1. Bland is in the eye of the beholder, and moving toward the middle of the market with a non-polarizing design works just fine. Ask Acura, which offers fantastically contented vehicles at relative bargain prices and provides the additional benefit of stealth-level anonymity.
2. Have you driven a 170hp fwd A4? That's Audi's price leader and volume seller. The base 9-3SS offers, IMHO a much more satisfying driving experience at a comparable price.
3. A low-price version at the bottom of the range provides a happy near-lux alternative for folks who may be "settling" for Accords etc. Sales are there. At the top of the range, the 210hp Arc/Viggen setup should happily run with A4 3.0 and compete with 330 in all areas other than handling at the limit while stickering at 8K below.
4. C-Class, X-Type. Are you really concerned about quickness and other specs? You buy these if they're what you want, but neither survives a purely rational comparison against the competition.
5. S60. Nice car, far less sporting proposition. No safer than Saab. Again, if it speaks to you then it speaks to you, but that doesn't make it "better."

So: Yes, Saab has aimed for the middle. Based on my driving impressions, the 9-3SS has every right to throw its hat in the ring (and see BBC/Top Gear's comparo of comparably equipped 3-series/S60/X-Type/9-3SS). Will it succeed? I hope so. I'm pretty sure it will do better in the marketplace than a more polarizing Saab. My advice: don't ask us. Just drive it and see what you think.

I do question pricing on the Launch package. Can't see paying Arc rates for Linear engine/trim/equipment. Plus resale challenges if not a lease. Come March this will be moot, and I'll regret that I replaced my old 9000 Aero with a 325 because I just couldn't hold out...

posted by 12.107.2...

• So why buy a new 9-3?, cd, Tue, 5 Nov 2002 21:44:18
  • I was asking myself this at the dealer today., saw, Wed, 6 Nov 2002 21:40:01
  • Re: So why buy a new 9-3?, Ron H, Wed, 6 Nov 2002 09:36:47
    • Re: So why buy a new 9-3?, cd, Fri, 8 Nov 2002 22:21:51
      • horsepower debate = boring, rogermexico, Sun, 10 Nov 2002 02:30:35
      • Disagree totally. (respectfully, of course)..., b.flippo, Sat, 9 Nov 2002 14:07:41
    • Oops!, Ron H, Wed, 6 Nov 2002 14:20:52
  • Oh heck, I'll bite (x-tra long), rogermexico, Tue, 5 Nov 2002 22:23:24 <-- Viewing This Message

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.

• Prev by Date: So why buy a new 9-3?, cd, Tue, 5 Nov 2002 21:44:18
• Next by Date: Re: So why buy a new 9-3?, Ron H, Wed, 6 Nov 2002 09:36:47
• Main 9³ Bulletin Board

StateOfNine.com

SaabClub.com

Jak Stoll Performance

M Car Covers

Ad Available

The content on this site may not be republished without permission. Copyright © 1988-2024 - The Saab Network - saabnet.com.
For usage guidelines, see the Mission & Privacy Notice.
[Contact | Site Map | Saabnet.com on Facebook | Saabnet.com on Twitter | Shop Amazon via TSN | Site Donations]

Random Saabnet.com Member Gallery Photos (Click Image)