Hey, I'll admit I am no SAAB expert compared to most on this board (it is quite simply an amazing resource for SAAB owners, and before you buy, you can get many questions answered by using the search function). We love our SAABs here, of course, but I encourage you to talk with recent Volvo owners as well. We bought our wagon last year (linear model) and we had similar priorities: safety, safety, safety. Of course Volvo came to mind. And they ARE safe cars. But I asked around; most Volvo owners I talked to thought that the build quality of their recent models was poor. Data from J.D. Powers and also Consumer Reports tends to validate this sentiment.

So I researched crash test data on my own (google "car crash safety"), and the 9-5 caught my eye. We couldn't be happier with our choice. For safety, I think Volvo v. SAAB is a wash. I think that reliability is important as well, and the trend for SAAB appears to be in the upward direction.

You could consider Audi A4 or A6 wagons or a VW Passat wagon as well; they crash test well and handle well (the safest car is the one that avoids the crash altogether). Audis cost a lot, even used, and I think buying a used Audi might end up being an expensive proposition, with repair costs probably higher than a Saab. Passats are OK but not as much fun as a 9-5 and not as roomy. Same problems as with Audi but parts are cheaper. You could also look at BMW wagons but for New England driving, it would have to be an "all-wheel" drive BMW, which is not such a great all-wheel drive system. Still, they crash test well and are well-built cars. A comparable BMW would certainly cost you more than a 2001 9-5. Build quality/reliability probably about the same as SAAB. Subaru wagons crash well but perhaps are not in the same safety league. They sure are ugly, though.

For the size of the 9-5 Wagon (i.e., really large inside, with great room for passengers and cargo), I have driven nothing that handles as "small." It's almost magic.

For your dog, there are different accessories you can install to keep him in the cargo area safely. People seem to like these cargo guards for their pets.

wow that's a lot, boy I do ramble...

posted by 209.71.3...

• A future Saab owner(Maybe!), SGCN, Wed, 17 Mar 2004 06:06:29
  • Re: A future Saab owner(Maybe!), Don , Mon, 22 Mar 2004 15:51:44
  • Talk to some Volvo owners as well, Bart, Wed, 17 Mar 2004 14:32:37 <-- Viewing This Message
    • Re: Talk to some Volvo owners as well, SGCN, Thu, 18 Mar 2004 04:32:14
  • The 9-5 has repeatedly been pronounced the safest car, AdamB , Wed, 17 Mar 2004 13:31:32
  • safety issues, saabaru, Wed, 17 Mar 2004 11:07:36
  • Oh, if I could talk my wife into a Saab wagon..., Bob Falfa, Wed, 17 Mar 2004 10:47:13
  • Re: A future Saab owner(Maybe!), jeff, Wed, 17 Mar 2004 10:39:13
  • Saab support, jimtimkim, Wed, 17 Mar 2004 08:41:07
  • Re: A future Saab owner(Maybe!), Dean, Wed, 17 Mar 2004 07:03:11
    • Re: A future Saab owner(Maybe!), SGCN, Wed, 17 Mar 2004 07:17:26
      • Greetings from RI, Ohmss680, Wed, 17 Mar 2004 08:35:04
        • Re: A Future Saab owner, Aviatrix51, Wed, 17 Mar 2004 22:44:34
        • Re: Greetings from RI, SGCN, Wed, 17 Mar 2004 12:56:10
  • Where in New England, Dave Westlake, Wed, 17 Mar 2004 06:57:51
  • Re: A future Saab owner(Maybe!), Dave Westlake, Wed, 17 Mar 2004 06:55:48
  • A present Saab owner....., zeke, Wed, 17 Mar 2004 06:44:17
    • Re: A present Saab owner....., Hector, Wed, 17 Mar 2004 06:59:27
      • Owner of both Volvo & Saab, Skip, Wed, 17 Mar 2004 07:23:21
        • Re: Owner of both Volvo & Saab, SGCN, Wed, 17 Mar 2004 07:32:27

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