Date: Mon, 09 Mar 1998 18:18:30 -0800 From: David Wong <davidwnopsam.net> Subject: Re: Constructive Criticism 95 900 SE
Mark wrote: > > I've got my eye on a 1995 900 SE and I've heard a few negative comments. If you own or > have owned a similar model, and are not a Volvo, Audi or BMW saboteur, I would love some > constructive critism. > > I have owned a few older Saabs 1976 99 and a 1983 900 and although they had a few > problems they were great cars. > > Will I be making a $20,000 mistake? > > Thanks for your time. > Mark Mark, I have been thinking about the Saab since 1994 when the new 900S came out. Following my own rule of never buying a first model year car, I waited. Sure enough, you probably heard about the problems in the 94 and 95 900Ss. So in the spring of 96, I ordered my 96 900S from Finland with the exact color and options that I wanted. I am fairly satisfied with my 96 900S. Since taking delivery, I have had a few problems. Nothing major though. Here are some of them: - Windshield wiper pump was plug or not working. - Hard to start when temperature drop to -4C ( I'm in Toronto; very disappointed) - Top segment of antenna fell off - Battery died recently (had only 35,000km) - Frequently replacing headlight and foglight bulbs (probably 6 bulbs before the car was even a year old). All of the problems were corrected by my dealer and covered under warranty. My Saab has enough pick-up power for in-town driving and handles well. The handling is comparable to BMW 328 or AUDI A4, which I test drove before buying the Saab. My Saab doesn't have the power like the BMW or the Audi, but it cost $10K less and has much more trunk space. I also found the Saab interior to be superior to the BMW and the AUDI. I am leasing this car now and will probably trade-up to the 9-3 next year. Generally, the car handles and performs well. Saab has a excellent reputation with their 4 cyl. engines. I am not so sure about the 6 cyl. or the turbo. If you want more power and can afforded it, best to check out the BMW or the AUDI. However, for $35,000Cdn I would buy another 900S over other imports or domestic. I remember that Camry's, Maxima's and VW Passat's were in the $30K range when I was shopping. None of them had as much safety and performance features as the Saab. And the Saab stands out on the road. Hope this is helpful. Good luck in your hunt for the right car. David
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
