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I drive an 02' 9-5. I rent from Hertz a S60 for four days each month with travelling in LA (freeway) area.
A used 02' 9-5 Linear could probably be got at the incredible price of 25k-27k. The noticeable improvements on the 02' make it a target buy for you. This is no doubt the best bang for the buck among the cars you listed.
A new S60 after discounts with little or no options may be somewhere around $25k, though this seems a stretch. You may have to go one year old used on this, too.
First up, the loser:
The S60 plusses are 1) styling 2) acceleration at high range highway speeds 3) safety features 4) seats. (However, all of these are easily equalled with the 9-5).
The minuses: 1) The car is way too tinny and feels worse in lesser price range versions in its interior materials and fit and finish that even cars like the new Accord, which in its V6 version can easily beat the S60 in nearly every area except 'Euroness'. 2) It drives very similar to a Taurus, which, I will say that the Taurus is worlds better than it used to be, but the Volvo shares its really very boring turning, low speed accelertion, handling etc. Only at 80mph and above does any sense of FUN leak ever so slighty into the S60. Sad indeed for a car that looks as if it actually is sporty. 3) It can only ever seat 4, and is tight in the back seat. Where did all the room go? The car looks rather substantial-ish from the outside but the interior space is suprisingly limited. 5) Not soo important but the leather quality is straight out of Morocco, meaning, cheap and thin and poorly dyed.
The winner:
The 9-5 is a much more substantial car in the three key areas that put it way over the top: 1) Handling, drive feeling, fun factor is very high... it recently (in Feb 03 issue) was (Finally) noted for this in was it Car and Driver? Anyway, I always look forward to coming back to it after travelling. Nothing like driving something else to make you appreciate the 9-5. Really, only a BMW 5 or NEW Mercedes E can out 'feel' the car, and these are basically twice what you want to spend. 2) Weight/fit&finish/overall quality etc... The car is basically best summed up as a truly nimble tank. Reflecting the quality of the car, Consumer REports, JP Powers etc, have given it its highest ratings. Also, the interior quality and thoughtfulness is very nice, truly unique withoutbeing to flahsy in that Audi way. The leather on the 02' is of the highest grade. It is thick as all hell, and it has a mat slightly pebbled surface. Some reviews when it came out noted that it was suprising that Saab would put his grade in the Linear. 3) The car does not appear any larger than an average family sedan on the outside but since 02' has been upgraded to the same interior space classification as the Grand Marquis. Meaning, 5 people or tons of Ikea goods is more than a brochure possibility.
I'd just go into a larger Saab dealer and say flat out: I'm going to give you 25k for a used 02'Linear. I imganine they'll put out a search and find one for you.
Jon
02' 9-5
97' 900S convt
posted by 12.100.24...
, Sun, 23 Mar 2003 13:44:45
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