1994-2002 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
1. Is this a good deal?
According to edmunds.com, the Viggens get about $2K off sticker..I would have thought more, but obviously not.
2. What incentives are available for a Viggen purchase (eg. Maintenance, Loaner Car, accessories, etc.)?"
The Viggen comes with free maintenance for the first 3 years (although I would supplement that with 5K oil changes). Most dealers offer loaner cars when repairs are needed, but that depends on the dealer. You may be able to work in some free accessories, such as the rubber floor mats, etc. Check saabcatalog.com for available accesories.
3. Are there any good and proven after market engine performance mods that are available for the Viggen?
Oh Yeah. Check abbottracing.com and the Performance bulletin board for more sources.
4. I was very surprised to see that the acceleration times for the Viggen, in a recent Motor Trend magazine comparison, were as slow as they were. I expected the Viggen to out accelerate the Volvo S60 T5, Acura TL Type S, and inch out the BMW 330i. In a real situation, on the street, can the Viggen take these cars from 30 mph and up?
Don't always believe what you read. A lot of times, slower 0-60 times are attributed to bad drivers...I just don't see how these test drivers can learn the car good enough to know how to launch them...especially a turbo SAAB, which isn't that easy to figure out. Also, there are reports of regular 9-3s beating the Acura Type-S cars once they are rolling without any problems. Remember the Viggen doesn't make full power until 3rd gear...so 50-80mph is going to be the strong point...unless you make some mods.
5. Finally, I am interested about any reliability or quality issues that you have experienced?
I've had several problems with my 9-3, but nothing major. Leaking sunroof (attributed to bad sunroof glass), BPC selenoid, fading ACC display. But that was during the first months of ownership...even then I didn't get discouraged, because I loved driving the car. BTW I have a '99 model and the '01 models have a lot of improvements.
Hope this helps,
Richard P. '99 9-3SE HOT
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