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Getting Ready To Take The Plunge... Posted by Adam [Email] (#344) [Profile/Gallery] (more from Adam) on Wed, 9 May 2001 20:01:08 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
Hi Guys,
I've been reading the 9-3 board for awhile now and as the time has become closer, I have decided to post a message...
After a horrifying 2.5 yr. experience with a new DaimlerChrysler product, I am, as you can imagine, somewhat nervous about the next new vehicle... and am concerned that the next one will be plagued with some of the similar things I have spent the past 3 yrs. dealing with - poor workmanship, fit-and-finish, paint, cheap parts, cut corners, squeaks, rattles, obnoxious dealerships, incompetent service technicians, etc. So in making my decision, a manufacturer's ratings in these areas are quite important.
For awhile now I've been contemplating the 2001 9-3 SE. It's a great looking car. I've test driven the 5 speed - fully loaded with all of the "extras"/premium pkg. and actually enjoyed the car quite a bit. It seemed really solid, fun to drive and I'm inclined to believe that the Saab heritage is still alive-and-well after the GM acquisition.
After reading some of the posts on here I wanted to see if I could get a general consensus on what you guys think about this car? Likes/dislikes? Comments? Any major differences between this and the base 9-3 (other than the turbo, the suspension, ground effects, chrome door handles, etc.)? Do those things justify the extra $5-6K? What about fit-and-finish differences? Any comments on general experiences with dealerships, service depts., etc. - what to look for pre-sale, post-sale, etc. would be very helpful as well.
Are there going to be any major differences in the 9-3 line for 2002? I heard rumors that the 9-3 Viggen was going to become the 9-3 Aero (similar to the 9-5 line) but other than that, have not heard of any major differences.
There seem to be some mixed feelings about this car among everyone here so I realize I may be opening a big can of worms here... feel free to post the good and the bad. :-)
Some of the other cars I have considered are the BMW 330i and the Volvo S40 SE. They are both similar in features/appointments, cost and performance. The BMW came close but the Saab definitely has more of cockpit/"I'm on the road and I'm driving" feel to it... I like that.
I can deal with the missing arm rest and the cars attraction to hitting garage doors with its hatch :-) if it means having a great automobile.
Growing up, Saab always had a reputation for being a rock-solid automobile - worthy of its inflated price and quick depreciation - and very sensible in terms of usefulness, reliability and longevity... and my goal here is to see if I can get an idea as to whether or not those things live on today...
Thanks... and with any luck at all... will soon become a regular contributor here. :-) Have a great day!
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