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Let me first say that I loved my 1999 9-3 SE. She was an amazing car. Comfortable. Wonderful ergonomics. Great in the snow. Powerful AC. Midnight blue with tan leather. Beautiful and fun to drive. I bought her in 2002 with about 38k miles on her. I don't know exactly when, but somehow over time she just started to show some signs of age. Her suspension became increasingly loose. She started to lean pretty heavy into turns. A strong side wind could catch us both off guard. Little plastic bits became loose or 1/2 broken.
So I was confronted with putting some $$$ into her (new shocks + springs) and continue to pay for whatever came along in the years ahead ... or ... getting something else. About two months back, I was at my local indie shop (who also sells a few Saabs they get from auctions) and saw an '03 steel grey 9-5 Aero. The guy in charge of sales told me to give it a ride. I was impressed, but felt I didn't want to trade in my hatch and spending $$$ on a car when mine was working fine was just plain silly.
Well, that attitude lasted about a month or so. Last week, while taking my 9-3 in for service (driver's side window track broke), I decided to take the Aero home as a loaner. I should have known. It was like going on a first date, taking her home and saying, "It's ok honey, we can get naked and NOT sleep together." So you can imagine the rest. I never gave the Aero back and have posted here about "making the jump."
I've owned four other cars in my life. Each of them has been an upgrade of sorts (1973 Firebird, 1970 GTO RamAir IV, 1990 Acura Integra [new], 1999 9-3 SE). Also shortly after buying each I found myself getting a new round of traffic tickets. So this time I bit the bullet and got a ValentineOne. I should post separately about that. Highly recommended with the purchase of any 9-5.
Last night I did the ride from central VA up to NYC. Half the ride was in freezing rain. Needless to say I made record time. The Aero is quite simply an amazing machine. It's so much more sure footed than my 9-3 ever was. Engine power is astounding, espeically above 90mph. Although she feels just a wee bit light at 100mph. I may need an alignment or road force balancing of the tires. But the Valentine and 9-5 made a perfect combination. Two highly refined pieces of technology providing the ability to travel through space better, more safely, and faster than my ancestors could.
I was able to perform maneuvers I would have never thought of in my 9-3. Stopping power was even improved, despite my 9-3 having cross drilled rotors. I was able to drive with such confidence and precision ... both of which are underlooked aspects of safety. If I know where I can put the car, accelerate to, or slow down and stop by ... I'm in much more control and hence safer.
All I could think about while rocketing up 95N were things like "superior" and "better is better" and "the Saab engineers really did their homework on the 9-5" and "I can't believe anyone would spend $30k for a new BMW" and "OMG this is such an amazing car!" Having been a Saabnet regular since 2002, I thought I'd share some of the story.
Now that I share it, I'm reminded of a sermon this fantastic preacher gave one New Year's. I'm not a big church goer anymore, but still respect wisdom whenever I see it. His main point (mind you this was like 20 years ago) was "Have a Happy New Year ... and prosper ... and grow ... along the lines of excellence." He fleshed out what the latter meant. If the man were alive today, I'm sure we could have a drink or two discussing excellence, technological innovation, and my new beloved 2003 9-5 Aero.
posted by 72.88.164...
, Wed, 24 Dec 2008 21:12:36
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