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I personally believe in the evolution of an auto manufacturer... In this day and age it doesnt pay to be too unique- you just wont sell any cars. I think The 900 was an evolution of the later 99s, but I dont think the 99 matches with earlier saabs too well. But I have recently gotten the bug to learn more about strokers- they are just plain cool! I own a '93 9000 CSEt, and I love it. I think the first generation 9000s were wretched and out of place, but I think Saab made some smart changes with the second gen. I am also currently rebuilding a '78 99 turbo- And sure, you can roast me over a spit like all old saab owners do when I say I sort of like the new saabs too! There are many unique design features even in the new 9-3 that still speak loud and clear of Saab's quirkyness. I wont ever buy one, but it is just brand loyalty. It seems to me that lots of people adopted the 99s into the "real saab" catergory because the newer generation saabs have alienated them, or because they are old cars now. I see this happening with the 900s too. Dont get me wrong- I feel the same way for some reason, but looking at the history and at the early "real saabs" I think the 99 and 900 are a different era. Maybe it is the whole GM thing that really alienated people. It sort of has for me.
Twenty five years ago I can imagine people having the same discussion about the new 99s as we are now about 9000s, ng 900s, 9-3s and 9-5s!
When I joined the local saab club (which nearly has a majority of 9000s!) everyone would joke to go join the local alfa club or fiat club. Sure they share a platform, but arent these unique and uncommon manufacturers too? Well, anyway, when I jumped into buying the 99t I asked "Now do I own a real Saab?" The answer was a resounding yes. So I say, love thine bretheren, and support the saab community. I a permantly bitten by the saab bug, (preferrably old), but I still wouldnt mind seeing my fiance in a nice new 9-3. Like Pete said... If you are a car guy, who cares if it is reliable?. I can fix most problems, bu Marie cannot. Is it wrong to buy a new saab for that reason?
Craig Iloveoldsaabs Richmond
posted by 165.121.3...
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