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Date: Wed, 05 Aug 1998 16:46:23 +0000
From: Joseph Oberlander <oberlandnopsame.net>
Subject: Re: Volvo or Saab?


> >Simple question? My wife and I are buying another car. Two models are > >in the running: Volvo and Saab. Given the cost, we are looking in the > >late model range of 1992 - 1993. Question is: Which car would you buy > >and why? I would buy a 1993 240(I believe it was the last year they made it) Buy the last year they made it, and you can't go wrong. ABS, airbags, and a slew of other nice add-ons. Original price was $10 *less* that the 850 of the same year, and the current price for one should be about $10K with 60K miles.(Edmunds) Right now they are coming off of 5-year leases, so there should be many to choose from. Volvos are very reliable, especially the 240 series. Parts are also inexpensive, and most of the basics of the car are easily found. (tires, transmission, lights, etc - all made fairly simmilarly) OTOH, Sabbs are really nice, but 1:They don't look nearly as nice for that year. 2:The Volvo engine is bulletproof. It is based upon a 20+ year design, and is good for over 300K miles unless you do something really stupid. Even if you do something stupid, it is likely to survive. Once ran mine 5 miles with no coolant when the 15 yr old waterpump finally died. Just kept careful watch on the temp, and went slowly until I could get someplace safe. Just crept up to the beginning of the orange area by the time I stopped. Same thing happened with my fiance's mother's car(little Japaneese engine) and it blew itself up in less than 1/2 mile. She didn't even make it over to the side of the freeway in time. Saab engines are much less reliable in my experience. It is a joy to never have to worry about my drivetrain. Those are the most expensive repairs on any vehicle. 3:Repairs on the Saab are going to kill you. 240 parts are all over the place, yet it seems that Saab parts are always special order. (I was in the same place a few years ago and did some research) 4:The Volvos are really easier to drive. Seriously. The 240 from that year has much better position and visibility, as well as far more intuitive handling.(likely related) One feels like a fishbowl and tight, and the other feels open and airy. One's dash and interior look odd, and the other is 20+ years of ergonomics and careful thought. Drive both and see which is easier. 5:Wagon is available. I know the 240 was the *yuppie* car for a while, but now the wagons are almost retro looking compared to these bubble-things and SUVs. Awesome for carrying tons of items, kids, dogs, or just open the back, turn off the light, and instant camping :) I think you can even get a cover for this from someplace so that the bugs stay out.

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