Saab cars?

I've had a couple of the "classic" 900s - turbo was great - burned my share of rubber in all gears.

You sure you checked all the forums out? This one's quite active with the newer models.
http://www.saabcentral.com/forums/index.php

 

I just sold my 2004 Aero I was using as a driver. I have been a Saab bigot in the past having owned other turbo's Here are what I thought the positives and negatives were:

+ Great high end power. The car would pull 140MPH at 4000'
Great mileage. Got a steady 30+ on the road.
Nice size and handling.
The funky factor
No torque but who cares?

- Sadly there was some stuff I didn't like.
Pretty so so quality. Lot's of squeeks and rattles
Horrible selection of snow tires in the 17" size
My had the upgraded stereo and it sucked
Just not that solid of car anymore

Net net, I would not buy another. It's not as "cool" but my wife has a new Acura TL and it's better in everyway. For my driver, some of the things Saab fanatics accept as personality I consider bad manners.

 

I like Saabs, they are really nice cars.

 

I've put 300k miles on two 900 turbos, back when a SAAB was a SAAB. I've driven the new ones, and they simply aren't a decent car for the money anymore.

Boulder 355 hit it spot on with his comment, "For my driver, some of the things Saab fanatics accept as personality I consider bad manners."

See...quirks were fine in a Swedish automobile that had personality, but they aren't worth putting up with in a bland GM car.

 

I've had two GM 900s ('95 V6 and '97 Turbo). They are decent cars, but in 2003, the 9-3 became GM powered rather than Saab powered. The motor in the new 9-3s is essentially a turbocharged Cavalier/Sunfire motor. A Saab tech that I knew told me to stay away from those, but other than that, I haven't heard much negative about the new 9-3. The 9-5s are still Saab powered, and are a bit roomier than the 9-3s. I don't like the way GM has been bastardizing the Saab name lately (re-badged Imprezas and Trailblazers), but the 9-5 is still a good car in the bunch. Have you looked at the 9-5 Aero?

 

two good friends had saabs in the mid nineties...both had a great deal of mechancial and structural issues with the cars and the reliability as measured in some surveys during this time has not good....i have driven any of thenew cars, but ready the reviews they seem to be ho-hum and uninspired..certainly betters cars to buy for the money......the eccentric factor some people may find cool, i find it illogical and annoying

 

I should also add that for the money, if you ask me, Volvo puts out a much better product. Perhaps not as appealing to the eye, but you do get more for your money. You should also note that Saabs have horrible depreciation rates. I would never buy one new.

I was on www.saabcentral.com frequently when I had mine.

 

Check out www.saabnet.com

I have an 9-5 Aero wagon as a daily driver. It is reliable, functional, comfortable and pretty quick with the 250hp engine. It inspires few emotions though.

I must disagreed about the TL's. I had one for a day and thought it was terribly overated. The car was OK in a bland Japanese sort of way, but the suspension settings and throttle take up were atrocious.

 

Try www.saabscene.co.uk. I know its a brit site but its the best. You'll get alot of info on the new 9-3 I v'e driven a few of the new ones . My mate is our local main dealer saleman. I have owned 3 in the past, currently run the best and last proper Saab a 9000 Aero. New cars are very good and different to usual BMW, AUDI, MERC stuff. You can modd them easily and make very fast cars. Some of the 9000 Aero's are runnning with 500bhp throu front wheels and bags full of torque (Interesting). Easily modded to 300bhp and still capable of 35 mile to gallon,try getting that out of a Evo or Scooby. Good luck

 

GM's Employee Discount for Everyone puts the 9-3 Aero Sports Sedan at $28,033.00, originally $33,570. So if you're looking to buy brand new now instead of slightly used, you have until early July I think.

 

My dad has a 1996 Saab 9000 Aero, my mom has a 1999 Saab 9-3, my brother has a 1981 Saab 900s and a 1987 Saab 900s Turbo.
As you can see, we love Saab's.

 

I was on Saabnet looking at a 9-5 once, and I had a respovse from a dealer in Saudi Arabia who told me that between a new BMW (which he also sold) and a new Saab, he'd pick the Saab 9-5 Aero.....

 

Beemers are everywhere... they are boring now. Saab Aero is where it's at!