Date: 25 Aug 2002 03:08:51 GMT From: davehinznopsamcop.net Subject: Re: unfair criticisms?????
Someone who looks an awful lot like Eric <ekucknopsamtal.net> wrote: > Dave, > I am now on my fifth Saab, About the same here, depending on how one counts. > and I have to say that I am a bit biased > towards the older 900 models. I liked my '88 900T, but my favorite is still a bull-nose 96. > I am currently in a 1995 900s. It has been > in the shop for many little things (A/C lines, evaporators; switches, trim, > vibrational noises,etc.) Luckily most was under warranty. The older ones > that I owned (pre '94 style) were hardly ever in the shop for problems of > any kind. The NG 900 is the only generation of Saab I haven't owned. Not sure this is a coincidence... > I ran the older style ones up to almost 200k on each. Whereas my > new one has only 80k on the odometer. Not too good of a track record if you > ask me. The older ones were a bit easier to work on for your average DIYer > or local garage. Haven't had to do anything to my 9-5, but it's only got 40K on the clock. However, it looks like things are placed intelligently, so that servicing won't be too tough. The 900, I got 247K out of before I traded it, this one I plan to keep for 300K (miles). > Whereas now, repairs are done according to computer codes > that are only readable at Saab dealers (or specialized garages that > inevitably charge just as much). Like I already stated, I'm on my fifth > Saab, so it is obvious that I like them very much, but I feel that the older > ones were a bit less problematic and more durable. Maybe I'm simply giving > the "halo" effect to my oldies, but I don't think so. Good luck. Well, time will tell. Ask me in a decade or so how I still like my 9-5. But, I'll still be driving a bullnose 96 from time to time, and I'll most likely have my Sonett finally "done" (whatever that means) by then. I must say - every Saab I've owned is a *blast* to drive. Responsive, good feedback; I wonder how much of it is the fact that they've put the CG of the car at the driver's seat since forever. > Bets regards, I'll wager that's correct ;) Dave Hinz