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1994-2002 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
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After falling into Saab ownership literally "by accident" in 2000, I have made a tough decision to leave Saab ownership.
I fell for my first Saab - a 95 900 SE V6 automatic - at an auto auction, when I joined some friends who were looking for a car. I could not resist bidding, and took it home. Its green color gave it the nick name "waSAABi", and I enjoyed more than 70k miles with it. Those were mostly trouble free, with some engine trouble that was caused by mechanics' mistakes.
waSAABi was such a practical, comfortable, and well made vehicle that I didn't only hold on for it for 10 years; I made sure it got a good home with a friend who still enjoys it to this day.
Since no other practical hatchbacks were available in that size, I replaced waSAABi with a 2000 Saab 9-3 SE Automatic. This car was much quicker, shifted more spontaneously, and was in amazing condition after only 10 pampered years and 48k miles in Northern California. The car had never seen snow, ice or salt. Wear on paint and interior were minimal, and it even smelled almost new inside!
Because of the extra power, we added a steering rack brace and rear sway bar. I also added Euro turn signals, clear side blinkers, matching wooden door handles, and my trademark prancing moose decals. I replaced the scratched rims with four brand new ones, and made sure nobody uses clip-on weights on them. And I had the PCV upgrade done.
Today, it has almost 75k miles on the odometer, and still looks wonderful. Everything works, and I could keep and drive it for a long time.
However, I lusted for a car that was quieter and has all the modern amenities built-in. I had eyed the Chevy Volt for a long time, but it seemed out of reach from a cost perspective. Until a few days ago, when I read about special incentives and lease programs for the Volt. And sure enough, they made the Volt affordable - so today, I pulled the trigger before they expire on September 4, 2012.
The Volt is a smaller car. And because of its weight, it neither accelerates as quickly, nor does it corner as well as the 9-3. I will definitely miss the 9-3 performance. However, I will be able to drive most of my commute electrically, and save about $150/month in cost for gas.
I'm both excited and sad. With its softer materials and burl wood trim (the door handles made a big difference), the Saab felt more luxurious in the interior. But the Volt, I believe, is the right vehicle for me going forward.
So, I'm going to have to part with my beloved 9-3. Like waSAABi, I hope that it finds a good, caring home where its great condition and subtle enhancements are appreciated. I hope to take some current pictures on the weekend, and post it on a variety of "For Sale" sites.
I hope I won't regret this switch, but the decision has been made. I want to thank each and every one of you who has ever responded to my questions here. I wish you all best of luck for the future, and hope you will enjoy your Saabs for a long time.
posted by 99.121.60...
, Tue, 4 Sep 2012 07:55:58
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