Date: Fri, 14 May 2004 04:24:28 GMT From: Peter <garbagenospamsafe.com> Subject: Re: Any feedback on 2004 convertibles?
Thanks for all the info and feedback. Really glad I finally got some feedback. I will probably put in an order for a new convertible next week with European delivery. I have already a trip planned to Europe so the way I see it I just get extra rebate! Test drove one a few times and even borrowed one for 24 hours. Must say I like our new Saab dealer in North Dallas, the old one downtown has some really sleezy sales guys. My impression is that the 2004 has almost no body flex but the road feeling is not quite up to BMW. It beats by far both Volvo, Audi and Mercedez in that aspect though and with European delivery I get a price that beats the BMW by at least $5000 and there is a lot more included with the price than the BMW. Two climates zones, really good seats, remote operaton of top. Leather seats included etc etc. plus the yellow color is great. Not sure what my girlsfriend thinks of it though... Plus the fact that a Saab convertible is built at the same factory in Austria as the BMW X3 gives me a god reassurance about the build quality. Engineering quality remains to be seen though. Thanks again /Peter In article <3oMoc.48003$2h.20087nospamsvr29.news.prodigy.com>, pablo <pablo.at.simplynospamre.dot.net> wrote: > I test drove one when they had my '02 convertible in for service. They gave > it to me for the whole day, seemingly convinced that would make me switch. > It was the 210hp Vector. > > Very good car. The engine seemed identical with the 205hp in my car, which > surprised me since I had heard it's an all new engine. Near identical sound, > near identical everything. What's the point of engine development when that > is the case? > > There is undetectable body flex in the new convertible. > > The Vector's suspension setup is harsh, but having the sports package with > the 17inchers on my '02 I am kind of used to it. I do think it is a bit out > of character for convertible Saabs, and might eventually soften the > suspension some. > > The interior is typical Saab, somewhat modernized, somewhat tidied up. Nice. > The seats are a bit less comfy than on the '02, but perhaps it's because I > didn't have enough time to go for the perfect setup. Or perhaps it's the > integration of the seatbelts dictating space utilization. > > Ergos in the cabin are worse - much more switchgear, a lot of it smallish > buttons that clutter things. I prefer the classic switchgear, but gadgetry > is a big trend with the entire car industry. (Note to car engineers: Just > let us hook up our laptops or handhelds wirelessly to some board computer > for obscure setup stuff if you must, car engineers. You'll never get user > interfaces as well as the computer guys do.) > > A very good car indeed, but having a relatively new '02 myself it is not > enough of a quantum leap to make me consider spending big bucks again. For > now, I firmly intend to drive mine until the wheels fall off, and will hope > that takes a long and trouble-free time. That is why I bought a Saab. > > They seemed to have ironed out the initial '03 'vert issues with the > integrated seat belts, and you hardly see any of the new Saab convertibles, > which is surprising given the fact design wise it is the nicest looking car > in its class (but that's opinions) and that competitors (especially the 3 > series) are far more common. > > ...pablo > >
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