2003-2011 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
--doing business with your trusty/friendly independent SAAB mechanic
--horn buttons on the steering wheel
--window buttons on center console
--steering feel
--smoothness of engine (compared to 2.0T)
--gas mileage
--comfy seats
--roomy back seat
--rear and side visibility
--lack of any software/computer parts
--brakes that last (admittedly bad brakes but they worked and lasted longer than 30k)
--electric heat
--kitch/"soul"/geek factor of car
--the "airplane" surround windshield
--the color
--metal key that always works and cost $1.50 to replace (no batteries required!)
Things you may like about new car:
--faster
--more stable handling
--impmroved climate control/heating/AC
--better braking
--better stereo
--better defrost
--less maintenance (at least for first 100k mi presumably)
--more refined all around (high tech)
--fabulous interior lighting (both placement and function)
--dash that isn't cracked
--headliner that isn't sagging
--neat dash form and function
--on the fly gas mileage and "distance til empty" readout
Despite some well known weak spots, I think the C900 was a work of art on wheels...a car to fall in love with. The 93 is a nice car, very driveable, and has lots of cool features, and generally well functioning systems but its also generic enough overall that it is unlikely anyone would ever refer to it as a "classic". I also doubt that 20 years from now ANYBODY will be driving a '08 93. Nonetheless, compared to what else is available new for the price its a pretty nice car and a good deal (at least for 2.0T). Though if I were currently in the market for a wagon I would also be looking at the new volvo just for comparison.
If you live in climate that goes below 60 deg, be sure to test drive a car that is cold (i.e., not warmed up by dlr) and be sure to focus on how smooth the manual transmission shifts from 1 to 2 and 2 to 3 in cold conditions.
Overall, I'm pleased w/ my '07 SS (though I do miss the "funk factor" and overall ride of the C900 a bit...but not the trips to shop) and have not had any sig. maint issues for the first 1.25 year/20k mi that I've had it. The SS performs best on highway or curvy roads and is worst for stop and go/city driving (due to transmission). My biggest peave is the 6sp manual trans does not work well when cold and takes more attention/skill/technique to operate sucessfully cold or hot. Perhaps they made some improvements for '08?
Pat
'07 2.0T SS
'87 900T (RIP)
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