Should I change or not?

DM · 27 Jul 2010 at 14:59

For that money i cant think of anything better.

They havent been thrashed or owned by idiots generally.

They tend to be looked after, plenty still on the first owner.

No they dont drive like a Ferrari but what do you want from an estate.

Unless you want to up the budget i think they are a winner, i would much rather have one of those than a 200k Volvo.

iaind · 27 Jul 2010 at 15:01

I'm not really after a track day weapon or anything. Dad's one has some immense clout in the mid range, so that would keep me entertained for a long time

End Creditz · 27 Jul 2010 at 15:02

I must confess to having a soft spot for an Alfa but then that's heart over head. As for a Saab I've always been put off by the Vectra connection having had a rental, when the last shape had just arrived, and after the first minute I wanted to thrash it, beat not drive, and after 2 days I was convinced the thing didn't require a driver as it ignored all input. I would liken it to getting a piggyback ride from a cabbage, it really was that hateful an experience.
Have the Saab guys really tweaked that chassis to the point where it feels good to drive?
I haven't driven one so I'm genuinely interested regards that.

As for the seat cover thing (works almost like a hammock in that it prevents access to the rear footwell) I guess that's down to how well behaved the dog is. They certainly can't get enough of a grip to leap around on it

Ev0 · 27 Jul 2010 at 15:05

Saab 9-3?

Who's the job with out of interest? They hiring any more people, will be in need of a new job soon....

DM · 27 Jul 2010 at 15:10

End Creditz said:
Have the Saab guys really tweaked that chassis to the point where it feels good to drive?
I haven't driven one so I'm genuinely interested regards that.

They are a bit boring to drive, but as a mile munching wafter they are great.

iaind · 27 Jul 2010 at 15:10

Nah 9-3 Estates are a bit pricey still

The handling...well, I didnt find my 9-3 too bad. It was quite pleasing on the right sort of road - fast swoopy type of corners, but anything that might get the tyres sqealing was a bit scary. The 9-5 is much more of a cruiser though

Havent seen those dog things actually, I've seen covers that go over the seats and onto the floor but nothing that stops them getting into the footwell. Need something sturdy to stop them getting into the front too!

The job's with a small(ish) company down in sowton so I cant imagine them hiring any time soon. Whereabouts are you based though, as I know a job that's about to be advertised (mine!)

End Creditz · 27 Jul 2010 at 15:14

http://www.google.co.uk/images?hl=e...+seat+cover&gbv=2&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=
This is the style. Top few images.

Howard · 27 Jul 2010 at 15:14

Leon Cupra R?

Ev0 · 27 Jul 2010 at 15:17

iaind said:
The job's with a small(ish) company down in sowton so I cant imagine them hiring any time soon. Whereabouts are you based though, as I know a job that's about to be advertised (mine!)

Anywhere down here really will do, currently working in Exeter, live in Torquay.

Got a couple of telephone interviews soon (one for a place on Sowton as well) but always worth looking around for other things

Anyway, sorry to derail thread, buy a Mondeo.

iaind · 27 Jul 2010 at 15:19

Ev0 said:
Anywhere down here really will do, currently working in Exeter, live in Torquay.

Got a couple of telephone interviews soon (one for a place on Sowton as well) but always worth looking around for other things

Anyway, sorry to derail thread, buy a Mondeo.

Drop me an email mate

[email protected]

iaind · 27 Jul 2010 at 15:23

End Creditz said:
http://www.google.co.uk/images?hl=e...+seat+cover&gbv=2&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=
This is the style. Top few images.

Ah I see. Would need some way of stopping the little rascal from getting between the seats into the front though....

Howard said:
Leon Cupra R?

Good shout!

Bubo · 27 Jul 2010 at 15:31

Is the boxer you parents dog? What car do they currently transport it about in? The dog use factor seems to be gathering momentum, this would appear to be leading you definately down the touring/estate route. What car does your friend drive btw, i.e. how is the german shepherd currently taken for jaunts in the woods?

iaind · 27 Jul 2010 at 15:36

Parents dog, which I look after sometimes, is normally ferried about in a 95 estate.

Friend doesnt normally take the dog in the car unless its for the vet or something, as it's a micra. Possible, but not ideal!

Bubo · 27 Jul 2010 at 15:43

Are you able to borrow the estate for dog ferrying duties then, I mean how often are we talking? You say you can borrow the sports car when you need it. Unless you need a touring for other stuff as well.

End Creditz · 27 Jul 2010 at 15:43

Never had the problem of the dogs getting over and into the front unless they were left alone for more than a few minutes in the car. Generally it's got little to zero grip for their paws so they slide about a bit then eventually give up and just concentrate on staying in one spot. That might be a problem with the boxer rather than the shepherd as boxers aren't exactly the brightest breed.

It's definitely having an effect on the car choice ain't it lol

iaind · 27 Jul 2010 at 15:47

Bubo said:
Are you able to borrow the estate for dog ferrying duties then, I mean how often are we talking? You say you can borrow the sports car when you need it. Unless you need a touring for other stuff as well.

The thing with borrowing the MG is it's much more straight forward.

Go and get it, hoon it for a week/weekend, pop some fuel in it and return it.

You're probably well aware just how filthy dogs can make a car, plus the risk of damage in a brand new car that isnt my own.

At the moment, my car is being used for dog duties most weekends, so it is fairly regular. Obviously that will reduce in the colder months, but you get the point.

That, plus I dont see many drawbacks in getting estate over saloon...

End Creditz · 27 Jul 2010 at 15:57

There's a Legnum (sp?) thread on here somewhere that might give you another idea

Spuderoony · 27 Jul 2010 at 15:59

iaind said:
Bit unecessary, dont you think? It's only because of nonsense like this that makes these threads so frustrating.

FWIW, the Accord wasnt a money pit - I posted for advice on a few niggles, which have been sorted. It's cost very little money to fix.

The Saab was a mistake, yes, so I sold it after 3 months. I'm sure I'm not the only one who's made a motoring mistake....not like remapping a car, ruining its clutch and having your wife force you to sell it.

Hahaha, excellent

[TW]Fox · 27 Jul 2010 at 18:19

Bin the dog, picking a car based on needing to carry a dog belonging to somebody you dont live with (Your parents) is a bit silly, really.

Why not get a minibus incase your parents and the dog and some friends all need taking somewhere? You wouldnt do that, so why the dog requirement?

mjt · 27 Jul 2010 at 18:21

DiamondMark said:
For that money i cant think of anything better.

They havent been thrashed or owned by idiots generally.

They tend to be looked after, plenty still on the first owner.

No they dont drive like a Ferrari but what do you want from an estate.

Unless you want to up the budget i think they are a winner, i would much rather have one of those than a 200k Volvo.

Having just bought a 180k Volvo, I preferred the Volvo

However, it is essentially a canal boat and drinks like there's no tomorrow.

The Saab is a compromise between the two, but its nowhere near as solid.