I understand what you're saying. I've always liked German cars as well. I've owned a few VW's and enjoyed them all. I originally discovered SAAB as something to move up to after VW, but without making a jump to BMW (which I had lost interest in after the demise of the 2002). The SAAB was a practical, yet sporty, car. I had a 1988 900.

With BMW's march upscale, I think they have lost many of enthusiasts who originally put the company on the map, at least here in the USA. I agree about the 2002. In its day, it was a great little car. One of the first to give what was then termed sports car-like handling in a compact sedan format. Simple, unadorned styling, but still a nice package. And if what I read recently proves out, BMW has given the go ahead to recreate the 2002, which they claim will be faithful to the original. Similar styling, 4 cylinder power, not loaded up with everything but the kitchen sink. And they hope to price it similar to the VW GTI. We'll see. Two to 3 years away however.

SAAB has, of course, also tried to move upscale, though thus far without the success of BMW. I wonder how many SAAB owners from way back when are still owning and driving the newer models? It would be interesting to know how many fans have stayed with the brand all these years. These days, SAAB sticker prices their cars to generally compete with BMW, Audi, etc. But SAAB does not, and can not, command the at or near sticker prices those other cars often sell for.

SAAB still provides a unique product, and great value for the money, especially when considering the "discounted" price they can actually be purchased for. I'm hoping to get a base 9-3 coupe sometime in 2001. But here's a "What if"? Suppose the car business ran in a way where all cars were sold at sticker, say, like Saturn. If SAAB had to find buyers for their current line of cars at their current sticker prices, with no subsidized super lease deals, how do think they'd be doing right now? I'm afraid they'd be dead in the water. While BMW, Audi and Mercedes would roll happily along, just as they do now. Just my 2 cents.

• BMW is Japanese, Saab is German (time machine), joshua harrison, Thu, 14 Dec 2000 10:39:12
  • Re: BMW is Japanese, Saab is German (time machine), Andrew , Thu, 14 Dec 2000 22:18:18
    • Amen brother, luxury be damned, except the heated seats n/m, BrianD, Fri, 15 Dec 2000 22:58:47
  • I think I see your point, Seamus, Thu, 14 Dec 2000 13:56:24 <-- Viewing This Message
    • Rumours that Ford is buying BMW!!?? n/m, Kalle, Fri, 15 Dec 2000 18:42:34
    • Re: Long-term SAAB owners, Steve L, Fri, 15 Dec 2000 09:50:40
  • Re: BMW is Japanese, Saab is German (time machine), jp, Thu, 14 Dec 2000 13:50:19
  • Let me think a bit..., Coolknight, Thu, 14 Dec 2000 11:17:43
    • Re: GM Closing Oldsmobile, Steve L, Thu, 14 Dec 2000 12:45:37
      • Re: GM Closing Oldsmobile, Nathan Work, Fri, 15 Dec 2000 08:46:55
        • Re: GM Closing Oldsmobile, Steve L, Fri, 15 Dec 2000 09:43:56
    • Sorry fat fingered the keys....re: parts are made....., hr, Thu, 14 Dec 2000 11:55:11
    • Re: Let me think a bit..., hr, Thu, 14 Dec 2000 11:53:18

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