1994-2002 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
Harry,
I live in Los Angeles where one sees a lot of convertibles. I knew if I was going to get a convertible it was going to be here and I did last summer. I have 2001 9-3SE, auto, with premium pack, steel gray with gray interior.
Pros:
Wonderful open air feeling. You can see so much more with the top down. The top is very well lined. Had it up the coast during Christmas where it rained all week. My in-laws said that it was like a regular hard top with the top up. If it gets a little chilly, raise the windows or turn on the seat heaters. I like how the top is stored under the tannau cover when lowered. Not only a neater look, but keeps dust and dirt from getting on it.
I chose this convertible over the BMW and Volvo because of the trunk room, the design of the rear seat to fold down with the trunk pass-through(I was able to get a six foot aluminum ladder in my car), better mpg, perfect size for getting into small city parking spaces, handles great, wonderfully comfortable seats, and it is a safe car.
Cons:
Some folks feel that the Saab has too much body flex. I suggest that you drive different convertibles and decide for yourself.
With the top down, I have to clean the interior more and treat with a UV protectant. However, this comes with the territory when having a convertible. CAN NOT GO THROUGH CAR WASH!! Personally, I like detailing my car and usually do a much better job than any car wash. Convertible top needs to be kept clean, dust and dirt act like sandpaper when lowering or raising. Rinse once a week. Wash once a month with tight celled sponge or soft brush and car wash which does not contain any oils(P21 Body Wash, Griots car wash, Sonax, Porsche cabrio wash) which would not adversely affect the replellancy of the top. Dry with synthetic chamois.
Once a year the top has to be treated to maintain its repellancy. Several products are available(303 fabric spray, Porsche cabrio protectant) most are sprays which means you have to put newspaper over the windows and any part of the car where the spray might fall. There is a product which you paint on with a brush(Renovo Ultra Proofer). This makes more sense to me personally and is a bit less messy than sprays. Any bird bombs have to be removed from the top ASAP.
Overall it is worth it especially if you live in a temperate climate where you can enjoy having the top down most of the year.
posted by 63.206.2...
, Fri, 1 Feb 2002 12:06:36
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.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
