Lots of pointers here: www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/saab/9-3-2007/?secti...d

I have never met anyone with a recent Saab that was 100% reliable.

Frankly driving 30,000 miles a year is hammering car, unless it sits on the motorway all day. So you would be better off with an Octavia or a Mondeo. More comfortable ride and when the inevitable happens and you need to buy parts, they will be much cheaper.

I run a 2007 9-3 Aero 2.0T, with a Maptun tune to 255hp/360Nm and a set of Maptun performance lowering springs (the suspension is otherwise standard Aero).

I have just started a new job which has a 45 mile each way commute fromLutterworth to Redditch along the M6 and M42.

Despite the sports suspension and stiffer lower springs the car is supremely comfortable on the motorway. It's pretty comfortable on the country roads round us too, not at all crashy. Saab seats are known for their comfort - mine has the sports seats and they're brilliant. It's also extremely quiet, almost completely silent on the really good tarmac.

Despite the weight and power (and morning traffic), with a [mostly] light foot cruising at 65 to 70 I'm getting 40mpg on normal unleaded (but not supermarket, usually either Jet or BP). My friends are amazed - I'm known for my lead right foot.

I've had the car 3 years now and done 25k in it. So far it hasn't even hiccuped (it is exceptionally well serviced though - by me).

The diesel comes in for some stick from HJ and others. Never experienced one so can't comment on that aspect.

I intend to LPG my car once I've settled into the new job, which at current relative prices will give me an effective "petrol equivalent" of about 70mpg (taking a 20% loss into account). I doubt there are many diesels can achieve that in a decent sized car, never mind one that can do 30-90 in 10 seconds!! (and anyway, I hate diesels).

Can't argue with the safety of a 9-3 either, with loads of airbags and a very strong bodyshell. Also traction and esp too. 5* NCAP.

I'd thoroughly recommend a 9-3, but a petrol one.

www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=99578

I had a test drive in a 1.9 diesel 9.3 a few years ago and wasn't impressed: it was very noisy and there was terrible turbo lag. I'd go for the 1.9 Octavia (you'll get a newer one for your money than a similarly-powered VW or Audi) - this is a good engine which should last a long time, and more reliable than the 2.0 PD.

Ford diesels are mostly good apart from the 1.6 TDCI made in certain years - sorry, I can't remember which years. I thought it was a Ford diesel that went into the Volvo V40 but I could be wrong.

Bobbin - a petrol Octavia vRS could be the answer for you - faster than the MX-5 although it won't feel it. Alternatively you could keep and cherish the MX-5 and buy a 'bangernomics' estate for the time when you're doing up your house.