The initial brief (from the wife) was 'decent boot' and nothing too sporty.... that pretty much sums up our current E-class, great for wafting around.
With a budget of around £11K, I was checking out 3-Series tourers & C-Class estates from around 2007-2008 (and the odd 4x4). I'd pretty much settled on the 3-series. Before taking the plunge on one I'd viewed at a dealers, I wanted to check out the Saab 9-3 estate as well (I've always kinda liked the weird look of Saabs... apart from the Dame Edna 9-5). Popped along to the old Saab garage in Glasgow and the wife immediately declared the 9-3 estate as a bit frumpy... so it was ruled out.
But, in a complete turnaround from the brief... she took a shine to the 9-3 convertible deaming it's boot as 'not too bad'. When the conversation turned to whether we should really be buying a car based on it's ability to swallow 3 suitcases once or twice a year, I realised that my internet searching over the last few weeks had been a complete waste of time
So, some further internet searching took place and I was astounded by how little you can pick up a reasonably new Saab up for these days... Saloons, Estates, Convertibles...whatever... all silly cheap. I know they have always been seen as a poor mans Merc/BMW/Audi, and residuals have never been as strong as the Germans, but Saab going to the wall must really have hit the 2nd hand values harder than I'd realised. There appears to still be a supply chain in place for parts and plenty of indy garages to service them.
Anyway, I located a late 2009 (59) rag-top in red, with a few extra options showing 39K on the clock through West for under £8K (just a smidge over £8K when I added a 2yr service & MOT plan to the price).
I know they are marmite cars and not exactly known for their dynamic driving experience... but deal done, and if we manage to get some sun this summer it'll be great for family days out. I'm now not sure if I'm a hairdresser or an old frump.
