Date: Mon, 29 Apr 2002 15:54:58 GMT From: Bob <uctraingLOWSPAMnopsamanet.com> Subject: Re: Help me with my 2002 9-3 SE purchase
On 29 Apr 2002 07:37:34 -0700, bergizzynopsamail.com (Izzy Berg) wrote: >1. Reliability: I have read mixed things. Problems with the engine >at 50k. I understand newer models have improved. The 9-3 is a very mature model at this point, having evolved just slightly from the NG900. There isn't much that goes wrong with this vehicle. There's no significance to the 50K mark except that the 4/50 warranty runs out there. >2. Service: Tends to be very expensive. Especially in a big city >(Chicago?) You'll have to price that around your area, I'm afraid. All dealers are way overpriced, IMHO. "Luxury" dealers are worse. One nice thing with the Saab is that the 5/50 warranty is *bumper to bumper*. There isn't much they don't cover under it, even stuff like mufflers and batteries, according to some folks who've had them covered. From what I've heard about Audi (from a friend who pays to have his repaired) they are very expensive to maintain. >3. Resale Value: I have seen this talked about numerous times on Saab >mailing lists. The value of this car just does not hold like an Audi >or even VW. If I purchase and the car ends up not being my cup of tea >it will be painful to get out. I don't think resale is bad for someone like you who gets in at the closeout price. It's bad for someone who gets in at full price early in the model year. Saab has been offering the $4K off for a few years now and that hits resale hard for the folks that didn't get it. They also have _not_ been hiking their new prices each year - that's one reason that some other makes have higher "resale". (I recall a Toyota that I bought the first year out: the next year they jacked the price so much that I could sell my car used for what I paid for it new). >4. New body style: Kind of makes me uncomfortable that a new style >will be here this year. However, the Saab hatchback look is rather >classic. Get it while you can. >I am comparing this against a VW Passat 1.8T. The more insight and >comments the better. Folks that have posted here who have driven and/or owned both have raved about the extra power and comfort/feel of the Saab. Try it, you'll like it. Bob > >Please let me know your thoughts. > >//Izzy
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