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Re: about to buy my 1st saab~2000 9-3 5dr/hb... thoughts?
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Posted by Lutfisk [Email] (more from Lutfisk) on Mon, 28 Apr 2003 12:06:03 Share Post by Email
In Reply to: about to buy my 1st saab~2000 9-3 5dr/hb... thoughts?, Trish, Mon, 28 Apr 2003 09:52:25
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Very few cars are smart "investments". It be worth a lot less after you own it. That being said, BMW's do seem to hold a higher value, but you are paying a lot more at the beginning. All of these cars have good average reliability, with some lemons scattered among them. My philosophy is that as long as you are paying upwards of $20K, you should get something you like. At this range, the difference of two or three grand over the next five years won't make a huge difference. Make sure you get a car you're happy with, regardless of what Car and Driver or your mother think.

I shopped similar cars last summer, from new VW's and Hondas to used Saabs, BMW's, and Volvos. The Saabs were the best deal, as Justin states, and all brands were fun to drive (try a Volvo S70 T5 for a surprise... this will get granny to the grocery store pretty darn fast). Mid-teens seems to be about right for most 2000 9-3's, depending on the usual factors (mileage, options, climate, etc.), and you can get 1999 base models for under 10 grand now... check edmunds.com for general pricing.

At the time I was looking for a new car, the transport I had access to was a friend's 5-speed 1984 BMW 533i, with 250K miles. It was a solid, rust-free, beautiful machine, and I loved going car-shopping with it. I liked the BMW's I test-drove, the previous generation more than the new. Volvos have a great reputatation for reliability and longevity, but a well-kept car of almost any brand will be generally reliable (discounting things like computers and electrics, of course): make sure you check service records and get servicing done on time. All of these brands have fairly rigorous maintenance and part replacement schedules in comparison to a Honda, so don't kid yourself there. My Saab has certainly been reliable, and I have no qualms about taking it cross-country this summer.

But most importantly, after driving several examples of Volvos, BMW's and Saabs, a black 1999 Saab 9-3 SE HOT said to me "I am your car". Whatever combinations of attributes all these fine cars have, the Saab's fit me the best, so I bought it. If I were you, I would drive all the cars you are considering, and see if all of a sudden, your decision is made easier.

Best,

Lutfisk


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