Date: Mon, 06 Sep 1999 22:32:08 +1700 From: vigorous <emerjetNOulSPAMnopsamail.com> Subject: Re: What's the story with the 9-3?
Replies intended for various contributors: Survey says (NPR's "cartalk"), SAAB owners are even more vigilant than BMW/Mercedes owners on upkeep which, by definition, means they are more knowledgeable, all-round owners and (dare I say it?) probably better drivers too, especially in winter. Interestingly, I should be 10-15 years younger to fit into the NPR SAAB 9-3 ownership profile. On teaching the 15 y/o daughter to drive: I keep informing her that although the car is very, very "kewl" and she is damn lucky to be learning on it; most other vehicles are much harder to drive well and the SAAB is very forgiving. She is expected to conduct herself as an adult behind the wheel and I am there as an experienced adult, teaching her a lot of things besides the mechanical and physical parts of driving; not her father. Economics, weather, driver psychology and watchfulness (especially, the eyes and telltale clues of ability and vigilance), road collision statistics, commercial aspects, history, exterior/undercarriage upkeep, traffic patterns and time.....there is so much to learn, each little bit of it enhancing the driving experience. She's been a sponge for this stuff, Let's hope it's not just a fad. On winter tires: I am leaning toward the Gislaveds because the dealer is offering such a good deal on them, it is irresistable. Survey says; they're right up there with the Nokians, which I regard as the best tires I have ever driven on in winter. Standard vs. automatic: Of course a standard is better! Tell that to my wife! (who likes the cargo space, the fade- free brakes, and the tight turning circle and is getting used to the backing-up visibility.) Choice of color: black. It is odd that I am tending to repeat the choices my father made; and at close to the same intervals. I learned to drive on a black Canadian Pontiac Laurentian 6 cyl 150hp 2spd automatic with the widest whitewalls you ever saw! I kept the car for him. I detailed before the word was invented. Enjoy the car: Master it. Use what the engineers gave you to work with, including (for the passengers) the handgrips, the kill switch, the weather channel, the handbrake, the fog lamps front and rear, and what have you. Floor converings for winter? Rubbermaids with deep slush grooves give great water retention, sub-sub-zero flexibility, and throwaway utility when faded out. Scent controls? Yes.....one of those evergreen tree cardboard things the car dealerships in Minnesota must give away I shall hang from my rv mirror. Chief in-car communication goal: Watch/listen to "Fargo" again and parrot the accent. Play? I am a stealth driver. I am waiting until I find out how to master the automatic before I play. Hills are fun.....and, of course, off/on ramps but winter takes the cake. Then, I can pick on the SOB-SUV drivers. I use the clear windshield treatments to save on winshield wiper work. Yes....I think these late 90s SAAB cars are keepers. Tonight, I let a 6'5"fellow drive Darth Vader. He was overjoyed at the room he had within which to work the controls in comfort and the power curve that took him where he wanted to go, when he wanted to go there, unlike his Camry. * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet's Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet - Free!
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