Date: Thu, 12 Sep 2002 15:10:53 GMT From: John Davies <johndaviesNOSPAMnopsam.net> Subject: Re: 9-5 Wagon?
The Aero is too low for serious winter driving - the spoiler and skirts will get ruined - , and the HOT engine definitely has lag problems at really high altitudes. But when it is on boost, hang on! I drove my heavily loaded '01 Aero Wagon across Monarch and Wolf Creek Passes one summer and thoroughly enjoyed the car. It _really_ hauls ass on the highway, especially with octane booster. But pulling away from a stop uphill is frustrating because the car is so gutless off-boost due to the small displacement of the I-4. It's as if the back of the car is attached to a huge anchor. I recommend a V6 for the better off-boost performance and the higher ground clearance. You would definitely need 4 good studded snow tires. If you can wait, a new 9-3 AWD Wagon should be out in a year or so. That should be a hoot to drive, but it will only be offered with the I-4 engines. The only Saab dealer I am aware of in CO is Mike Shaw in Denver. I was less than impressed when I had my car serviced there. They overserviced my engine oil by 1 full quart! If I were in your shoes right now....I would buy a WRX Wagon and a set of winter tires, no doubt about it, even though the front sure is ugly and the rest of the styling is so bland. That car has gobs of performance, standard AWD, a manual tranny, and can easily be upgraded. (Read the Car and Driver long term test reports on their WRX - they absolutely drool over the car.) Saab aftermarket parts are relatively hard to find and VERY expensive. The Rex still has the boost lag problem though, worse than the Saab. I use an old Cherokee for winter work. My baby stays in the garage most of the time when the roads are full of sliding SUVs with terrified soccer Moms behind the wheels. John Davies Monroe WA USA 2001 Saab 9-5 Aero Wagon 2000 Audi A4 quattro 1.8T 1991 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 4x4
