2003-2011 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
A year ago last week I left Saab (sort of) for BMW after nearly 30 years of Saab ownership. I still have a 2004 9-3 for my 19-year old, but it sits idle mostly while he's at college. I previously had two 9-5 wagons ('99 and 2005), a 10-year old, much cherished 900-t that literally backed itself out the driveway one day and self destructed in a nearby ravine, and a much earlier ('77) 99. Both of our kids came home from the hospital in Saabs.
To us, they're not cars, they're SAABs. I fully understand the emotional tug of these cars. I love their quirk, down to the key on the floor. Then there's the "sound" of a Saab (for better or worse, depending on your perspective.) I still look at Saabs wistfully (once a Saab owner, always a Saab owner), and often mention the 9-3 to my wife when she decides to step out of her Beetle. But she likes the Mercedes C-300.
Still, I LOVE my 328xi wagon. I know understand what they mean when they talk about its "balance." And it's considerably quieter (and, therefore, less stressful on long trips) than a Saab. It's a remarkable car in many respects, with one glaring exception: Saab's NAV was much easier to use. But a year later, we've got the BMW's down pretty well.
Saab remains the best bang for the buck, and I would be sad out of loyalty to see it gone. My guess, given Saab's popularity in Europe, is that there will be a buyer, but like Peugeot, it could very well disappear from the U.S. (We had a Peugeot, as well; a great wagon in its day...until it went away.)
Make no mistake about it: In its day, the 9-5 was a great car. We had the Opel 6-cyl and the Saab 4-cyl). And the 9-3 is fine, as well. But for pure "feel," there is no comparison with the BMW. Now, if only I could afford a 335...
posted by 66.27.61...
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