BMW e38 7 Series "Top Gear" styled review
The BMW 7 Series is a great car. The e38 version of 1994-2001 will be long remembered and has featured in many films and tv shows, but Top Gear and Fifth Gear never fully gave it their sights. I decided to give it a go.
Escape to Stradbroke Overhauls MV Moongalba
At dusk in spring the Stradbroke fast ferry "Escape to Stradbroke" overhauls the veteran MV Moongalba, now the only barge flying the stradbroke ferries flag on the crossing to Dunwich. MVs Minjerribah and Quandamooka are working in Gladstone, and Sea Stradbroke's Sea Breeze is the vessel to travel on unless you like the 30+ year old workhorse.
Saab 900 turbo on the Stelvio Pass
On August 15th 2010, we drove a MY84 Saab 900 T16 and a MY88 Saab 900 Aero up and over the Stelvio Pass; also formally known as the 'best driving road in the world' (Jeremy Clarkson - Top Gear). Besides the fact that we had to cope with rain, hail and the occasional campervan, it was a delight and the best day ever spent in an old Saab.
2007 Saab 9-3 Navigation
Learn the basics on how to use this sophisticated GPS based navigation. This system is similar to the one used on most current generation General Motors vehicles.
Saab 9-5 SID removal
How to remove your Saab 9-5's SID unit for repair or replacement. Saab NG900 & 9-3 similar.
Saab 9-3 Vector 1.9 TiDS Steptronic Full Review,Start Up, Engine, and In Depth Tour
The front-wheel-drive 9-3 does not feel state of the art from behind the wheel. It was facelifted in 2007, but as the company points out the 9-3 has a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating, there really was no need to change its underpinnings. However, although it is comfortable enough, there's no disputing the fact that rivals offer great handling and better body control. Mechanically though, there is a highlight -- the twin-turbo 1.9-litre TTiD. The smaller turbocharger minimises lag and provides great throttle response, while the larger one helps it produce 400Nm and 178bhp. It's smoother than the single-turbo 1.9-litre TiD, but can still get raucous when pushed hard. As with all Saabs, the manual gearshift is rubbery, too. The four-cylinder petrol alternatives are feeling their age now, but the 2.8-litre V6 turbo is an impressive performer.
Marketplace
The facelifted 9-3 is very much of the nip and tuck variety. The biggest changes came at the front, with a distinctive eyebrow light across the top of the main lamp. Elsewhere, there's a cleaner look, and the new 'ice-white' tail lamps are stylish. Offered in saloon and Sport Wagon estate guises, the Saab offers a less expensive premium alternative to a BMW 3-Series or Audi A3. A line-up of fleet-focused Airflow, Linear SE and Vector Sport models are easy to follow, but while there's a large range of engines, it's the TiD 120 and 150 units that sell most strongly.
Owning
A new interior in 2006 still didn't raise quality levels to the standards of rivals, and while it did reduce the button-count, some of the switchgear still appears dated. The soft seats offer excellent long-distance comfort though, and ergonomically, the safe Saab is intuitive to use. Furthermore, while rear legroom is not particularly generous, the saloon's boot is decent and the Sport Wagon's cargo area is well thought out. Cleverly, the middle section of the floor can be folded upwards and used to prevent shopping bags from sliding around. Equipment levels also impress, and the 1.9-litre diesel variants prove economical -- more so than the slightly thirsty petrol units. Where the Saab's sub-premium status shows is in retained values, though. They're simply not as good as those of its German competitors. With so many entry-level luxury car choices from Germany, Japan and America, it's easy to overlook the Swedish Saab 9-3. But the truth is, the Saab 9-3 could be a great match for buyers looking for a spacious, safe and comfortable automobile with a proven safety record and a distinctly modern attitude.
Today's 9-3 lineup is the latest in Saab's long line of near-luxury cars dating back to the 1970s. Offered in a variety of body styles, with abundant cargo space and frugal yet powerful engines, it has always represented a competitively priced, character-laden alternative to the me-too near-luxury offerings from other manufacturers.
Though the unique and practical 9-3 hatchbacks were discontinued after the 2002 model year, the 9-3 family continues to be offered in multiple body styles: a four-door sedan, two-door convertible and four-door wagon, the latter called "SportCombi." All utilize small-displacement, turbocharged engines that extract big power while salvaging respectable fuel economy. Recent examples have been made available with V6s as a step up from one of Saab's traditionally lively four-cylinders. Furthermore, the Saab 9-3 tends to be priced aggressively, at least in sedan and wagon form. Convertible models have always been a bit less of a bargain.
Among the Saab 9-3's chief shortcomings are its lower performance thresholds and somewhat cut-rate interior in comparison with German and Japanese competitors. Still, it remains a good bet for near-luxury car shoppers seeking something different in a class of look-alikes.Today's Saab 9-3 is sold in three body styles: sedan, SportCombi wagon and convertible. Sedan and SportCombi models feel spacious, with low floors, upright windows and seating for five, though three in the rear seat can be tight. Legroom in particular is a sore spot. Convertible models have a rear seat for two adults of small-to-average size. Cargo room in all models is generous.
Saab 9-5 SID Swap
The importance of getting the correct SID in your 9-5. Not all SID's speak the same "language". Saab used the same SID's for model years '98-'01, one SID for all '02's, one for all '03's, and one updated unit for all '04-'05 models.
2008 Saab Turbo X Sport Combi
PRICE REDUCED*****VERY RARE****** under 50 in the USA. 2008 Saab turbo X Sport Combi with 6 speed manual transmission, Cross Drive All Wheel Drive, turbo 6 cyl producing 280 Hp. This car has a Saab 100K mile Certified Warranty, still in original factory warranty. Car has every option except Nav. Tinted windows with lifetime warranty. Michilen tires through Discount Tire with full replacement road hazard warranty for 45K miles. 30K miles left on that warranty. Car features distinct exterior styling with black metalic paint, anthricity 18 inch wheels, sport Exhaust, articulating headlights, with fog lights front and rear. Moonroof, Auto lights, night panel, dual pwr heated seats, Boss sound system with 6 disc in dash CD player, XM radio, On Star, dual climite control with filter, cooled glove box, carbon fiber interior trim, rain sencing wipers, tilt wheel, stearing whell mounted controls, computer, split fold rear seat, cargo cover, rear defrost, rear wiper washer, rear park assist, auto down feature on windows auto up on front 2, AND SO MUCH MORE. This is an amazing car and I hate to part with it. I have never enjoyed a car as much as this one. This car has been garage kept, serviced at dealership,full maintance records available, never in wreck, non smoker, never raced. PRICE REDUCED
