Volvo used to make the 240 and 740/940 models with the iron block 4 cylinder engine that would run for 300K miles without a problem. The cars would literally fall apart (if not cared for) around the powertrain.

Ditto for Saabs. My '84 900 8 valve NA went 280K before I sold it. It was still running perfectly.

But no one wants those cars anymore. No one (beside we 'purists') really cares if it runs for more than 4 years because folks in the market for high end cars lease them for 3 years, and Saab, Volvo, and Porsche have to cater to that market (70% of all Saabs are leased). These days, a car with 40K miles is considered high mileage. Purists wouldn't hesitate to buy a well cared for Saab or Volvo with 160K miles, but there are very, very few of us out there anymore.

Now, with half of all vehicles sold in the US being 'light trucks', Saab can't continue in the high end market without a SUV. Unfortunate, but it is reality. Witness Volvo and Porsche whose sales rocketed once they had an SUV.

Thankfully, some of us 'purists' can still find Saab qualities in the 9-5 and 9-3 sedans. And thankfully, I can buy a good used one, fresh off a lease, for a good price. But if Saab ever removes the qualities of good design, utility, and economical operation from their cars, then I (and other 'purists') will be looking elsewhere. I doubt if GM would even notice.

posted by 12.4.21...

• Edward Lapham, Editor of Automotive News on Saab:, Brian, Tue, 23 Dec 2003 06:03:23
  • "Purist" serves a purpose...., Mike Lynch , Tue, 23 Dec 2003 13:21:23
    • Re: "Purist" serves a purpose...., Bob M, Wed, 24 Dec 2003 05:21:10
    • I 2nd toshi (Vwell put!) (nm)., BobH, Tue, 23 Dec 2003 13:55:13
    • Well said Mike. (n/m), toshi, Tue, 23 Dec 2003 13:34:56
  • counter-article... fwiw (more), toshi, Tue, 23 Dec 2003 09:42:56
    • He makes the right point..., MikeG, Tue, 23 Dec 2003 13:47:49
      • Too much sharing...., Mike Lynch , Tue, 23 Dec 2003 14:02:08
  • A little simplistic dear Edward, No.9, Tue, 23 Dec 2003 09:23:16
  • He's right. n/m, elSVT, Tue, 23 Dec 2003 06:26:46
    • Gotta concur, washaero, Tue, 23 Dec 2003 07:31:26
    • He's very right!, Viggen Pilot, Tue, 23 Dec 2003 07:14:00
      • I liken to days past of the Porsche & Volvo folk, Trev, Tue, 23 Dec 2003 07:23:12
        • Re: I liken to days past of the Porsche & Volvo folk, compaqted, Tue, 23 Dec 2003 08:16:00 <-- Viewing This Message
          • I wonder how many SAAB engineers worked on the 9-3ss .., Michel_Mtl, Tue, 23 Dec 2003 17:39:36
          • Well put ! (nm), No.9, Tue, 23 Dec 2003 09:00:07

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