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I forgot to add that we actually started from scratch in our search. Looked at Volvo S80, Audi A6 3.0, VW Passat FWD and 4 Motion, including the W8, and even a Mercedes E320 4Matic.
I agree with Gary, the SAAB 4 cyl have that vibration at idle but you don't feel at all once you're moving. And the Aero has more road noise and you feel every pavement crack even if it isn't a harsh bump.
So why the SAAB among this bunch?
- Had a the best steering feel. Most of the germans felt heavier in the steering (my wife thought so too).
- Seat cushion length. I am 6'6", she is 5'8".
- Road feel. Most of the Germans were firmer than the Linear. They probably didn't lean as much in cornering but the SAAB (Linear) had better road isolation without giving up a good feel for the road. (sounds contradictory, I know). The Volvo felt softer than the SAAB
- I tried the SAAB and the E320 4 matic on some hard packed snow and ice roads and the SAAB did just as well both in kicking in the ESP as well as uphill traction. Now maybe in deep snow the 4matic would give me something more, I don't know.
- Engine. Most of the Germans had smoother and more prodigious power but they also never seemed to relax once up to speed. It's like they were ready to pounce. RPMs were up in the 2500 plus range at 70 vs. 2000-2250 range for the SAAB. I don't need to drive on edge.
- MPG. It wasn't a deciding factor but I do like the idea of getting better mileage and using less expensive gas (87 octane) to do it.
- Cost Yes the SAAB cost less than all of these but it cost less than all of them when they were new too. I don't know if the resale is all that much worse. The VW W8 I looked at was an 03 with only 13000 miles and was priced at $23k with an original sticker of over $40k.
Obviously this all my HUMBLE opinion but I was actually enjoying the thought at the outset of getting something different after having had a SAAB 9-5 previously. It didn't work out that way.
Tom
posted by 12.214.19...
, Tue, 22 Feb 2005 14:58:50, Tue, 22 Feb 2005 13:47:45, Mon, 21 Feb 2005 15:19:38
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