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drove the '02 9-3 and S60 today... Posted by Andrew [Email] ![]() ![]() |
finally got out to drive them. I really only wanted to drive the Volvo because I was pretty much set on wanting one. I had a 9-3 for three years and loved it, but I figured it was time for change.
I found that the S60 was rather bland. They didn't have a 2.4T for me to drive (they had a bunch of 2002s, but wouldn't let me drive one). So they set me up in a T5. It was quick, sure, and the seats were superb, but there wasn't as much character as I expected. Even the typical Volvo smell was missing. This car had 180 miles and the check engine light was on. Part of the a-pillar trim was falling, too. It felt solid, but not high enough quality.
I then decided to drive down to the Saab dealership to remember if the 9-3 really was that much better. The Volvo dealership had no customers; the Saab dealership was packed. Salesperson-wise, the Saab salesperson was an expert, the Volvo salesperson didn't really care. I drove a 9-3 entry level (w/out premium). So much nicer than my '99 was! It's much more solid, the power is perfect, and the transmission is much smoother. The ride was considerably more absorbent than mine was, too. The 16" wheels and non-sport suspension are spot-on. I love the new cloth/leather seats- just perfect. It's a great cloth material.
So I'm pretty much sold on the Saab over the Volvo. This surprised me. I expected to like the Volvo much more. I'm sure the Volvo is a more refined vehicle, and it would be more comfortable on the highway, but my irrational side says that the hatchback'd 9-3 is much more appealing. There's something about its stiffish suspension and cramped interior that I like. And Saab has improved many facets of my 9-3 that I didn't like (TCS, bodykit, cloth seats, leather doorpanels, softer suspension, etc).
A few questions, however...
what kind of discounts have ya'll been getting on '02s?
do the '01+ Saabs rattle? My 9-3 did too much.
Andrew
posted by 12.44.12...
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