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Today I exchanged the keys and title to my '99 9-5 SE automatic (<52K miles) for those to a 2006 Ford Fusion SEL at a modest Ford dealership in Long Island. The prevailing wholesale value of a Saab of that vintage in urban New York is approximately $6500. I was very pleased to receive it. I purchased my Saab in the winter of 2005 from a private owner after a cursory test drive and examination. I disregarded the admonitions of my mechanic to avoid cars with a known propensity to develop sludge filled crankcases and consume their DIC's for I just KNEW that a car of this pedigree would more than atone for its engineering shortcomings with thrilling acceleration, peerless handling and an ergonomically sound cockpit. I was deaf to the moaning power-steering pump and the whinning transaxle. I disregared the shudder that reverberated through the cabin as the motor shifted on its mounts when I selected "D" or "R" on the transmission. When the scales finally fell from my eyes I realized that the whistle emanating from the turbo might portend imminent failure and that all the money spent on frequent changes of the obscure Mobil 0W-40 synthetic oil was por nada. I never "bonded" with her. She was fast and posh but also loose and noisy with an appetite for premiun unleaded that was slowly eating me alive. The Fusion is impressively quiet, relatively efficient and contains a cabin with all the expected amenities trimmed sparely but elegantly to a high standard of finish. Most importantly it does not set my teeth on edge when I engage the automatic transmission. I maintained the Saab conscientiously. I replaced all the fluids, drove judiciously and parked her indoors but another failure or minor irritation always loomed on the horizon and my heart slowly hardened. To compare a seven year old car to one that is new may not be just but the Saab in question had very low miles was driven moderately and received regular maintenance but did not engender my confidence although my standards were considerably lax. I may return to the Saab community one day but not without considerable forethought. I thank all members for their support and comraderie.
posted by 68.198.35...
, Sat, 1 Jul 2006 20:47:27
, Sat, 1 Jul 2006 16:02:08
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