Date: Fri, 23 May 2003 09:32:51 -0400 From: 'nuther Bob <none1nopsam.com> Subject: Re: Starting to shop
On Thu, 22 May 2003 21:54:47 -0700, Joe Gugliemino <jgoogsnopsamteme.charter.net> wrote: >The feedback I'm getting from this group seems to indicate that they're >not as rock-solid as I thought they were. The Classic 900 was rock solid. The NG900/9~3 (post '93) is not as solid in a few areas. The basic car is still a rock. However, there are some issues as noted here in a few places. You (or maybe I should :-) make a list of what might go wrong. It's the same problems when people have a problem. You may or may not have any problems, but if you do, we already know what they'll be. FWIW, Saab is very liberal in the warranty area. They cover far and wide during warranty to keep smiles on their customer's faces. That means that a lot of found issues get fixed during warranty. Lots of folks have gotten them to pay some or all for out-of-warranty problems for known issues (like headgaskets), That does _not_ happen with Japanese cars, IME. They are also good about releasing TSB's for their cars. They even get posted on the 'net by helpful dealers. When they find any issue, they report it and let everyone benefit by the find. (Unlike Honda/Acura where they refuse to release TSB's to the public). >> If you put snow tires on, you can pull out stuck SUV's. With >> all seasons, you'll still out perform most other cars. >This is a biggie with my wife - she's ready to dump the Odyssey even >though she loves everything else about it. Get her snow tires then. She'll be thrilled. Saabs are known for snow driving. There's a reason that they police in Aspen drive them. The heated seats are also a big plus for most wives in the winter :-) BTW - have her drive the car. It she's short, she may find the NG900 seat-to-pedal reach a little long. Saab actually gave away (may still) pedal extenders for short folks who could not otherwise find a comfortable driving position. Like _every_ car, drive a few first and see if it's the car for you. >It's good, but disappointing to hear about these pitfalls. I don't mind >replacing the belts and such, but the big ticket items are the ones I'm >trying to avoid by buying a quality car, albeit an older one. If you really want a car that drives/handles very well, has lots of power, is *very* reliable (aside from DI coils), and is easily modifiable in the engine/suspension area for performance, buy a 99 Nissan Maxima SE. Like the Saab, it is hardly known for it's outstanding looks, but it is a rock solid car. Don't buy anything but a Maxima SE with the full package of all options. It's a terrific car. Still, I prefer the turbo rush :-) >I get what I pay for... Yep. If you're nervous and have the cash, get something still under the 4/50 warranty. If not, consider the savings a repair fund if you need it. If not, you come out way ahead in terms of the amount of car for the money. >Yeah, I figured between mentioning New England and Worcester the locals >would know where I was. Not too considerate of the others though... New England has more Saabs per mile than any place else in the USA. Bottom line: Drive a turbo around for an hour on a nice day. Like the commercial says, "people who test drive a Saab usually buy one". The difference is in the driving with a Saab, not what you read in a book. There are a couple potential issues, they are known, repair costs are known, you have to decide if it works for you. Bob
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