First car in 7 years! How do I choose when my usual vehicle is the Tube?

[crash magnet]

how much does a used C30 go for?

[voguette]

Thanks a lot for the long post, it was really interesting to read! As they say, knowledge is power. I'm feeling more like a Saab expert already. Further investigation does seem to be giving some kudos to the Volvo convertible, so I'm really keen to test drive one as soon as I arrive back in Sydney.

Saab convertibles (please keep note I worked at a Saab dealer for 6 years):

*GM900 (1994-1998) - Give a miss unless VERY cheap. Plenty of scuttle shake, unrefined, and not so reliable electric roof mechanism. Go either 2.3lt NA or 2lt turbo - AVOID the V6!

*1st Generation 9-3 (1998-2003) - Available in 2.3lt NA, 2.0lt turbo (T5), 2.0 & 2.3lt turbo (T7) - 2.3lt NA and 2.0lt turbo (T5) only available 1998-2000, 2.3lt turbo (T7) only in 1999-2000 in "Viggen" models - quite rare.

Heaps better than the GM 900, although they still do scuttle shake a bit. Most reliable versions are the turbo ones with the T5 engine management (red stripe DI) as they have less complicated engine management. Main issues (as far as car won't start) are: crank angle sensors, DI cartridges, fuel pumps. Roofs can have issues but they aren't all that bad.
The T7 engine management (black stripe DI) has the same issues plus throttle bodies that can fail - again not a reason not to buy one but they are an expensive part.
The 4sp auto transmissions in these seem to last pretty well - have seen less than 10 replaced/rebuilt in my time.
Front brakes can wear moderately quickly in stop start traffic in auto trans cars. Rear brakes las a lot longer. Tyre wear can be an issue on 17' wheels.
Best choice is 2.0lt turbo (T5) in auto or manual.

*2nd Generation 9-3 (2003-current)
Again a better car than the one prevous, less scuttle shake but also more that can go wrong. Buy the latest car you can afford - electrical woes were more present in cars up to 2005. From there they improved, as did the sedan versions.
These are again a hydraulic roof - seems to work pretty well and not a lot of common issues.
Engine wise they weren't too bad - had some balance chain issues but they should have been sorted by now. alternator & a/c belts can get noisy. Other engine components can give issues but not any that were problematic.
Brakes front and rear can wear quickly depending on driving style. Tyre wear can be an issue also - more so on 17' and above wheels.

Most important - get any Saab checked out by a specialist Saab workshop (whether Dealer or Aftermarket). Maintenance by these kind of places is HIGHLY recommended - don't let your K-Mart tyre & auto dudes get their hands on these cars as they break more than they fix (Yes I have seen it a few times!).

*Alfa Romeo - going from the experiences of the guys that worked for the same company that I worked for, that dealt with the Alfas - best to avid them unless you are an Alfisti and you want nothing else. You need that kind of dedication and deep pockets to keep them going.

*Volvo - Going off second hand information here - I've heard they aren't a bad car. Along the lines f a Saab as far as maintenance costs go. Again, get it maintained by experts, and any potential purchase checked by them.
And don't worry about it being a "Volvo" - the opinion of the new cars has changed their perception enormously.

Apologies for the long post - voguette, if you want further information please message me and i'll fill you in.

[SydVR6]

For $19990, that Volvo would be superb buying.
They're a really nice looking car, and very substantial under the skin - not just a pretty face.

If you're looking for a 5 seater convertible,
I don't think you could go too far wrong with a C70 2.4T, provided you're prepared to look after it.

In terms of looks, the body shape is genuinely stylish - they were almost universally lauded for their good looks when released.
If you've ever seen one in the metal, you'd be aware of how nicely proportioned they are and they're quite timeless. The years have been really kind to the C70.

Performance wise, they're also properly fast, with the venerated 5 cylinder (high pressure) turbo. 0-100 in around 7 seconds would be about right for an auto.

In terms of the ad you've linked - the km's are low and black is magic. Just look at those BBS RR wheels.
It's all understated Euro purposefulness : )


I'd go so far as to say that with the proper preventative maintenence that engine would be pretty much bullet-proof. Volvo had some reliability issues during during the late 90's with regards to electrics, but most of them should have been ironed out under warranty on a good example with a proper service history.

Handling wise, they're engineered to be safe and neutral, so have a slight tendency to understeer. They also have a 'sporty' but very well damped ride and handle extremely well for a front wheel drive luxury car.

Underneath it all, the chassis is stiff as old boards, so these cars can made to corner like they're on rails with a few judicious geometry changes.

Finally, it's a proper Volvo - it pre-dates much of the badge engineering that went on between Ford, Mazda and Volvo in recent years.

Who really cares about any lingering mis-givings people may have about the Volvo image - Volvo have a bonafide Motorsport heritage and engineering reputation.

Remember, the recent Saabs are really just Vauxhall Vectras under the skin and handle accordingly.

[voguette]

Great feedback on the Volvo. Aren't the wheels pretty? I'm a sucker for shiny things!

I just had a quick look on AutoTrader.co.uk just out of interest, and saw a 2002 Volvo C70 for £2500!! It makes me slightly ill to think about the price difference between the UK and Oz!

[SydVR6]

Great feedback on the Volvo. Aren't the wheels pretty? I'm a sucker for shiny things!

I just had a quick look on AutoTrader.co.uk just out of interest, and saw a 2002 Volvo C70 for £2500!! It makes me slightly ill to think about the price difference between the UK and Oz!

Yeah, unfortunately imported cars here are dearer when new. That's due to goverment import duty and other excises, in some cases luxury car tax and the fact that we're a small market, so far away from the northern hemishphere : )

For example, new Porsches and Audis here are more than double the price of their American market counterparts.

On the plus side, unless you're in the alps, we don't have snow or ice here and we don't have salted roads.
We also have a fairly dry climate, meaning that premium cars that aren't overdosing on midday UV rays and sea salt have a fighting chance at being long lasted, provided they're garaged and looked after.

Up until recently £2500 was almost $6500 here. Don't forget that the UK economy is in pretty dire straits at the moment and used luxury cars are the first thing to suffer : )

[voguette]

Too true. There's also the small issue of the weather in the UK when owning a convertible. The car might only cost £2500, but sunshine is priceless

[nomis3613]

+1 for the volvo

Looks-wise, I think the rareness (there aren't many volvo convertibles in Aus) makes up for the boxiness.

I drove a C70 T5 recently and for open-top cruising it was great. Too soft for serious fanging, but I don't think this will be a problem for you.

Also, have a think about an Audi A4 cabrio.

[Presto]

I would go Saab but I admit I am biased. I have an 09 convertible, love it and can't agree with a previous poster who criticised the handling. Prior to the convertible I had a 2001 93 coupe for 8 years, most reliable car I ever had. Also go for a 2005 or above, the first of the new shape had many electrical glitches but would have been overcome by now with dealer updates. I would also go for a 2 litre turbo which I think is all that is available in the later models except for the 2.8T V6 Aero.

[Sheqel]

We just sold our 1999 9-3. It was the most rubbish car we've ever owned.

By the time we were done with it, it needed $6k worth of work done. Needless to say, my mother now listens to me when she buys cars.