Date: Sat, 04 Jul 1998 04:56:56 GMT From: dkuipersnopsamejanews.com Subject: 9-5 engine choices--confused, need info
Hello all-- 1. I just test drove a base 9-5 sedan today with the LPT 4, leather and sunroof options, auto transmission. I'm impressed! I've narrowed my choices to the new '99 BMW 328, the Volvo S70 T-5, and the Saab. Frankly, I like the exterior styling of the Saab, a lot, and am leaning in that direction. But I am at a complete loss for engine comparisons between the base and SE. The dealer tells me the V6 is due in August, so I can't compare it to the LPT 4 I just drove. What are the specs on the two engines? I noticed that the LPT 4 torques up quickly at low RPMs, so it seemed deceptively fast. I kept the A/T in "sport" mode, so shifts were delayed some; that probably helped. Given this, will there be any noticeably better performance with the V6, at least as far as the stoplight Olympics go? I'm guessing that the V6 will show its luster the most in top gear for high-speed cruising. 2. The problem as I see it with Saab's packaging is that, even if for all practical purposes the LPT 4 is similar to the V6, Saab has put several desirable features (to me at least) in the V6 only, not available as an option with the base 9-5. In particular, traction control, the Harmon Kardon stereo, power antenna, rear spoiler and aero kit effects, rear wiper, memory settings for driver seats and exterior mirrors, panic alarm, fatter tires, chrome rims; I think that's an exhaustive list. Probably a beefed-up suspension and a performance axle ratio too, if I had to guess. This almost forces one to go with the SE even though a selectively-optioned base car would be the optimal choice. Do you see it the same way? 3. Am I correct in assuming that warranty work, should some arise, can only be performed at the Saab dealership? Or given Saab's affiliation with GM, can work be done at GM garages? 4. The one negative with my dealership experience is that I did not get a good feeling that they were willing to work with me to get a good deal on the car. The dealer also does Porsche, so that probably explains some of that; they just laugh when someone even hints about a discount to full sticker on a Boxster. Is anyone in touch with any brokers or Saab dealers that will do nationwide delivery and are willing to negotiate towards a good deal? I realize Saab has an unusually small spread between invoice and sticker, at least compared to other "upscale" Euro manufacturers, but there is still room for movement there. These cars have 3% holdback right off the get go, so there's $1000 profit for the dealer to work with if at invoice. I'm thinking a fair deal would be about $500 to $700 over invoice, $1000 to $1500 under sticker. Any experience in this area? Thanks for any info you may be able to send my way. I'm really leaning to make this happen with the Saab if at all possible. The BMW is a great car, and the new one should be even better, but there are just so *&#! many of them in this area. Chevys for the nouveau riche. Peace.................DK -----== Posted via Deja News, The Leader in Internet Discussion ==----- http://www.dejanews.com/rg_mkgrp.xp Create Your Own Free Member Forum
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