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1994-2002 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
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Just wanted to post a little note comparing the tree versions after a test dive I did on Saturday at Carter Saab in Seattle. A big thanks to the sales man John for being very patient and a nice guy in general. I'm sure I will by my next car from him.
So, I have a '99 9-3SE automatic with the 185 hp engine. I really like it and power is decent once you get over the horribly slow giddyupandgo off the line. The automatic is great in traffic and for just driving in general. It's turning 100,000 miles old this week, and I'm thinking of maybe upgrading to something "younger."
Then I drive this '01 9-3SE five speed 205hp with my friend Andy, who I'm trying to convince his next car should be a Saab. WOW, what a difference between the automatic and the five speed! It's like night and day - you can really feel yourself being pressed back into the seats in any gear, something I do not really experience in my own car... I can't believe how much more responsive the stick shift is! I'm definitely getting a stick next time around.
Finally, they have an '02 9-3 Viggen (five speed) on the lot with 32,000 miles on the clock; a really nice dark silver five door, with sunroof and every thing else you would need in a car. Settling into the Viggen seats is just an experience on it's own - they should offer these seats in all the Saabs! Then off to the drive and what an unbelievable feeling! The chassis is nice and tight, minimal body roll, smooth suspension and what incredible power in second and third gear! The difference between the Viggen and the SE 5 speed was two-three times the improvement I saw over the 5 speed vs. my automatic! I'm definitely SOLD! I'm getting a Viggen in the near future!
It also belongs to the story that I drove a '99 Viggen with only 18,000 miles on it a few months back, and did not nearly get that same feeling as I did with the '02 Viggen over the weekend. It had a harsher ride and by no means the same power feel as the '02. It did however have the short shift kit, which I did like.
In any case, this weekend restored what I have always thought the Viggen would be, and I will definitely be buying one in the future.
Jonny Seattle
'99 9-3 SE, 99,600 miles and "almost" a viggen owner
posted by 66.14.120...
, Mon, 17 Jan 2005 17:35:55
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