1994-2002 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
Others have commented re lease issues, so my only comments in that area are (a) lease rates for used vehicles are likely to be at least somewhat greater than for new vehicles, especially if the manufacturer offers subsidized leasing programs (as SAAB frequently does) and (b) the purchase avenue has a higher payment because at the end of the period, you'll OWN the car rather than have to start all over or lay-out additional money to purchase the car or continue making payments on a loan to purchase it.
Re the in-dash cassette: SAAB offers either the in-dash cassette or the in-dash CD player. For new cars, dealers seemed willing to swap on for the other, depending on the buyer's choice. Perhaps you could get the in-dash unit at a dealer for a decent price? With the 9-3's, SAAB implemented some sort of electronic security system, whereby the CD or cassette player are "married" to the rest of the car's electronics, such that they cannot be removed and installed into another vehicle - even another 9-3 - without being unmarried and then married to the new car. Only the dealer can do this (I'm not sure if the Tech II device is the one that does it). There has been much written previously on the issue of adding CD changers to the factory system. The same system noted above is also used for the CD changer that goes into the trunk, and there are no known after-market CD changers which work with the SAAB system. Therefore, adding a CD changer to a 9-3 requires that you submit yourself to the rather high price of the SAAB unit and, presumably, dealer installation.
Re how bad is the factory system: This is a subjective area. Suggest you find and review the section on upgrading the sound system on the 9-3 - I think the author is Richard Bevan, and there's a link on the Saabnet site. The SAAB accessory just adds an amplifier which powers two speakers added to the base model doors. Most suggestions I've seen are to start by upgrading to better quality speakers in the existing locations. The rear speakers on the convertible are very inaccessible, appear to require major removal of interior body panels. Two quality auto stereo shops I've spoken with have both suggested upgrading the in-dash speakers (fairly easy), and adding an amplifier for speakers in the doors, leaving the rear speakers alone. By the way, as you'll see in the section on upgrading the stereo, you must remove the door panels to install the speakers - you cannot just remove the grills (that would be too easy!). The consensus has been that the factory receiver should be kept. I haven't minded the base car set-up, but the speakers in the doors on SE's I've driven have been a nice improvement.
Re anti-sway bars and suspension: Can't say much here, as I don't know. We went to the 16" wheels and corresponding tires used on the SE for our base 9-3 convertible, and have been very happy with that set-up.
Re the base SID: Don't recall what the base SID doesn't have; I think the owners manual will tell you. Don't miss whatever it is.
Re no charge maintenance: I believe the no charge maintenance applies regardless of whether the car is purchased or leased. One thought was that the plan helps assure proper maintenance levels for the leased vehicles that are turned in at the end of lease.
Would suggest you look at the dealers - they had some very nice discounts on the 2000 model 9-3's, which could make getting into a new car easier - plus you should be eligible for the $1,000 owner loyalty discount.
The $500 lease number you reference seems high (which may be due it it being used). We leased (new) our 1999 9-3 base convertible with the 16" wheels and tires, add-on wood dash, in-dash CD, for 4 years and the payment runs about $415 plus tax. Maintenance (thru 12k miles) has not been unduly expensive thus far.
Good luck - I think you'll enjoy your car ergardless of which you choose.
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