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Hi all,
Love this site... I've been a very passive SCNA member for a while now, rarely post here. I have a 2004 9-5 Arc that's currently in service at Sewell Saab in Plano, Texas, for the cracking paint around the c-pillars issue. I don't think there's a lot of information on that here on the BB, unfortunately.
My loan car is a 2008 9-5 base... no option (other than auto) car. It has been interesting to compare it to my '04 - this is the first of the 06+ 260 hp cars I've driven (I've driven a bunch of the 99-05s). My 9-5 is a CPO car that is still under warranty until January 2010. I might not keep it quite that long, but I'm sure I'll have it for at least another year.
Were there any suspension or steering changes between the 05/06 facelift? It feels like the steering is a touch firmer in this car. Certainly the ride is a bit different with the 17s (not to mention the 42,000 on my 9-5), but I'm wondering if Saab retuned the suspension at all. It seems to corner a bit flatter, though that might be due to the 17s.
Overall, I like the extra touch of power and the firm steering. I don't like the way the steering wheel looks, but I like the way it feels. And the wrap-around seats are nice. It took me a long time to warm up to the GM-generic looks of the stereo, but the increased functionality is nice. The interior is noticeably cheaper in most ways, like the dash cover, the door panel tops, the center console and the carpet. But the door panels do look more upscale and the silvery touches on the vents are an upscale touch. I also didn't think I'd like the non-traditional gauges, but I'm warming to them. Still can't get into the front end, though I love the rear, the 17s and the additional painted bits on the exterior (hey, maybe these door handles won't fade like mine did!).
Overall, I'll seriously consider one next summer or fall when I will probably replace my 9-5. In just sitting in the 9-5s at car shows and dealers, I thought it was too GM'd up for me, but I'm beginning to appreciate some of the upgrades.
Now if only I could find one with a stick this time... seems they're even RARER(!) on the 06-08 cars.
posted by 68.94.52...
, Thu, 26 Jun 2008 18:55:12
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