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The art of contemplation...advice needed...(long) Posted by Clay McNeely [Email]  (#497)  [Profile/Gallery]
(more from Clay McNeely) on Thu, 1 Apr 2004 12:42:37
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Hello, everyone. I realize this topic has been discussed several times here on The Saab Network, but I'm hoping to receive a bit more personalized response than reading an old post/thread. For several different reasons, I am thinking about purchasing another Saab. This may be a replacement vehicle for my 1990 Saab 900 Turbo, or it may just be an additional vehicle. Anyway, the only requirement is that it absolutely must be a Saab. The history of my garage consists of a 1987 Saab 900S and my current 900. I am thinking of several different models, including another C900, NG900, 9000, 9-3, or 9-5. If I go with a C900, it will need to be 1990 or newer, manual tranny, 3-door, and turbo. A NG900 would have to be 3-door and turbo. A 9000 would have to be turbo. A 9-3 would have to be 3-door. A 9-5 would have to be...well...a 9-5. I'm looking for any and all advice one might have in selecting the appropriate vehicle. I have been seriously considering a 9-5 recently, but it would be nice to save a little money and get something else. However, I may just need to suck it up and go for the gold. I really do love my C900 and am wondering what sacrifices would be made in getting a different Saab. I love the quirks, such as the center ignition and the way the hood opens. I love the throaty purr of the engine and exhaust. I love the styling. I am becoming quite well-versed in the repair of the 900, but I certainly don't mind treading in unfamiliar territory. My current 900 is getting a lot of miles on her and I commute quite a long distance on a daily basis. I would love the luxury and ammenities of the newer Saabs, but I also enjoy the simplicity of the C900 in certain aspects. Additionally, I will be getting engaged and married this next year. My future fiance/wife wants to own and drive a Saab, so I'm hoping to buy this next Saab for her and get another C900 for myself at a later date. She isn't currently able to drive a stick, although we have had several lessons in the 900 to-date. Regardless, she would feel a lot more comfortable with an automatic. Having that said, this is quite a complicated situation and issue. From my experience with the models I am interested in, I will further elaborate on each accordingly.
C900 - The styling cues, sound, and quirks have grown on me an awful lot over the past few years. These can be found rather inexpensively, but are becoming harder to find with low miles. The slush box, 5-door, and normally-aspirated versions are not an option for me. I will eventually get another C900, but I'm debating as to whether that time is now or later.
NG900 - The styling cues are a bit more subtle, which isn't necessarily a negative thing in my book, but then again, I would prefer otherwise. Regardless, the styling is very nice in the 3-door version. I love the interior, although I have heard it is a bit cheap and rattles more and more with age and miles. I've never driven a NG900, but I rode in a new one in its last production year. I am only looking at the turbo versions, but don't know what the performance is like.
9000 - I have heard great things about the 9000 turbo's performance. There is no center ignition, the styling is a little more subtle than what I am accustomed to, and the interior is a bit dated. I have never driven a 9000, but rode in a 1986 9000 a couple of years ago. I am only interested in the turbo versions and the newer body style.
9-3 - I have never driven a 9-3, and everything else is basically the same as the NG900 in my book. Price is the main difference.
9-5 - I drove a 9-5 several weeks ago and was very impressed. The main downfall is the price, although I am looking at the more economical 1999 - 2001. I really like the styling, but again, it's not as dramatic as the C900.
I am anxiously awaiting any feedback from those who have driven/owned any/all of these Saabs. What are certain issues that I should take into consideration? Do I need/want manual or automatic? What trim line? How much should I expect to pay? I realize these are all very open-ended questions, but mainly, I'm just wanting some feedback from the more experienced individuals on this board. This has been a long post, but I'm going to leave now, satisfied that my point has been made, my questions presented, and my utter indecisiveness portrayed. If any clarification or further information is needed, please let me know. Thank you in advance for taking the time to read my posting and respond accordingly. Drive safely, and KEEP ON SAABING!!!
-Clay McNeely
Present - 1990 Saab 900 Turbo "Katarina" - 261,400 miles
Past - 1987 Saab 900S "Katie"
posted by 67.96.76...
, Thu, 1 Apr 2004 12:42:37 <-- Viewing This Message
, Thu, 1 Apr 2004 16:36:32, Fri, 2 Apr 2004 06:41:15, Thu, 1 Apr 2004 13:47:16
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