1994-2002 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
I think that the Viggen is a pretty good value at about invoice price. I paid 36,800 for mine, and at this price, there aren't a lot of cars that have what I want in a car. The following are my opinions: The A4 is too slow and boring looking; the S4 can get expensive, about 3-5k over the cost of the Viggen for similarly equipped, and is also not sporty looking; the 325 is too slow; the 330 is ok, but lacks rear room, doesn't have a hatch (obviously), and can get quite expensive if comparably (sp?) outfitted; the IS300 is too japanese, although it's a very good value and they have a hatchback on the way; the TT is simply too small, although it drives well. I test drove a Mercedes, but it was too plush inside; I instantly gained 10 years just sitting in the car. I like Volvos, but they really don't make a sporty smaller (but not too small) car.
What other car for this price has the power, seats, luggage capacity (I put a new freezer in the rear of the Viggen, with the freezer standing up, and I didn't even put the seats down; and I hauled a whole bunch of other stuff at the same time), rear seat room, and safety of the Viggen? Plus, even though it lacks all wheel drive, the front wheel drive should do well in the snow of New England.
The Viggen at this price combines practicality, luxury, and sportiness that I can't find in another similarly priced car. Does this mean that my next car will be a Saab? No, because by the time I buy another car, I'll be another 5-10 years older, and probably won't need another "jack of all trades" car. The Aero will be more my style by then, but there is really a lot of competition in that price range and sedan-style, larger cars. Alternatively, maybe I'll have a new SUV and I'll want the M-coupe (not the M3) or a Porsche 911 as the second car. Actually, I'd take a Porsche 911 now, but they are really not practical and are quite expensive!
You are right that the MSRP of about 39k puts it against some stiff competition (you can get an S4 or 330 for this price, although not with the same options as the Viggen; heck, you can get a nicely equipped IS300 and have quite a bit of spending money for all the stickers, lowering springs, and other effects that invariably end up on japanese cars).
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