USED Saab 9-3 Saloon (02 - 12)

My car

While the car is very lively during acceleration, it lets itself down mainly when cornering - the car feels twitchy and unstable.

Due to the weight of the car, the engine consumes a considerable amount of fuel, rarely returning more than 350 miles for a full tank.

This is my second Saab and, although I like the car, I shall be changing to a different manufacturer when I swap, due to the loss in value that I am facing.

My car

Bought a 53 plate Aero last week having had a Volvo for 6 years. Love it. Yes it's bumpy at low speeds on poor roads but the cabin is comfy and very well laid out. Driving position is good and the engine excellent, especially from second upwards.

Cruising and country roads are good fun, and personally I think the handling allows you to go to as quick as you like - flat in corners and loads of grip. Steering is light but managable.

Can't comment on the running costs or reliability yet although clearly others have mixed experiences. All I can say is that the service record indicates no major issues over its first 12 months or so.

Compared with its rivals it seems to be better looking than an A4 and better value/power for money. New 3 Series looks great but it's a BMW, and it costs much more.

Having let somebody else take the hit on the first year depreciation, I'm delighted with a car that's quick, comfortable, well equipped and a bit different.

For me it more than holds its own in this class.

My car

The car has a firm ride but excellent road-holding abilities, I feel perfectly safe driving it. I've had one or two minor but annoying electrical problems but Saab usually resolves them fairly quickly. The most annoying feature is the electrical switches controlling the windows. A better design to stop them being accidentally activated would be good. Otherwise an excellent vehicle from a driver's point of view

My car

Performance is stunning for a four-cylinder 2.0-litre engine – it still brings a smile to my face when I get a chance to open the throttle (safely, of course).

A family of four fits in easily and safety was important when making the choice. The car feels solid and sound. Climate control is good and all the controls are easy to use and feel of a reasonable quality. I went for an upgraded sound system as the entry-level was weak and lacked depth.

Economy plummets when you push it, but if you can rein yourself in, mpg is OK. The ride is firm and at low speeds can be bumpy. I have a had a few niggly faults – in the old car, the steering column needed replacing after a couple of months and the computer display gave some odd readings when I changed fuel. In the new car, the petrol filler cap stuck shut, which caused the alarm to malfunction and the in-dash CD changer skips when cold, but these are irritating exceptions rather than serious annoyances. My local dealer has serviced both cars and hasalways been great to deal with.

Overall I love the car; I like the fact that there are fewer on the road than German rivals (A4 & 3 series) and I think it looks better than both. The Espresso Black paintwork attracts a number of compliments and adds to that feeling of being an individual.

Once a Saab driver, always a Saab driver? On current form, it'll take some beating. There is nothing out there in the 'small executive' market that would move me.