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I drive over 120 miles every day and my wife does over 75 so, between us, our two 9-5s are racking up the miles. Our '99 sedan has over 250k miles on it and the '01 wagon has about 215k. Recently the sedan's head gasket went and it was time to decide whether to get another car or not. Neither car uses any oil between changes or has any cancer in the body, so we decided to get it repaired in spite of the fact that there is no resale value in it.
While it was being repaired, I had to rent a car. I was afraid that any new car would make me wish that I hadn't spent the money on repairs. I am writing this to say that even at 250,000 miles, Saabs still have it going on. When I opened the door to my car, the smell of leather still caressed my senses and the perforated seats wrapped around me like a well worn glove. Money well spent.
There are so many little things that make these cars a pleasure to own. Here are a few of my observations.
-As mentioned, the seats are supreme, especially the perforated ones. The wagon's are the regular leather seats and, although still very comfortable, feel slightly less enveloping than the perforated ones.
-Durability. Yes, turbos and head gaskets are prone to fail every 200k miles or so, but I have never done a starter, alternator, water pump, master cylinder, clutch, exhaust or any of the litany of parts done on previously owned cars.
-Sight lines. Angle the driver's mirror way out and there are NO blind spots.
-Ergonomics. Everything is within arms reach without moving and makes logical sense. I've heard people complain about the ACC but stop trying to over think it. If you are cold, push the red up arrow and if you are hot push the blue down arrow. Pretty simple and it works quite well.
-Power AND/OR great gas mileage, your choice without having to change cars. Since I drive a lot, I have a pretty light foot to save on gas and get about 35 mpg. However, we also have no problem towing our 16' travel trailer (at about half that mileage) or accelerating very quickly whenever needed.
-Goes where you point it. Even when standing on the brakes in slippery conditions, it doesn't lurch or swerve. Sure and steady.
-Built like a tank. I have been rear ended twice with no damage other than the facia. (You should have seen the other car and the cargo van)
-Window controls in the middle. Great for tolls. The passenger can operate the window while you toss the coins in the basket without barely slowing down. Once you get used to it, you'll wonder why they are ever put on the door.
-Even in the hardest rains, when at highway speeds I never seem to need anything more than fast intermittent. Did they design the shape so that it deflects the rain before it hits? Yeesh, they thought of everything :)
I'm sure there are more things but my point is that on a board that people tend to discuss their problems, it is worth mentioning how fabulous these cars are in the big picture.
My only question is, what ever happened to the High Mileage Saab section of this site? The last I saw of it was an update in 2005. Would love to know how many other older 9-5s are still cruisin' like new.
posted by 67.55.13...
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