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Yesterday I took delivery of an ‘06 9-5 metallic silver/black leather, automatic, sedan with Sport and Visibility Packages. It was my 11th Saab (beginning with a 1972 European delivered 99). It was not an easy no-brainer, as I seriously considered the usual others (Audi A6, BMW 5 series, Acura TL, and even a Cadillac CTS and VW Passat). But as my leased ’03 Aero Wagon (best Saab I’ve ever owned) was just about out of contract miles and had 4 months left on the lease, there appeared GM’s “Pull Ahead” promo to opt out 4 months early, cancel the disposition fee ($395), and get an additional $500 lease loyalty incentive. So I figured I’ll get another one. Problem: no cars with my wish list features. My first choice was an auto wagon or sedan with sport, nav, and visibility in steel gray or silver and black interior. None in inventory on the East coast, or onboard in coming ships. After an all out search I settled on what I could get that was close enough to my fitment: the Silver sport sedan.
And now my impressions: Styling- personally I like the exterior design changes. I do admit that the bright chrome surround on the headlights does not work for me on dark colors (stands out too garishly), but on the light colors it fits, or shall I say it is not too noticeable. It looks great in silver! And much to my surprise the front spoiler no longer scrapes on my steep driveway. Interior- I like it all…simplicity of controls (HVAC cut number of buttons by half, and they are easy to use knobs like the VW/Audi and others), the great Harmon Kardon radio sound with XM and CD changer, texture of the dash, brushed chrome… it is ok. I think the black goes better than the parchment interior for me. But I do NOT like the 2 tone seats and wide stitching accents. The only consolation is that you don’t see it if you are driving with a passenger! Where did Saab get that …at IKEA? But the sport seats are really comfortable, grabbing my frame in all the right places.
Driving- feels just as solid and precise as the ’03, if not better. Here in New England we have roads that are very harsh due to winter repairs and the suspension can handle all without giving kidney bruises. Some have commented that the suspension is not up to German standards, but after a long day in the stiffer cars, I love getting back in the 9-5.
I do wish Saab went with a better tire than the supplied Pirelli P6 High Performance All Seasons. Something like the Pirelli P Zero Nero Ultra High Performance All Season, or even a buyers choice of summer only for those of us that use dedicated snows. But all in all, I’m very happy to stay with Saab, and really love the car; did I say especially in the Silver/black. Getting included service, a loaner, and only having seen 2 other ’06 9-5’s in the Boston area since December, does give a unique pleasure, at a bargin price I might add. Plus I get to go to Aero Academy again!
posted by 66.30.17...
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