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We're in the market for a wagon and drove a Suby Outback, then a 9-5. The difference is night and day, and just points out what a fine car the 9-5 is, despite being what's really an 8 year-old design.
The new '06 Suby was tight and felt nice, but did have a slight harshness that isn't there in a Saab. That could be OK, though, especially since AWD is nice hereabouts (NH). Plus it had heated seats and mirrors, nice fit and finish.
Three things killed the deal before we got to money.
1. The back seat is waay to small, and with me driving (6'2") or even my 5'8" wife, the backseat is terrible. My 5'4" kids would revolt.
2. There is not much room in the "way back" and the load height is low, I didn't measure it, but I'm not sure I could get a standard trash can in there for a run to the dump. Just too small overall. It is really a little car.
3. The driver's seat feels good for about 15 minutes, then goes south fast. Worse, the passenger seat (unless you get the high-end leather chairs and assorted other options) adjusts only back and forth and for backrest rake. The seat cushion is essentially flat, so if you have longish legs your butt is on the seat and your knees are in the air. A seat for people under 5'4" at most.
Then we drove a 2002 9-5 Arc with 31K on it that was instantly comfortable. The seats adjust lots of ways, there is more rear seat room and the luggage area is about 25% larger. The car is quieter, more refined, much more pleasant to drive and be in. Ergonomics are excellent.
The cars can be had for essentially the same money (Suby has a sale on) but the one we'd want to live with is the Saab.
I guess after 22 years driving Saabs this should be no surprise, but it still amazes me just how good these cars are, even though they may have their "issues." It may not be a fair comparison--they are really a different class of car--but for the same money there is, for us, only one way to go.
I think we'll be buying a 9-5 wagon sooon.
posted by 24.52.16...
, Fri, 30 Dec 2005 10:09:20
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