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Need opinions on Saab "highway" car purchase Posted by Saabpilot [Email] (#134) [Profile/Gallery] (more from Saabpilot) on Mon, 13 Nov 2006 19:26:45 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
So, let's say I'm about to get offered a new career position that is a huge raise and a huge career opportunity. In fact, huge is an understatement.
Aside from my '87 900 convertible, which is babied and is not a daily driver, my regular ride is a loaded '04 Chevy Trailblazer. Nice truck, horrible on gas. 18 MPG max when highway driving. 15 MPG in most day to day driving.
So the new position would have me frequently driving around my state and I would need a "highway" car. Of course, it needs to be a Saab!
I'm looking for opinions because I'm planning on getting something used in the $15,000 or less price range.
Do I:
1) Get a late model "old body style" 9-3, like perhaps a Viggen? Were there any 4 door Viggens made (yes, it needs to be a 4 door if possible due to taking customers to lunch, etc.)?
2) Get a late model, loaded 9000?
3) Get an early model "new body style" 9-3 sports sedan? How do I be sure of a no-sludge engine?
4) Get a 5 year old or so 9-5, and if so should it be an Aero?
My last new Saab was a 1995 900 turbo 3-door. This one will have to be a classic "salesperson" car, so 4 doors are truly needed if possible. I don't care too much about the mileage on the clock if it has been well cared for and the seller can prove it. I've seen some good candidates here on Saabnet. Also I've seen some on Ebay but most have questionable pasts, since they are for sale from dealers who bought them at wholesale. A few are from private sellers. My local dealer may be an option, but they tend to mark things up with very high margins as they see themselves serving an "elite" market.
I like the looks of the later model 9-3 and 9-5 cars, with the higher option packages. I drove a couple of 2006 9-3's at SOC and was fairly impressed, despite the fact that they didn't have the character of the classic 900 series.
Anyone have any real world highway driving experience with the MPG any of the above choices get? The job comes with a $500 / month car allowance plus pays for gas, but I want to get the most bang for my buck if I make this move. Unfortunately the Trailblazer is only 2.5 years into a 5 year lease, so I will probably have to keep it.
Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer.
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