Date: Sat, 01 Aug 1998 12:48:57 GMT From: Boyer/Sheers <sheersnopsamVE.sgi.net> Subject: Re: Volvo or Saab?
Bob St. Hilaire wrote: > > Simple question? My wife and I are buying another car. Two models are > in the running: Volvo and Saab. Given the cost, we are looking in the > late model range of 1992 - 1993. Question is: Which car would you buy > and why? > > Choices: > > 1992 Volvo 240DL Wagon with 160,000 miles - Cherry - $9,500.00 > > 1993 Saab 900S 3dr Full Luxury Package with 100,000 miles - major cherry > - $9,500.00 > > If I were conviced this is a no-brainer I wouldn't bother posting. But > Saabs seem to have a rather devious reputation of being somewhat > unreliable. Volvo's, on the other hand, seem to just do their thing > forever. > > Thanx for you input.... > > bob I've had 2 Volvos and 2 Saabs (9000's), and have felt the Saabs were SLIGHTLY less reliable, little electrical things, mostly. Some people seem to have had lemons, though. I am certain that in U.S. government crash tests of the old 900 model, the passenger did not do too well, if this makes a difference. It is very difficult to get access to these crash numbers for older cars, though. I remember talking to someone about this a few years ago. Two 900's from different years had been crashed in the 80's. The Saab would be more fun to drive if it's a manual transmission. An important factor here is to find out how well each has been maintained. To be honest, the prices seem a little high for that kind of mileage. My inclination, if I wanted a 240, would be to go for one of the first years with driver airbag, but with fewer miles. (I must admit, my first Volvo was an 88 GL with black leather and sunroof, 175k miles and at least $10,000 in dealer repairs/maintenance. The previous owner had had EVERYTHING done to the car that you can imagine. I ran it to 213k and traded it when it needed a $700 steering rack repair, and I kind of regret that. I felt royal in that car.) Oh, one more thing. I've had the impression the general public dislikes Saab owners less than it dislikes Volvo owners, and expects them to be better drivers. Let us know what you get! Bill B.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
