Date: Mon, 20 Dec 1999 18:23:24 -0800 From: Justin VanAbrahams <jvanabranopsamnet> Subject: Re: Is a Saab 9-3 a reasonable vehicle for a high mileage commuter?
keith-davis wrote: > > I travel about 35,000 miles a year going back and forth to work. I'm > considering a Saab, but have never had one. Do Saabs hold together well as > a commuting vehicle, or is it high maintenance? > > Thanks in advance for your help...kd In my experience, Saabs do exceptionally well as commuter vehicles. The historical weak spot on Saabs (their transmissions) aren't affected by mileage so much as load, so cruising for hours on end doesn't affect them much. The newer 9000, 9-3, and 9-5 all have very well designed transmissions, meaning that their normal weak spot has been eliminated. The engines themselves are quite robust, and will cruise happily at high speeds for as long as you care to drive. The only thing to keep in mind is that Saabs tend to depreciate rapidly (though the newer ones seem to be keeping their value) and adding high mileage to a car with a weak resale market means you probably won't be able to fetch much for it when you decide to sell or trade it in. If you're planning to keep the car a long time, or won't be counting on being able to sell it off when you want something new, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend one for your application. I would, however, recommend you looking into a base model 9-5 over a 9-3, as the slightly larger interior, improved aerodynamcs, and overdrive transmission would probably serve you better. -Justin
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
