I own a 1999 Saab 9-3 with 92k miles, it's in good condition and has never given me any major problems. Other then a chronically rusty muffler, and a front right tire that's set back farther then the front left tire (previous owner).

I'm looking at a 2000 Volvo S70 SE in beige with 72k miles or a 2000 S70 turbo with 86k. Both are reasonably priced.

What should I do?

 

I would get the turbo you will regret it later if you don't.

1. If you plan to mod your car the turbo is the better option.

2. In general the turbo will be a much more fun car then the SE.

 

Hi Joshua
Here's to hoping you get alot of responses. edit: Between the two I say the turbo also. More fun. You'd be beating yourself up if you went with the SE.

Are these two S70s froma Volvo dealer? Without a good service history and vehicle inspection, its a gamble for any car with age. If its a private owner you might be able to judge what kind of driver they are.

That's just me. I dont like taking risks. That's why I hold onto cars so long. It removes the unknowns. Are you planning on holding onto the car for another 4-5 years? I'm just saying, the car will be 11-12 years old by then.

But what am I talking about? I own an S60. I'll let others chime in.
edit: double-poster
[sm=bustedsign.gif]

 

Yeah, I just found out the BPC valve is bad in my Saab, so I've been driving around with only base boost for a long time.
I removed the wastegate hose and plugged it. WOW! Boost really is GREAT!

So yeah, I have to get the boost.

 

No, the volvos are just from a standard used lot. I do plan on getting it checked out by an actual Volvo tech before I buy it. Check the carfax and test drive it and inspect it myself.

I normally hang on to cars a long time too. My last car was a Sebring and it hit 120k and fell apart. Literally. So now I have the '99 Saab which is okay, but I fear that it's going to take a dump on me too. I'm attracted to the Volvos because of a promise of reliability. Saabs are not known for that.

 

I went through quite a similar stage to you, i used to own a Saab NG900 2.0i coupeand I ditched it for a S70 Dec last year,mind's only a 2.5 10v not2.5T or anything like that, so far so good i have to say, if you are not liking the handling of your 9-3, then you will be impressed by the S70's drive.

which engine do you have in your 9-3? because i guess it does make a different if you are driving a turbo at the moment and going into a S70 SE, you might find it lacks power..

 

I don't mind the handling of the 9-3.....but it does feel "tall".

My BPC valve isn't working right now, so I've been driving around with only base boost for a couple of months, but yes.......I. Love. Turbo.

I figure no matter what I do, I'll have to deal with some sort of problems. Have it be Saab problems or Volvo problems.

 

You are very right in saying "Have it be Saab problems or Volvo problems".

Take my NG900 for example (i know they are not really the same car but they are quite similar), before i changed to a S70 i was actually looking into buying a new one of the exact same car (a 1999 Saab 9-3) to replace the Saab 900.

Certainly from my experience of the two cars, I would say the S70 was much better designed, I had heaps of trouble with little things on my 900 (it might have improved on the 9-3). For instance, the back windows of a 3 door 900 (and 9-3) are know to have huge leak problems, and that was actually the exact reason why i didn;t buy the 9-3, because i looked at one and it had the same problems as my 900 and i thought "am i just in for same car with the same problems? but just newer?"

whereas with volvo, things seem to be more carefully thought through, although it lacks style compared with the Saabs, I do believe you will have less to worry about with a volvo. I loved the Saab, cos it was fast, and different, but i wouldn't have that particular car again, whereas i am quite happy to buy another S70.

Go for the turbo, for sure, you will regret it if you don't!