is a bit terrible so the DIYer might struggle.
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 24 October 2013, 18:57:41
for that money , buy some proper BMW..
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: tunnie on 24 October 2013, 18:59:18
for that money , buy some proper BMW..

Having one in the garage, I don't think the excist  ;D
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: Webby the Bear on 24 October 2013, 19:00:25
for that money , buy some proper BMW..

They're a bit boring imo. And judging on my mates' issues he's had with his new 1 Series, then his new 3 Series, they're not very reliable either.

Just imo of course :)
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: cam2502 on 24 October 2013, 19:01:44
I have a 5 series. Love it!
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 24 October 2013, 19:07:25
for that money , buy some proper BMW..

They're a bit boring imo. And judging on my mates' issues he's had with his new 1 Series, then his new 3 Series, they're not very reliable either.

Just imo of course :)

1 series is not a proper bmw .. 3 series depend on the engine and model.. 5 series and above are proper imo..
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: Webby the Bear on 24 October 2013, 19:10:38
for that money , buy some proper BMW..

They're a bit boring imo. And judging on my mates' issues he's had with his new 1 Series, then his new 3 Series, they're not very reliable either.

Just imo of course :)

1 series is not a proper bmw .. 3 series depend on the engine and model.. 5 series and above are proper imo..

The 1 Series I hated. it was comfy but I just could never have one; I made this point every time he picked me up in it  ;D. The 3 Series is lovely and comfy and quite quick in a wafting silent speed sort of a way....but as said, just a bit dull. GREAT stereo though  :y
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: chrisgixer on 24 October 2013, 19:19:55
So these Saabs...? ::)
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: Webby the Bear on 24 October 2013, 19:20:17
So these Saabs...? ::)

 ;D
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: henryd on 24 October 2013, 19:22:19
Quote from: chrisgixer link=topic=118816.msg1507339# :ymsg1507339 date=1382638795
So these Saabs...? ::)

I like them,prefer the 9-5 to the 9-3 though looks wise

Edit where did all the jibberish next to your name come from ???
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: chrisgixer on 24 October 2013, 19:22:34
So these Saabs...? ::)

 ;D

FFS ;D ;)
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: chrisgixer on 24 October 2013, 19:24:07
Quote from: chrisgixer link=topic=118816.msg1507339# :ymsg1507339 date=1382638795
So these Saabs...? ::)

I like them,prefer the 9-5 to the 9-3 though looks wise

Given its based on that mong the insignia then, I know which one I'd have, by bloody miles. :)
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: Webby the Bear on 24 October 2013, 19:25:29
The Insignia is growing on me. Quite like it.
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: 05omegav6 on 24 October 2013, 19:28:14
Quote from: chrisgixer link=topic=118816.msg1507339# :ymsg1507339 date=1382638795
So these Saabs...? ::)

I like them,prefer the 9-5 to the 9-3 though looks wise

Given its based on that mong the insignia then, I know which one I'd have, by bloody miles. :)
Vxr estate, in blue :-X

Seriously though, the car you highlighted was a very short lived, single model product, whilst perfect for a collection,  using it every day could be a real worry :-\
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: Nick W on 24 October 2013, 20:05:33
So these Saabs...? ::)

It's Saab's take on the Insignia. So mechanical stuff isn't too bad, and somehow they managed to turn a pig ugly car into a good looking one.
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: MR MISTER on 24 October 2013, 20:07:29
Great looking car. I would have one in a flash if I had Gixers money.
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 24 October 2013, 20:13:32
I'm not sure if it's true or not, but according to Clarkson, the average Saab owner is above average intelligence and not a man who follows the crowd. :y



Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: chrisgixer on 24 October 2013, 20:15:13
Great looking car. I would have one in a flash if I had Gixers money.

If you'd stuck with omegas instead of peshin it up the wall on an Astra, a Zafira and a gay Daewoo, you would have! ;D
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: chrisgixer on 24 October 2013, 20:26:52
And, nobody said the one I saw, costs the same as the "EXAMPLE" link. ::)
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: MR MISTER on 24 October 2013, 21:01:09
Great looking car. I would have one in a flash if I had Gixers money.

If you'd stuck with omegas instead of peshin it up the wall on an Astra, a Zafira and a gay Daewoo, you would have! ;D
You forgot the megane coupe which, btw, has not let us down in 3 years, 30000 miles. :P

Oh....and it has a built-in tom tom that works perfectly  :P
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: chrisgixer on 24 October 2013, 21:59:06
Great looking car. I would have one in a flash if I had Gixers money.

If you'd stuck with omegas instead of peshin it up the wall on an Astra, a Zafira and a gay Daewoo, you would have! ;D
You forgot the megane coupe which, btw, has not let us down in 3 years, 30000 miles. :P

Oh....and it has a built-in tom tom that works perfectly  :P

...oh go on then, add a French car to the list. Yes that's so much better. ;)
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 24 October 2013, 22:13:43
Quote from: chrisgixer link=topic=118816.msg1507339# :ymsg1507339 date=1382638795
So these Saabs...? ::)

I like them,prefer the 9-5 to the 9-3 though looks wise

Given its based on that mong the insignia then, I know which one I'd have, by bloody miles. :)


The Insignia is even worse than that. ;)
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: tunnie on 24 October 2013, 23:30:52
These are temping, bloody quick too.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201309168813416/sort/default/usedcars/engine-size-cars/2-6l_to_2-9l/model/9-3/make/saab/onesearchad/used/onesearchad/nearlynew/onesearchad/new/page/2/radius/1500/postcode/w39ej?logcode=p (http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201309168813416/sort/default/usedcars/engine-size-cars/2-6l_to_2-9l/model/9-3/make/saab/onesearchad/used/onesearchad/nearlynew/onesearchad/new/page/2/radius/1500/postcode/w39ej?logcode=p)
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: 05omegav6 on 24 October 2013, 23:57:16
These are temping, bloody quick too.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201309168813416/sort/default/usedcars/engine-size-cars/2-6l_to_2-9l/model/9-3/make/saab/onesearchad/used/onesearchad/nearlynew/onesearchad/new/page/2/radius/1500/postcode/w39ej?logcode=p (http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201309168813416/sort/default/usedcars/engine-size-cars/2-6l_to_2-9l/model/9-3/make/saab/onesearchad/used/onesearchad/nearlynew/onesearchad/new/page/2/radius/1500/postcode/w39ej?logcode=p)
If you're to buy one of those you'd be better of getting the newer all wheel drive version :y
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: tunnie on 24 October 2013, 23:59:44
These are temping, bloody quick too.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201309168813416/sort/default/usedcars/engine-size-cars/2-6l_to_2-9l/model/9-3/make/saab/onesearchad/used/onesearchad/nearlynew/onesearchad/new/page/2/radius/1500/postcode/w39ej?logcode=p (http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201309168813416/sort/default/usedcars/engine-size-cars/2-6l_to_2-9l/model/9-3/make/saab/onesearchad/used/onesearchad/nearlynew/onesearchad/new/page/2/radius/1500/postcode/w39ej?logcode=p)
If you're to buy one of those you'd be better of getting the newer all wheel drive version :y

What year do those start at?
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: chrisgixer on 25 October 2013, 00:03:05
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saab_Automobile
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: tunnie on 25 October 2013, 00:05:01
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saab_Automobile

I can't be asked to read all that, Al implies he knows  ;D
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 25 October 2013, 00:07:37
I've always liked SAABs and always hankered after a 900 Turbo as a young lad about town!  :-*

Had to make do with a Fiat Uno instead tho....  :(
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: chrisgixer on 25 October 2013, 00:22:55
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saab_Automobile

I can't be asked to read all that, Al implies he knows  ;D
Lazy arse, just scroll down ;)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saab_9-3

Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: 05omegav6 on 25 October 2013, 00:44:20
2008 without looking :y

Having looked ;D not a bad guess...unveiled in 2007. It was basically a test mule for the Insignia 2.8 :y
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: chrisgixer on 25 October 2013, 08:11:55
I've always liked SAABs and always hankered after a 900 Turbo as a young lad about town!  :-*

Had to make do with a Fiat Uno instead tho....  :(

I've always thought them pig ugly tbh. Stupidly large bumpers on early models, weird lines on newer ones, until the 9-5. Still some weird lines, but somehow intriguing. Looks a proper car IMO.

Sadly too new and expensive by the looks of things, and there's the gay wheel drive issue. But maybe one day.
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 25 October 2013, 08:28:58
The engine is the same as used by Vx (the twin turbo 2.0 CDTi) in the insignia and later Astra (2013).

My experience of parts supply for Saab in recent years is problematic and getting worse, simple things like radiator hoses, intercooler hoses etc are difficult to get and you often end up with some dodgy thing made up of shiney blue bolt on bob parts bodged together. Service parts are no issue.

Similarly trim items are very hard to find (as per Rovers etc these days to) plus panels are a mare (also as bad as a Smart!) with the original tooling being sold to third parties but, its pretty worn so quality is not good!

Nice cars to drive (althogh I always found the dash very plastic like)

Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 25 October 2013, 09:35:32
I'm not sure if it's true or not, but according to Clarkson, the average Saab owner is above average intelligence and not a man who follows the crowd. :y

long ago but not anymore I'm afraid :-\
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 25 October 2013, 10:35:11
I've always liked SAABs and always hankered after a 900 Turbo as a young lad about town!  :-*

Had to make do with a Fiat Uno instead tho.... :(


OHHHH......I bet that made the girls go wet with desire (not), Sir Tig.... ;) ;D ;D.
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: 05omegav6 on 25 October 2013, 10:36:43
I don't know Mr Opti :-\ having a car dissolve around you at a heady 50mph could be considered exciting by some ;D
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 25 October 2013, 10:47:17
The girls used to dissolve with desire for me and my Uno!!  :)  :y                                                                                   :-\  ;D
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: tunnie on 25 October 2013, 10:53:53
2008 without looking :y

Having looked ;D not a bad guess...unveiled in 2007. It was basically a test mule for the Insignia 2.8 :y

Problem with that is it gets into the super high band  :(
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: 05omegav6 on 25 October 2013, 11:03:31
If I were actively looking... either/or...

http://www.thurlownunn.co.uk/used-cars/search?itAction=used-vehicle-search&search_url_car=used-cars&search_url_van=used-vans&search_url_bike=used-bikes&used_search_type=componentSearch&used-car-search%5BadvancedSearchMode%5D=0&used-car-search%5BvehicleType%5D=car&useDefaultMake=true&used-car-search%5BadvancedSearchCount%5D=2&used-car-search%5BfranchiseDetailId%5D=2&used-car-search%5BautoMarqueDetailId%5D=89&used-car-search%5BautoModelDetailId%5D=869&used-car-search%5BlowerPrice%5D=24000&used-car-search%5Bprice%5D=26000&used-car-search%5BautoBodyStyleDetailId%5D=&used-car-search%5Bdoors%5D=&used-car-search%5BpreviousOwners%5D=&used-car-search%5BautoFuelTypeDetailId%5D=&used-car-search%5BautoTransmissionDetailId%5D=&used-car-search%5BengineSize%5D=&used-car-search%5BtaxBand%5D=&used-car-search%5Bmpg%5D=&used-car-search%5Bmileage%5D=&used-car-search%5BregistrationDate%5D=
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: chrisgixer on 25 October 2013, 11:16:24
Neither. Pig ugly thing.

It was purely the appearance of the new shape Saab 95 that drew me to it.

No Estate versions on auto trader. Which looks even better for me. But as Mark says, the vents surrounding the dash ruin the car from a drivers point of view, where as the insignia interior looks very smart indeed. :)
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: tunnie on 25 October 2013, 11:20:16
Always been hard to like the Insignia, VXR version it's impossible.
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: chrisgixer on 25 October 2013, 11:39:39
(http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p326/chrisgixer/d95b6a6396b55b33145711dda9979d8e_zps055f8ca6.jpg)
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 25 October 2013, 12:06:23
Always been hard to like the Insignia, VXR version it's impossible.

I must admit I dont much like some of the external styling but the interior and ride is very good and the VXR is a beast of a car.
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: chrisgixer on 25 October 2013, 12:10:58
We'll have to accept the perfect car, for us oofers, doesn't exist.

But where to compromise? I suspect correct wheel drive will have to go. :(

(And with it goes the auto box)
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: Del Boy on 25 October 2013, 13:07:04
The new 95 is a lovely car, feels very up market too, the chassis setup is a lot different on the 95 to the Insignia, just like the 93 was with the Vectra. SAAB has also been bought out by a company called NEVS who I believe are restarting production pretty much as we speak.
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: chrisgixer on 25 October 2013, 13:11:38
Good news Del. ....let's hope they sort out a good position in the market. :)
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: Del Boy on 25 October 2013, 13:16:47
Good news Del. ....let's hope they sort out a good position in the market. :)

Certainly hope so, always had a soft spot for a SAAB to be honest, dunno why but they're just nice places to be.
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: chrisgixer on 25 October 2013, 13:30:41
I deliberately didn't type SAAB in capitals earlier, as i didn't want to shout ;D

But SAAB is correct, now is see it written down :y

(Sorry, a minor point ;D )
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: tunnie on 25 October 2013, 14:39:32
I thought SAAB was going all electric?

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/industry/saab-restarts-production-trollhattan (http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/industry/saab-restarts-production-trollhattan)


This says production has restarted, but only to iron out production issues so they can go all electric?
Title: Re: Can we talk Saab for a minute...
Post by: Del Boy on 25 October 2013, 17:29:25
I thought SAAB was going all electric?

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/industry/saab-restarts-production-trollhattan (http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/industry/saab-restarts-production-trollhattan)


This says production has restarted, but only to iron out production issues so they can go all electric?

They're doing that currently, but they're trying to find a source for drivetrain parts to use for 'normal' engined vehicles :y.