| Author | Message | ||
| Rosso (Redhead)
Member Username: Redhead Post Number: 358 Registered: 12-2001 |
Ok--- Here we go. So, I go down to the dealership. The car is not there. So, they tell me its over at their service facility. So, the detailer goes over there and picks up the car. The reason the airbag light was on. So, we take the car out airbag light and all. So, impression...Hmmm..Not to sure. I guess its really hard to compare after getting out of my car, and just having driven a Arnage T. But, all in all, the car pulled really well, very quite, tight chassis, as best that I could push it with sales person in the car. All in all, I dont know. I need to drive it again. The car I was looking at had a few minor cosmetic issues that pushed me away from buying it. As you can tell I am a bit torn. It felt like a Lotus S4s as far as the 4cyl and the turbo. The brakes were nice, and the trans had a smooth feeling. I am hoping to get a little more seat time in it this weekend and then decide from there. Once again, thanks all that have helped. R | ||
| Rosso (Redhead)
Member Username: Redhead Post Number: 357 Registered: 12-2001 |
Kenny, how about this...I will call DES and tell him, so that way he can relay the enthuasiam or lack thereof. I am heading over after delvering a Bentley Arnage T....Turbo to Turbo......  | ||
| Kenny Herman (Kennyh)
Intermediate Member Username: Kennyh Post Number: 1170 Registered: 8-2001 |
Rossa, I am really interested in the outcome of your test drive, I will be in the market for one (pending good results of your drive) in 6 months or so, for a car for college. Please write a full review! | ||
| rich stephens (Dino2400)
Member Username: Dino2400 Post Number: 567 Registered: 10-2001 |
I've owned Saabs from the 80s but haven't had one of the current batch. A good friend owns an independent saab repair place - he calls the new cars "Chevies". And that they are, I guess. Hopefully not too many GM penny pinchers are involved in the cars. | ||
| 911 Fan (911fan)
New member Username: 911fan Post Number: 33 Registered: 5-2003 |
No advice, but I did see this license plate on one a while back: WHA SAAB | ||
| Rosso (Redhead)
Member Username: Redhead Post Number: 354 Registered: 12-2001 |
Taek-- I have heard about the torque steer. I am going to try and drive it later this afternoon and find out how bad it really is. As far as the M3 factor....I am impressed by them, but at the same time, they are at every stop light. But, if I dont like the drive, M3 or S4 here I come... Thanks to all for the input. You are supporting everything that I have read, and thats always a good thing. BTW_- This is a 2000 once again, with 35k on the clock. Cheers.... | ||
| Thomas I (Wax)
Junior Member Username: Wax Post Number: 173 Registered: 7-2003 |
Quite true about the soft secondary market pricing. I'd never buy one new. Properly cared for, they are legal Grand Theft Auto, and while quirks abound (cupholder & ignition key), just a joy to drive when properly sorted. The engines are basically indestructible, so it's other stuff that needs the occasional attention. BTW, "Viggen" is derived from Saab's Mach 2 jet's moniker. | ||
| Taek-Ho Kwon (Stickanddice)
Intermediate Member Username: Stickanddice Post Number: 2014 Registered: 11-2002 |
>>That said, since it is FWD, you may get some torque steer, but I don't think it is a huge problem.<< I've driven one in Boston. There is a lot of torque steer. Definitely noticeable. Car was pretty quick. I would personally go for the M3. There is tremendous support for the car and very tight communities. Also a lot of stuff available to make it go faster or handle better or both! Cheers | ||
| Dom Vitarella (Dom)
Member Username: Dom Post Number: 421 Registered: 11-2002 |
I have a 2001 9-3 (actually it is my wife's car). We love it. It is a small car, but it will fit 5 people if you have to. Fuel economy is great. The hatchback is great- you can fit lots of crap in it. The viggen should have gobs more power than ours. That said, since it is FWD, you may get some torque steer, but I don't think it is a huge problem. Your point's on the saab are right on. If I had to replace my daily driver (Alfa 164), I would probably go with a used 9-3 viggen. Also, there doesn't seem to be much of a demand for saabs (they are very underappreciated IMHO), and so the prices are very reasonable. Dom | ||
| Rosso (Redhead)
Member Username: Redhead Post Number: 353 Registered: 12-2001 |
Thomas, Thanks for the links. One advantage I might also have, one of our service advisors used to work at the local Saab dealership where this car is at. He is still good friends will all there.........I am so tempted right now!!!! Thanks again...keep you informed | ||
| Thomas I (Wax)
Junior Member Username: Wax Post Number: 171 Registered: 7-2003 |
I'm driving an '88 Saab 900 Turbo 'vert to the ground. Here's the 9-3 brochure http://www.saabcentral.com/features/gm900_93/brochures/2000_viggen/viggen_1.php Great site! I'm "waxaab" over yonder... Fuel Economy = 20/29: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/15955.shtml I've no idea about overall roominess, etc., but Saabs are very torquey and a pleasure to drive on winding roads, as they respond to a driver's commands without knocking him/her around. Cupholder, or lack of it, is the chief complaint amongst those who've not had a Saab before. While a 900 has no cupholder, the 9-3 has one that is, uh, serviceable. When I am able to obtain a Ferrari, I'll still have a Saab as a grocery-getter. Preferably an older SPG like this one, without all das blinkenlights or louvres. http://dave-new.com/yoshi/index.html Click on 5th picture down for drool factor. | ||
| Rosso (Redhead)
Member Username: Redhead Post Number: 352 Registered: 12-2001 |
So, anyone have any experience with Saab's? I am in the market and have found a 2000 Saab 9 3 Viggen. All the on-line forums that I have found praise this car, but, just wondering if anyones here has had any sort of experience. The car I am looking at is a CPO, so, it comes with an additional 2 year warranty. Things I am thinking about.... 1-Gas Mileage. 4 cyl turbo...30mpg on Freeways. 2-Room, I have a Mustang Cobra right now, and 2 people is enough. 3-Exclusivity...only 1000 were made per year. 4-Style, quiet, sublte... Any thoughts. The other cars I have looked into have been S4's and M3's...in the 2000 my range. I do work at a dealership mind you, so think semi-budget. THANKS!!! |