1994-2002 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
many of us were in the same boat as you over the last few years. I had no particular allegiance to Saab (an 81 900T back in the early 80's) but since then I've had mostly Volvos, cause I liked the roominess of the wagon and the dependability. I have 210k miles on the 855 wagon and it runs good as new. Original exhaust, clutch, most stuff really. I drove BMW 2002's in the 70's! So I felt relatively unbiased in buying my latest car. The BMW's seemed to get expensive very quickly as I added the "must have" stuff for me- ie. fold down rear seat, good seats (meaning sport package)etc. The A4 I really liked, but I guess I am the 1 in a 100 that didn't want the 4wd. I love driving snowy roads, and have always done just fine with 2wd and good snows, so why pay the mileage and performance penalty the remaining 350 days?
Both BMW and Audi dealers were stuck up pricks. Maybe cause I went in dressed in grubbies. But the Saab dealer treated me with respect all the way through the deal.
The sleeper in the bunch that I almost did buy was the new Passat wagon V6 w/ leather. A heck of a nice car and a good deal to boot. Close to A6 in room and appointments, 10 grand cheaper.
But I ended up in the Viggen thanks in part to the steep discount, the excellent attitude of the dealership (prevails even now that I own the car)
The performance is excellent. Yes, the rear suspension is dated, but it still kicks butt in the twisties, gets great mileage, has lots of room, and fantastic seats.
This is the last model year for A4 and 9-3 so that may play a role in your choice. The only thing I might have done differently is get a silver rather than lightning blue Viggen to be a bit more discreet. I like the blue but feel it stands out a bit much.
The 3-series suspension is probably the sweetest of the bunch but until this year, they were underpowered and besides, you see one on every street corner.
The S60 looks good, and I know the 5 cyl is bombproof, judging by my 850. But it was not out when I was looking, and Volvo took the manual out of their line-up the year I bought my Vig. And I refuse to drive a slushbucket! So sorry Volvo.
I could not see myself in an Acura no matter how perfect they may be. Just too bland. I'd sooner get the Maxima SE if I bought Japanese. Not that I would do that anyway.
If price were no object, I'd get the S4 Avant. But meanwhile, I love the Viggen, and have 11 grand left over in my pocket.
Good luck. Life is good when we labor of such choices!
, Fri, 19 Jan 2001 00:34:04
No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
