Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2003 18:51:11 -0500 From: Tom Reingold <trn32nopsamzon.net> Subject: the perfect car
The estimable Walt Kienzle wrote: > I agree with you completely. The models you mention are not the ones we > typically see here, and are usually owned by someone wants to flaunt their > wealth. The BMW and Mercedes have been in the US for awhile, but I believe > the Porsche model was just recently introduced here. I don't believe I have > seen any on the road yet. But then again, I might not have noticed, since > all those big hulking things look alike to me. Of the advantages I > mentioned, the only one these models offer is 4 wheel drive, at the expense > of handling and fun (IMHO). Exactly as you say: a status symbol. > > I also think my 9000 is the perfect car, but with mine being 12 years old > and with 140K miles on it, I am in a quandary as to what a comparable > replacement would be from the list of new car offerings. My choices are > limited as I am excluding any cars that offer only automatic transmission, > cannot comfortably seat 4 people, or has less than about 200hp. Oops, I > think I just excluded every US model currently being offered. The > requirement for manual transmission eliminated about 90% of the US models, > the remaining models being cheap, small, and underpowered deathtraps, or the > Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Corvette (another example of excess). The > Mustang isn't exactly comfortable for 4 people, and I believe that my Saab > gets better fuel economy. > > Happy New Year to you also. > > Walt Kienzle Where are you, Walt? My 1995 9000CS with 152,000 miles is blowing steam, because the turbo leaks coolant, so I'm probably going to replace the car. I might fix it, but I still haven't decided. Because of the leak, the wastegate is shut OPEN, giving too much boost, so I have to keep a light touch on the accelerator, or else the car bucks. I need a hatchback. Can't live without it. My wife has a Honda Civic hatchback, and in many ways, it's the mini version of my car. It can really haul cargo! And the back seats really aren't too bad. And the Honda, because it is small, short, and light, really corners much better than my Saab. Whee. I might buy a 9-5 wagon or a VW Passat wagon. No sedan for me. As I said, I need a hatchback. They are both available with manual transmission. I haven't owned an automatic yet. The 9-5 is pretty expensive, even used. I only buy used cars. And I think it has gotten too technologically advanced. I don't want a fancy multi-hundred-dollar key with a chip embedded in it. I'll break it or lose it. The $50 key on my Saab is already too expensive. I'm also considering a Subaru wagon. They are available with manual transmission. And for the unthinkable thought, I am also considering a minivan. OH NO! But I test drove, and I know this isn't a glowing review, but they really don't drive badly. They handle pretty well! And since so many moms drive them, market demand has made them pretty crashworthy. But not a single minivan comes with a manual transmission. One reason I need a wagon or minivan is that I have a wife, two kids, and now I have a large dog, i.e. a greyhound, who is very tall. I test drove the Dodge. I hate this company, but as hard as I tried, I could not hate this car. The handling and acceleration on this car were good! So was visibility. Damn. No wonder it sells so well. But does the horrible resale value mean it breaks down a lot after a few miles? Normally, low resale value is good for someone like me, since I buy used, but this looks fishy. The Honda minivan is the best. The third seat folds flush into the floor. Very slick. But they are VERY expensive, even used. Any insights? Overall, I think I'm leaning to the Passat wagon. Sorry to leave the Saab fold after 13 years. This is my third Saab, and I might be saying goodbye.
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