At 10 years old condition is going to matter more than make or model, but between the two the Saab will be faster, but in time parts may be difficult to get, particularly body parts.

I'd have gone for a BMW 3-series before either, but presumably you've decided against one of these.

There are other engine options with the Audi that are worth a look.

Edited by Avant on 30/12/2015 at 19:46

I have a '07 2.0T 9-3 Aero Saloon with a Maptun St1 tune to 260hp/360Nm (there's more available if you don't mind swapping the intercooler and a few other bits). It's a fantastic car. Very quick without having to rev the nuts off it (max torque from 2400rpm and max power at only 5300rpm). Very comfortable and so easy to drive. Overtaking is its forte (how does 40-80 in 5.2 secs in third grab you?). I'm a regular on the Fosse way (daily Leics to Gaydon, nr Warwick and regularly Leics to Corsham, Wilts) and there's very little it can't pass with ease on the climb out of Fossebridge dip! Love the heatd seats in winter and twin zone air con in summer (very powerful - designed for hot climates). And you can't go wrong with Saab safeety levels. Genorously braked too - 304 mm front and 294mm rear vented discs all round!! That's bigger vented discs at the rear than my previous saloon had at the front!! The bi-xenons are fantastic headlights (but need careful adjustment). Wouldn't hesitate to recommend one if you're looking for some fun with practicality (chap at work has a diesel cabrio with a tow bar for trips into France).

I've had it 5 years and if I was buying now I'd be after a Turbo X! It turned 100k a few weeks ago - not that you'd know it. I'm hoping for another 10 yrs.

I do all my own servicing. No probs - but you'll need a 32mm socket for the filter. And follow the service bulletin and replenish the gearbox oil to 2.4 litres (NOT 3.2 litres as per original fill and the Haynes - I used Castrol Multitrans, superb). Avoid if they've not had regular oil changes (the top end can sludge up and starve the chains of oil). I change every 5-7k with a flush. Also make sure to warm up and cool down the turbo properly each journey and keep the compressor side & throttle body clean.

Congratulations on your retirement

The Audi 1.8 20v turbo is a great engine

Both the Saab and the Audi can have their fare share of Suspension problems , as previously mentioned condition is all.

At 10 years old the bodywork may be showing some initial signs of decay, some years worse than others - check around wheelarches(especially from bumper>front wing), along sills (especially sill>rear wheel arch)

Personally even though I like Saabs the Audi is the better car, especially for long distance touring

Edited by Big John on 31/12/2015 at 21:42