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1. As far as I know, the 2003 9-5 will not have side curtain airbags, BUT it should be noted that the side airbags on a 9-5 are a 2 stage unit which accomplishes the same function as side airbag/head curtain. The bags on the side of a 9-5 inflate after impact, as your shoulders/torso contact the bag, the air is forced upward to the head section which then protects your head. A very well thought out system which doesn't need air curtains as far as I'm concerned. The B pillar of the 9-5 is also designed to hinge at the top and direct impact energy away from sensitive areas such as the head to less sensitive areas like the hips. If safety is your concern- the Saab is by far your best bet. There are a multitude of other safety features on the 9-5 which I won't list now.
2. I'm not sure about turbo problems on the newer models, but I do know that the problem seems to be occuring on the LPT, which is what you're considering so its definitely something to think about.
3. I also considered both the V70, the Passat wagon and my previous vehicle was a Jetta TDI. The volvo had a nicer interior build quality than the 9-5, but the vehicle dynamics (braking, suspension, handling) were inferior. The Jetta gets excellent mileage with the TDI, but you will find it noisy and it will definitely not give you the performance of either the Saab or the Passat. The Jetta is also much smaller than any of the other options you've listed (I ended up getting an Aero wagon by the way). I found the interior quality of the Jetta to be sub-standard to either the Volvo or the Saab. The Saab also has the advantage of being unique. If its important to you to not see the same car you're driving 10 times on the way to work a VW is NOT the choice for you, Saabs are definitely the choice for individualists.
The Aero is a great value if you're looking for performance and you're comparing it to a 5 series wagon or an E class, if you're looking for a reasonably performing, reliable car as it appears you are- the Saab is definitely the most expensive choice from what you listed but I also think it is the best for performance and luxury, and it should be on par with reliability compared with your other options. The Jetta is made in Mexico and the quality is not what you would expect for a "German" car. From what I've seen, anyone who has had problems with the Saab turbo have had it replaced with little resistance from their dealer.
Hope I didn't just confuse the issue for you, good luck on your search.
If you buy the Saab, you can also participate on this great board more often as well.
email me if you have any additional questions you think I might be able to help with.
Brad
posted by 216.185....
, Fri, 16 Aug 2002 09:13:56
, Fri, 16 Aug 2002 09:05:22, Fri, 16 Aug 2002 08:29:11
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