1999-2009 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup
As I'm leaving tomorrow to drive from Northern Virginia to Albany, NY on business and then on to Ludington, Michigan to retrieve my family who has been there visiting family, I thought I would post a few comments on the first trip to Michigan 2 weeks ago. I bought my 2011 95 on June 25th. It was driven by the dealership owner's wife, and had a few thousamd miles on the clock, but it even still looks and smells new. The price was right too.
Overall, I really like the vehicle. Yes, there is evidence of GM influence and parts from the General's parts kit everywhere you look, but there were times that the vehicle exhibited true Saab character. Example: I came upon a construction barrel in the far left lane on the Ohio Turnpike between Cleveland and Toledo. My only warning was the 2 vehicles in front of me doing avoidance maneuvers, but I still had almost no time to react. The 95 performed flawlessly around the hazard and came right back on course at 70 mph. Many won't believe me, and I wish I had taken a photo of the DIC, but for the 13.5 hour trip back to Virginia last weekend, the overall average mpg was 33.9 at an avg. speed of 70.8 mph. It was also 102 degrees passing through Cleveland. Sure, there is likely an error factor in the DIC calculation, and Michigan and Ohio are FLAT, but that also includes crossing the Appalachians in Pennsylvania. Around suburban northern Virginia this week, I was in the low-20s for mpg.
The ride is also a bit choppy on less-than-perfect roads, but cruising on the PA Turnpike, Ohio Turnpike, and I-96 and US 31 in Michigan were very smooth and quiet. The driver's seat with adjustments is extremely comfortable, although my kids and wife actually think our 2009 93 SC seats are more comfortable. The kids do love the extra space in the back seat, though. If I'm right, the seats were probably also a "gift" from the General, but not sure about that.
Insurance is about $200 more per year than my 2009 93 SC, so it isn't as bad as I thought it would be.
The only flaw I've noticed so far is the LEDs under the headlamps don't work. I'll bring it to the dealer's attention when I go back for an oil change after the upcoming roundtrip back to Michigan (no warranty, so I'll see how much that will cost), but everything else is fully functional - no problems.
I'm getting a few looks and inquiries too. I went to the bank yesterday, and the bank manager saw the vehicle parked outside and came out to look it over and sit in it, so it draws some attention. She asked a lot of questions, including where to buy one, and I told her the dealer only had 2 left on the lot. A guy in an Acura asked me about it at a traffic light this week and praised the vehicle's appearance. It is a beautiful vehicle.
Bottom line...despite the General's influence, I do really like the 95, and I hope to enjoy it for many years to come. I do admit that the 93 feels more like a Saab, but with Saab as we all know it and love it being no more, beggars can't be choosers, right?
No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
