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I am beginning my search for a new car (the very initial phase as I do not plan to replace my 1995 900 S Convertible for at least another year). I am interested in the new 9-3 SS but I have some serious misgivings about the new trim levels and their associated appointments. I am a long time Saab loyalist and I would love to continue to drive Saabs so I’ve spent a lot of time researching the new 9-3.
The two cars I am considering are the 9-3 Arc and the Audi A4 1.8T. I am not considering the 9-3 Linear due to the cheap looking cloth on the doors and the poor stereo. I also considered the Acura TSX but it’s styling is too boring for my tastes.
Here is what I’m looking for in a new car:
-- Reliability
This is a toss up as the new 9-3 has not yet been proven, but my guess would be the Saab is better according to Consumer Reports
-- Well appointed interior without a clutter and redundancy
I believe the Audi wins this category due to its simplistic approach; the 9-3 green-screen profiler and the Onstar phone pad are not very appealing to me. Why did Saab change their text color from a pleasing yellow to Apple II green?
-- External aesthetics
This is a close one, but I give it to Audi again due to its matching door handles. Saab has a better looking front end but the full aesthetics of the Audi is more pleasing. The Vector body kit is necessary to complete the full package on the 9-3.
-- High-quality stereo
The Audi has the optional BOSE stereo, why didn’t they implement a Harman/Kardan system like they did with the 9-5? This is a sore point.
I am not concerned about the HP/torque differential between these two cars as I have been driving a 150 HP Saab 900 S Convertible for many years and it suits my needs. Either car will be a step up in performance to me.
Finally the pricing:
Audi A4 1.8T Quattro (Automatic transmission, Premium Package, BOSE Premium Sound System, Cold Weather Package, Xenon Headlights, 16" Alloy Wheels & All Season Tires, Metallic/Pearl Effect Paint, Rear Side Airbags) = $33,685
Saab 9-3 Arc (Sentronic Automatic Transmission, Power Sunroof, Arc/Vector Touring Package, Mica/Metallic Paint, Front Heated Seats) = $35,405
I know you can haggle down a dealer but I think the Arc is overpriced for what you are getting. Anyone else do a similar comparison? What are your thoughts on these two cars?
posted by 216.75.129...
, Wed, 18 Jun 2003 10:17:01
, Wed, 18 Jun 2003 10:00:39
, Wed, 18 Jun 2003 09:25:57
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