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Getting serious about sorting out cars for purchase. Finally drove the SportCombi today. I really want to like this car. I have driven the SS in the past (Linear and ARC). Thought the SS cars handled very well and walked away with no driving experience related concerns at all.
Thus, although positive overall, I was surprised to walk way from the 2.0T SC with some question marks on the driving experience. First the steering seemed grossly over boosted and vague. It was rather difficult to be precise and measured on steering inputs in certain circumstances. On center it is actually very nice and in normal driving OK but doesn't seem at all like what I remember in the SS and very different than other SAABs I am familar. In fact, it sort of reminded me of the Outback.
Overall handling except for the above experience was fine but when tossing the car about it seemed to get behind in steering input and to be slightly soft and sloppy. Even the Linear with the 15 inch wheels didn't leave me with that perception. It is possible I was going faster than I realized so I will suspended judgement for moment.
Has anything changed? Are the 2006 2.0Ts softer sprung than the 2004s (compared to regular ARC and Linear)? Does the SC vs. SS really make that much of a difference? And the steering; it didn't seem WAY over boosted. Has that changed?
Some additional driving time and my concerns about the above might subside. I didn't drive through enough country road twistys to really settle into those types of corners. It just surprised me that I walked away with any question at all in my mind in this area as I didn't from the SS and this is one of the cars often cited strengths. The steering system though is undoubtedly over boosted and vague.
Otherwise, good drive and decent grin factor. At first had trouble getting settled into the seats. The seating surface seemed lowish grade and slippery. I assume this is in part the result of being new and as they break in the leather won't be as slippery. Also, as soon as I adjusted the lumbar support I was able to sink in and get comfortable. In fact, this made a huge difference and then everything was pretty good and I felt very much at home in the car. The 2.0T turbo makes beautiful music; nice and engaging power plant.
The biggest problem for me at moment is the blind spot. I knew this was significant after sitting in the car in January. I had hoped it would be better than the SS being a wagon but of course it is even worse. However, I figured between decent mirrors and what can be seen I could deal with it. However, this might actually be a deal killer.
Most of the drive no blind spot issue of course. Even on free moving expressway one could deal. But get into tight multilane traffic in town or on express way where things aren't flowing and I don't think I can accept it. In that sort of situation I want to be able to see and know what is there with just one look over my left shoulder without supplementing it with mirrors (although I use them too of course). You simply can't do this! You must in part rely on mirrors. The blind spot is just nasty for such a small car especially a wagon. I'll have to look at it some more but this is just so disappointing b/c based on what is currently on the market the SC in so many ways is the best fit more me. Grrrrr. Even with some current SAAB misgiving I really think I'd settle on the SC but I just don't think I can accept this blind spot. The rest of the visibility is good.
So I am thinking I need to look carefully at what I consider less acceptable options overall. The SS I suppose is still in play but not as exciting as the SC configuration. I was surprised by the Passat. Build and handling are very nice. It isn't home in the drivers seat in the same way as the SAAB but this is a decent well made car. I felt so desperate after driving the SC I actually stopped at the BMW dealer to test sit and get information and I may go back to drive one but given that I want either AWD or FWD I think the BMW is more than I really want to spend. I'll also look more carefully at the A4 but I had pretty much ruled this out some time ago and think I'd rather just do a Passat over A4. What else should a long time SAABer look at for due diligence? Decent handling, fun, safe, and good visibility! I'd love a hatch or wagon like the SC but think I am going to end up settling for a sedan given the market.
posted by 216.165.146...
, Sun, 3 Sep 2006 16:22:29
, Sun, 3 Sep 2006 14:26:45
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