9-3 vs 9-3 OG

[joulupukki]

Hello Guys,

The day has come and today I'll have to replace my 900 OG turbo.

I narrowed down the choices to two cars.

A) 2002 9-3 SE 2.0 with 185 HP (tuned to 200hp) (black leather seats with memory)

or

B) 2004 9-3 1.8t Linear (150 hp)
no leather seats, but the white material... the interior has not yet started to peel off

Both cars are in excellent condition (I checked them) and the price of the newer model is just a little bit higher than the old one. Millage is said to be both 140 tkm.

Which one is more reliable?
Which one would you take?

Regards,
Joulupukki

ps:
the links for the cars:

[mjava]

Don't know about reliability, but imho:

NG is better to drive (more stabile)

OG is bit more comfortable (seats) and has more spacious trunk.

Take the one which feels better

[apu,apupoika]

I would also take Sport-Sedan.
Rideability is better and it feels bigger on the road, it doesnt swing sideward.
Sport-Sedan body shape also is better, thats my opinion.

If you compare Sport-Sedan´s 150hp vs. OG9-3 200hp, that 150hp makes you cry on the highway.......

I cant say anything about OG9-3 reliability, also I think that this 9-3SS, SC, CV and X forum is too partisan to evaluate that.

[jcarlson]

Take the newer one, if price, mileage and condition are almost equal. As said, much better drivability in the new model.
Otherwise, I would rate reliability pretty equal. The 9-3SS seems to have a bit more problems resulting from too cheap materials and parts, whereas the OG9-3 has some common design faults (T7 engine oil sludge problem for example).
If you want power, then the OG9-3 is clearly superior because of the more tuneable engine. However if ~200-300hp max is enough for you, then the SS should suffice.