Date: Mon, 21 Jun 1999 17:32:47 -0700 From: "Chuck Millirons" <chuckmillironsnopsamspring.com> Subject: Re: 9-3 vs 9-5
I think the 9-3 has a proven track record in reliability since it is basically an updated 900. The 9-5 is a totally new car and shares nothing with the 9000. As for options, the cooled glove box is not an option...that is the way they designed the a/c to run. As a matter of fact, after leather and the moon roof (which you mentioned you wanted) the only option left on the 9-5 is really the fans in the seats. As for cost, the 9-3 is really not much cheaper than the 9-5. The 900 was quite a bargin over the 9000...but the 9-3 is more than the 900 and the 9-5 is considerably less. And I think you can expect the reliablilty to be very similar between the 2 cars. The invoice price your dealer is showing you is probably bogus. Those numbers you quoted are about correct. The invoice on a 9-5 is NOT $33K! So I think your decision comes down to this: The 9-3: A smaller car overall, especially in the cockpit but a car that is better equipped to handle cargo due to the hatch. Sportier and you pay for that with a rougher ride. The 9-5: Roomier in the passenger compartment and a luxurious ride...just not much in the cargo capacity department (especially compared to the old 9000.) Good luck!