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, Thu, 7 Apr 2011 10:42:44
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so, of course, I also agree with you guys on the AWD being overstated. Useful on the 4 or 5 big snow days + a waste of gas the other 360 days, imho... It might depend a little on where you live. I live in Canada + normally we see a lot of snow + mess in winter, though this year was pretty easy... In the mountains (like NoSnaab), the benefits of awd would increase significantly... anyway, I've never had much of an issue getting around with good snow tires in fwd saabs, in fact they're lots of fun in snow... and there is some truth to "awd just gets you stuck deeper"... imho a hair more clearance is more valuable than awd... *but* you're bang on: everyone here wants awd. Subarus sell like hotcakes + there is virtually no discounting. They easily outsell Saab, Volvo, and Audi combined... they are in a sweet spot for a significant, affluent, active, educated chunk of the population here... the same people who used to buy Saabs...
I've posted the pricing up here before + it's surprised a few Americans because of the differences + I'll do it again, maybe someone can explain what it's like south of the border, but... msrp for an Outback runs from $29k (very basic) to $41k, but, if you want the better engine, leather, sunroof, a few other things we take for granted on Saabs, an Outback costs $40k+ (and more at the pump). Audi A4 Avant starts at $42k (already pretty much fully equipped), so it's a contender. From Volvo, XC60 starts at $40k, XC70 at $44k, and V50 starts at $36k (same as a 9-3sc)... I think 9-3X is listed in the low $40k range (though the Saab Canada website is still not really up and running!?!!)... In contrast, the BMW 3 series wagon starts at $49k, and Mercedes doesn't seem to have a C class wagon, and E class is close to $70k!! (maybe GLK at $42k is more comparable)...
So I don't think Saab's way off the mark, especially when you consider the discounting (currently about $7k for the 9-3's). Volvo also sometimes has discounting. Subaru virtually zilch. Audi, I dunno...
maybe there is merit to a "stripee" version (eg no leather) of something like the 9-3X: it is reasonable to expect that most Subaru owners aren't buying the top end models, instead going for the lower $30k range... maybe the $5k extra for a nicer Saab won't swing it, but a stripee might?
I totally agree with you though, going forward Saab needs to focus on unique cars instead of competing head on "me too" with the Germans... I think that is coming with the new 9-3 (no sedan!!)... I'd like it to not be cheapened up, but yeah, stratospheric pricing like for the new 9-5 wouldn't be great either (I've seen >$70k asking for a fully equipped 9-5 here!!)...
James...
posted by 216.75.18...
, Thu, 7 Apr 2011 11:40:32
, Tue, 5 Apr 2011 20:16:36, Wed, 6 Apr 2011 00:44:38, Wed, 6 Apr 2011 13:09:58, Thu, 7 Apr 2011 10:42:44, Fri, 8 Apr 2011 10:01:09, Tue, 5 Apr 2011 17:00:53
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