1994-2002 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
$10k for the 99 9-3SE is probably the best deal for a Saab. $15K for a 9-5 is 50% more for less than 50% more car. (slightly more room, more modern chassis setup, more conventional-blend-in look) Be ready for little nigging problems like creaks/rattle/noise problems. Overall, Saabs are suppose to be reliable. Then again, I've seen data that say Chevy Cavaliers are as reliable as Honda Civics in the long term... Its how you define reliable. Saab engine/transmission won't blow up on you if thats reliability..
In terms of something for winter. I've lived in Toronto most of my life, and spend quite a bit of time driving around Ontario/Michigan/New York during winter (and other times..) with many different cheap and "not-so-unique" cars. (Civics,Accords,Camarys,Pontiac wagons, Chevy trucks, etc..)
Anyways, its not the car. Its the tires. Get good tires on your Malibu and you too can "keep up with the Audi and Subarus" in the snow. So to answer that question on a beater for winter, get anything that is reliable.
I'm assuming you're not into driving around mountains roads that the rest of civilization isn't going to around, but on regular highways and city streets that may get the occasional dump of snow.
In terms of the cars you mentioned:
The RL is a rip off. There are better cars in that class/price range.
The Accord will be very under-powered if you're used to driving a Saab or American cars. It needs to be driven at a higher RPM than most are used to.
Personally, I love the suspension/transmission of most Hondas, and most "drivers" will agree that stock Saab just isn't in the same class in terms of handling and shifting feel. I do repeat that it is underpowered.
The fit and finish is perfect, and I believe the stock stereo is at least as good as the stock Saabs. It will be a little high on the engine/road/wind noise, but most Saab 9-3 drivers will be very used to that. ;-)
Most favorable contrast of the Hondas vs. Saab is resale value and repair cost/availability. (Depends on where you are though..)
The Acura CL/TL are the same as accord as far as Accord in terms of reliablity/function/performance. It is just a little flashier, a little more refined (leather seats and better stereos), and maybe a little more power.
Last, I'd like to say that you should pick a car based on how much money you want to spend, the feature you want (not ones you THINK you may need later, like a hatch for example), and other possible problem that may occur(repair cost, reliability, resale value, insurance, thief, etc..)
Don't pick a car because you want to be "unique". If you like Hondas for what they offer, buy a Honda. I feel sorry for those people who want the qualities of a BMW, but brought a Saab because they want to be "unique".
You probably won't get a fair comparisons between Saab vs. other cars in this forum. They'll say that BMWs are for snobs and wannabes, and Japanese cars are boring. American cars are of course, unreliable and un-refined. (which they actually are...mostly..)
posted by 66.227.15...
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.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
