Car choice: Saab or Rover? Can a car from a defunct maker ever be a sensible idea?

Karl Simpson is getting rid of his ancient Citroen ZX and wants to buy a Saab 900 with his £700 budget

Rover stopped making cars a dozen years ago but don’t let that put you off buying a second-hand model (MG Rover)

A car for the head

What Karl is really asking is, “should I go from an outdated old car to one where the model isn’t just obsolete, the manufacturer is dead too?” Well, just because the maker is no more doesn’t mean a car is no longer worth owning. For that reason we would recommend Karl seriously consider a Rover. That company sadly ceased building cars in 2005, but a Rover 75 is a comfortable, largely reliable, stylish saloon or estate car. He should join the75andztclub.co.uk for help from enthusiasts. A 2.0 V6 Club SE with service history and MOT is £700.

Tough and stylish – but make sure your Saab has been maintained (saab)

A car for the heart

If Karl wants a Saab 900, then he should have one. Although I believe the almost identical and later 9-3 model is the much better buy, however. Below £1,000 there is a very large choice. It is vital to find an example that has been well looked after. Saab ceased trading in 2012, but the legacy of their tough and stylish cars lives on. Again, there is an enthusiastic owners club, saabclub.co.uk, and companies who can still get vital parts. A 2003 2.0 T Arc which had been freshly cleaned and “ready to drive away” – all for £794.