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I'm also a longtime Saaber, and I just purchased an '06 SportCombi 2.0T. This is the first 'newish' car I've ever bought. Here's what I found after a LOT of research:
1. Avoid 2003 as it was the first year and had a bunch of problems. It seems to me they were mostly ironed out by '04.
2. In '07 they changed the dash significantly. For me, I didn't like it nearly as much as the original (Too bland and GMish) so I had to stick with an '04-'06. In '08 they changed the exterior just a bit (see headlights/grill/tailights).
3. Linear, Arc and Aero were the trims (I think 'aero' was called 'vector' in '03). Linear is base, followed by arc, followed by aero. Basically there are 3 engines: 2.0t (inline 4 low pressure turbo,175hp), 2.0T (inline 4 high pressure turbo, 210hp), and 2.8L (v6 low pressure turbo, 250hp). Year and trim level determine which engine you get. 2.0t is on early linear models and it a bit underpowered in my opinion. 2.0T has noticeably more power and also more of a 'turbo rush' than the 2.8L. The 2.8L is definitely faster and smoother through the powerband, but the lpt removes some of the rush that many of us like. In fact, the 2.0T 'feels' faster to me even thought I know it isn't. Also the v6 gets worse mpg. Many are happy with the engine, however.
4. This is also the first automatic I've ever bought. I'm very happy with the transmission. They are supposed to be very reliable (not like c900 autos), but the manually-selectable gear-shift ('sentronic') function isn't anything spectacular (it's no Audi DSG). Still fun to play around with occasionally thought and I suspect I'll use it more in snow. I think I remember reading something about the coolant system being integrally connected to some of the gearboxes and that it's important to maintain this part of the system, but I can't remember which boxes and which years it applies to.
5. The navigation system (a premium option) sucks in these cars.
6. Aero give your an upgraded sound system, bigger wheels, sport seats, stiffer suspension and a few other things I'm sure I'm missing. From '03-'05 the Aero had the 2.0T engine. After '06 it got the V6. I would've gone for the Aero when looking for my '06 SportCombi if it didn't have the V6. I'm very happy with my 2.0T.
I'm probably forgetting a few things, but that should start you off for now :) Happy Saabing!
posted by 173.59.6...
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