2003-2011 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
I went from a 1995 900S, that I've owned since new, to a 2006 9-3SC 2.0T almost three years ago. Better still, I still have the 900S for comparison; my teenage son drives it.
Here's what I miss about 900S:
*More Saaby. The 900S has more of the strange Saab design features that most of us love. eg: mud-flaps in the middle of the underbody.
*Better quality materials, especially the interior. You've got to baby the interior of the 9-3's if you don't want peeling buttons, scratches on the plastic bits, etc. That said, my 9-3 has none of that because I treat her right.
*Features such as weatherband, dead-locking system, front reversing lights, locking gas flap, and a few others that I just can't think of right now. Nothing really major, but since I do still drive the 900 from time to time, I do notice their absence in the 9-3.
*Simpler electronics. The 9-3, as with most any other current car in its class, is loaded with microprocessors throughout the car. Although they are generally reliable, over time, most of us will experience some issues with at least one of them, and it may not always be a DIY repair.
*Generally better build quality. Again, you're going to see that with any make these days.
Here's where the 9-3 excels:
*Light-years ahead in all driving aspects. Ride quality and outstanding handling make it a pleasure to drive. I can scream thru exit ramps in my Sportwagon. I never realized how poorly the 900 cornered and the lack of straight-line stability until I got the 9-3. The 900 has great brakes; the 9-3's are so much better still.
*Utility: I loved my hatch, and still prefer the styling of a hatch over a wagon. But the wagon has a lot more space in the back.
*Driving in snow. I've never had anything but all-season tires in the winter with either car. The 9-3 has much better traction in the snow to start with, and the electronic stability program along with traction control make snow driving much more enjoyable.
I have no regrets with either car. The 900S has treated me well for 13+ years and 167,000 miles and the 9-3 has gone 33k with only a couple of minor warranty issues.
posted by 71.232.19...
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