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Even after over 6 years of ownership, and the occasional feeling that it's time to think about trading in my '03 Aero wagon on something new, I think about all the virtues this car has as an all around car. My extended warranty runs out this year, and I have been contemplating whether to keep the car or replace it (top choice is currently a Jetta TDI sportwagon, maybe an A4 2.0T Quattro Avant...I don't see the point in getting an '09 9-5 when the redesign is "hopefully" coming in 2010 and I'd wait for that). Then I get back in the driver's seat and realize that this may be the best all around vehicle on the market (I'm biased obviously)
1. Acceleration and handling - 250hp is more than I'll ever need and the car handles great for its size. Not BMW handling, but that's not why I own it. SPORT button transforms the car's responsiveness.
2. Fantastic seats (mine are heated and vented) and the leather is very resistant to wear (granted, I've always conditioned mine 2-3 times a year)
3. Excellent highway car. 65mph and the engine is barely at 2000rpm, and I usually get 30mpg.
4. Quiet interior, both in the city and on the highway
5. Excellent cargo capacity - While I realize I don't use it that often, when I DO need to use it, I can't imagine NOT owning this car
6. Relative rarity - here in SoCal, Saabs are much rarer than BMW/Audi, and I always get compliments on the wagon
7. Excellent Harmon Kardon stereo - I've never been disappointed with the radio and integrated XM into the ashtray works beautifully
8. Very good build quality - after 6+ years the car is virtually rattle free. A few creaks occasionally but nothing that bothers me and way better than my Volvo 850 wagon or even my 9-3 Viggen.
9. High quality materials inside - I find the interior textures and feel in the '05 and earlier cars MUCH nicer than the '06 facelifted ones. My bias, but so it goes...
10. Reliability - never any major issues or breakdowns...I did have the alternator and pulley (after a bearing went on the alternator - Mitsubish part!) and A/C condenser replaced under warranty (due to a refrigerant leak that took several visits to find). The dealer has always done preventative maintenance (but called me before they did it) and took advantage of the extended warranty to cover those items (recently all motor and tranny mounts and SID were done for example).
11. Great dealer service - I may be lucky here, but I used Charles River Saab in Boston, and then Saab of Sherman Oaks here in LA. Saab of Sherman Oaks in particular gets high marks for excellent customer service and for ALWAYS addressing the minor issues the car has had that I raised with them.
My only gripe is the vibration through the car in DRIVE when at a stop. I would think better designed motor or tranny mounts could cure this.
At this point, the car really isn't worth trading in considering the depreciation and the overall state of the auto industry. I take excellent care of it mechanically and cosmetically (and I love the Cosmic Blue color) and the interior shows virtually no wear at all.
I think I would really regret trading it...just like I did when I sold my yellow '91 900 Turbo convertible (HUGE regret!)
Just felt like sharing my love of this great car...I don't care how outdated the car mags say it is. Let's hope GM has the wherewithall to bring a high quality successor.
Cheers,
Paul H.
posted by 76.247.11...
, Thu, 8 Jan 2009 13:17:15
, Thu, 8 Jan 2009 13:32:43, Fri, 9 Jan 2009 16:44:22, Thu, 8 Jan 2009 14:58:28, Thu, 8 Jan 2009 13:57:53, Thu, 8 Jan 2009 14:55:43, Fri, 9 Jan 2009 07:58:12
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