Date: Wed, 10 Jun 1998 22:55:13 GMT From: dspeednopsamam.com (Dave Speed) Subject: Re: SAAB depreciation?
SAABs have gone up and down in terms of "real value" over the years. I was a SAAB owner continuiously from 1970 to 1997, having 4 or so in that period (and 3 more in my family). I was lucky at first and got good ones and avoided the lemon years. Then savvy (or one likes to think...). But SAABs seemed to swing in a "overpriced" to "good value" cycle mostly depending on the current value of the dollar in Europe. Overall I found SAAB's to be very reliable. Not bulletproof, but a good little 4 cyl that would keep up with most "GT"s if pressed and handled snow and bad roads like most domestics only dreamed of doing. I sold out when our 900 3 door no longer handled my wife's needs and we were moving to an area without a dealership. While I do most of my own maintaince, I don't like to be rushed on my wife's car and I've got to admit that new car systems are taxing my talents as a shadetree mechanic (will stick with my TR-3 and Power Wagon). But you buy a SAAB for the long run - 10 years at a whack. I never really wore one out, just got tired of it. My 74 was still going strong in Napa, CA last I heard. In the shorter term, they do fall short on the resale value, tho this tends to vary a **lot** from area to area. The 9000's seem more sensitive to depreciation with the non-turbo's and autos being the worst. But this can be good ... Now I'm looking for a good deal on a used 9000 to burn up the lonely roads in SE New Mexico. I think a lo-mileage red '93 turbo would suit me well <grin> Since I'm willing to look and travel, I expect to get a great value, and a good safe cruiser. Dave