1985-1998 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
Keith,
I agree with the "on-paper" sentiments you have vs. the 5-series. I've been the owner of 3 Saabs(2 900t, 1 9000t) and 3 bmw(all 3 series).
It is not a fair comparison going from 9000 to 325is/318is(which is what I owned, '94 being the most recent bmw). They are different cars, but I've test driven 89-94 5 series and it just seems as if they have aged more gracefully than my 88 9000 in many ways.
I do get annoyed at the 9000's deferred maint. issues that are only cosmetic, e.g. stiff door handles and headliner(which I've "fixed" using furniture pins)
They are always more pressing things on the agenda than giving an old car a once over, but..
On the plus side:
This weekend I moved a new-ish dryer into my home in the back of the 9000, with the hatch shut. Amazing.
Last week I moved numerous large household items in the car, and some items on top of my factory roof-rack around the neighborhood, to the amazement of my neighbors into our new house just two blocks away.
About a month ago, a buddy and I did an "Adventure" Race here in Oregon and I carried all the gear for it, including a sea Kayak, a road bike, a mountain bike, all of our support gear and equipment, plus us of course.
Could probably not have fit much of that in any other car.
The Oregon weather and the threat of a (potential) move to Colorado reminds me of how bad bmw's of that vintage tend to be in wet weather.
I wrecked a beautiful '89 325is about 3 years ago because the back-end came around me in very wet/rainy weather. I'm probably to blame because the little six in those cars urged me to drive like ass sometimes.
I think it was one of those times. :)
But, I've never had a Saab get squirrely in bad weather out here.
The 9000 is just too useful of a car to get rid of. We had a fender bender this summer, it looked like the insurance company might total the thing out over a bent hood.
We couldn't figure out what sort of car could ever replace it's speed and utility. I nearly bought an Audi 100/200 quattro, but it would have a lame compromise in retrospect. We kept the car and fixed the issues as a result of the accident. Pocketed the rest of the money!
Solution/Resolution: I'll keep the Saab, and one day, my girlfriend will give up her aging Jetta, she'll drive the 9000 and I will simply find either an SPG in need of a little TLC or a great deal on 5 series..
Our lifestyle almost requires a hatch/wagon type vehicle, hence the 9000.
The 9000 is definitely a keeper, but if you only need one car. Go with your heart, but don't compromise utility either.
-Joe
posted by 65.58.223...
, Thu, 13 Nov 2003 17:17:56
No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
