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Hi Folks,
Here is a picture of my new (to me) Aero, whom I have named Thor. He's a 2003 SportWagon, black on black, 48k miles, with auto trans, touring package (xenon, park assist, rain sensing wipers), and heated/ventilated seats.
I love the car so far (10 days in). It still has the classic Saab feel that's been maintained through my previous 3 cars ('78 99L, '89 900S, '01 9-3SE), but seems more powerful, solid, refined, and comfortable than all of them. I haven't really hit the twisties to compare overall agility. I'm still getting used to the auto (previous cars were all manuals), but the 5 speed is a HUGE improvement over the 4spd 9-3s that I test drove back in '02, and it's a plus in SoCal freeway crawls.
I've verified 31mpg highway cruising, which is about 1-2mpg less than my manual 9-3. It seems to suffer more in mixed driving. I'm averaging about 23mpg, versus 26-27 in the 9-3. Just gave it the Techron concentrate treatment with this tank. Still need to check the air filter and plugs (idle rougher than the 9-3, but could just be the larger motor?). I'm pleasantly surprised to find better visibility in the wagon versus my 9-3 hatch, along with a cavern of storage space. I folded down the rear seats, and lied my 6'3" frame down comfortably in the back (every grad student needs the ability to sleep in his car).
The lower spoiler is cracked near the right side. I decided to leave it that way for the time being until I get used to driving/parking the car. As I posted last week, I'm following up on some hesitation in the 2-3 AT shift. Otherwise the car seems near perfect (some minor paint scratches). Warranty is up at 50k, so I'll have to run up to Torrance and have Anders check everything out beforehand.
For those shopping around, I bought it for $16.5k from the original owner here in the San Diego area. I think it was a fair deal, but not a steal.
All in all, I'm pleased with the replacement (the 9-3 was totaled in an accident in early March), and looking forward to many more happy years of Saab ownership. Thanks to all for their guidance through the shopping process.
Cheers,
'Roo
'03 9-5 Aero Wagon "Thor", 48k
'01 9-3 SE "Svenska Haj", 73k R.I.P.
'89 900 S Sedan "Kajsa", sold 2003
'78 99 L "Jörgen", retired 1999
posted by 24.30.132...
, Mon, 30 Apr 2007 21:17:08, Tue, 1 May 2007 15:17:31
, Wed, 2 May 2007 21:54:27
, Mon, 30 Apr 2007 21:10:25
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