Late in February my 2001 9-5 was rear-ended by a pick-up truck whose driver fell asleep. My Saab was parked peacefully in front of my house at 3:30AM. No one was injured, but both my car and his truck were totaled. I had been planning on keeping my 2001 until the new 9-5s came out in 2006. After the accident took my 9-5, I initially planned to replace it with a new 9-5. But after several trips to the dealer to look at and test drive various 9-5s and 9-3s I have decided to purchase a 9-3 arc. Reasons for my decision:
1. 9-3 is Saabs newest technology - safety features like side curtain airbags to protect front and rear passengers, electronics like the infotainment center and the ability to personalize features (alarm levels, etc.) without having to go to the dealer.
2. I believe I will get better resale value for the 9-3 several years from now. When new models come out, such as the 9-5 in 2006, price points for older models sometimes drop.
3. I enjoyed driving the 9-3, a little tighter and more responsive.

That said, I did love my 9-5, felt it was a great car. The backseat space was great for taking friends and family even on long trips, and the trunk was best in class. So I don't believe you can go wrong whatever you decide.

BTW I have decided to try Saabs European Delivery. I've recently retired, and so I have time to visit Sweden with my wife for a week after we pick up the car. The numbers work out such that the price at dealer in U.S., or picking up the car in Sweden (Saab ships it back to the U.S. for free) are about the same.

Good luck in your decision.

posted by 151.198.1...

• 2004 9-3 Arc or 9-5 Arc????, cindy, Sun, 21 Mar 2004 06:19:55
  • Re: 2004 9-3 Arc or 9-5 Arc????, Cornwallis, Fri, 2 Apr 2004 14:17:59
  • Re: 2004 9-3 Arc or 9-5 Arc????, robert240, Tue, 23 Mar 2004 11:01:40
  • Re: 2004 9-3 Arc or 9-5 Arc????, Tom, Mon, 22 Mar 2004 18:37:27
    • like Ton, have both.., chris74, Tue, 23 Mar 2004 04:20:40
      • Re: like Ton, have both.., Amos in Arlington, Tue, 23 Mar 2004 07:57:59
      • Re: like Ton, have both.., Tom, Tue, 23 Mar 2004 07:52:24
        • I'll still drive them..., chris74, Tue, 23 Mar 2004 15:09:43
          • Re: I'll still drive them..., Tom, Tue, 23 Mar 2004 19:43:28
            • Re: I'll still drive them..., chris74, Wed, 24 Mar 2004 04:18:30
  • I like the 9-5, but....., Mike Lynch , Mon, 22 Mar 2004 16:19:51
  • The 2004 9-5 Arc would be my choise. I have a 9-3SS.nm, Joe_MTL, Sun, 21 Mar 2004 19:36:28
  • Re: 2004 9-3 Arc or 9-5 Arc????, dave, Sun, 21 Mar 2004 14:40:36 <-- Viewing This Message
  • Re: 2004 9-3 Arc or 9-5 Arc?-observations, paul de k, Sun, 21 Mar 2004 08:47:54
    • 9-3 Arc, Phil, Mon, 22 Mar 2004 13:23:39

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