Date: Thu, 16 Mar 2000 00:10:36 -0500 From: "Christopher J. Korff" <cjk4nopsamwru.edu> Subject: seeking comments on stability of 9000
Greetings to the Saab world. If anyone can share their experiences with the following, I'd be appreciative. I am seriously considering purchasing a 9000 or 9-5. The car is for my wife, so the transmission will be automatic. ;-( A dealer nearby has a '99 9.5 w/ 15k miles. ($30,000) They also have a 1995 9000 Aero (automatic) with 19.5k miles. ($21900) Both cars are fully loaded. The Aero appears to be a steal. I took the Aero for a 45 minute drive today. The Aero shook and rattled at almost every speed. I was surprised and sad. Every time I went over a medium sized bump, the steering wheel shook like it would fall off. At highway speeds of 60-80 mph on a smooth road, there was a constant vibration. It was sort of like when you have one window open 1-2" and you get that harmonic that goes right through your body. Above 30 mph, there was always some sort of vibration. At first I thought it was due to the automatic. But actually, at idle while sitting at a light, the car shook less than other cars I've driven with 4-cyl engines and automatics. I've had VWs (96 & 2000 Jetta, 84 Rabbit) and Bmws ('98 Z3, '85 535i & 528i) and realize that European cars generally feel the road more closely. They're more authoritative over bumps than American cars. (I know that's a gross generalization.) Even my base 2000 Jetta. I would have expected the Saab to be similarly stable and smooth. Especially knowing it sold for $40-45k when new, if i recall. Is the 9.5 better? We'll probably drive the 9.5 this weekend. This is not a slam of Saabs- I am inclined to think they are good cars. I was just surprised at how much this car vibrated. I'm sure it wasn't in any accidents, etc. THe body was straight, the wheels & tires were perfect, etc. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.