I'm trying to play the good thrifty husband here. Our '97 900s, auto, NA, has 105K on it. Its in the shop for new shocks/struts, an exhaust leak, fluid changes and some minor b.s. annoyances. My wife, who has the new car itch (i.e. Mini Cooper), says "maybe this is the beginning of the end". I say no. It runs like a top, always starts, still gets 28+ mpg on the highway; this is just normal wear and tear. But, the maintenance is adding up. Last spring through summer we did (not DIY) (rotors and pads) X 4; steering rack (warranty covered); center and rear exhaust pipes/muffler (+/-$600); tires; 2nd timing belt done this fall. So, there is the perception that it is nickle and diming us now. I haven;t run the hard numbers, but I still think its better than a car payment of $400 or so per month.

So, what if we were to replace it. We love the hatchback, and the last year they were made was 2002, so I guess we could get another used one. What if we wanted a new car? What else should we consider? I am afraid of Volkswagens (electrical problems, door handles, inexperienced turbo engineers v. saab), but the Passat Wagon looks sweet. 9-5's are too expensive, BMW's are too expensive and RWD. I don't perceive Japanese cars as being as safe or well made (so no Outback wagon). We're weekend warriors (biking, skiing etc.) and have three dogs - 1 border collie and two kick me dogs (no kids...yet). Car has to be good in snow w/proper tires. Other car is '97 volvo 850 sedan (sweet highway cruiser, but some has land yacht tendencies).

Help! I'm losing sleep over this!

Brian
'97 900s 105K and still going strong

posted by 141.149.235...

• With what do we replace our NG900, and should we?, BrianD, Tue, 8 Apr 2003 10:45:49 <-- Viewing This Message
  • Re: With what do we replace our NG900, and should we?, HWW, Thu, 10 Apr 2003 16:55:08
  • If you like you're NG900, you'd love a 9-5 wagon..., Allen K, Tue, 8 Apr 2003 19:33:28
  • No brainer ... Get a 9-3., J, Tue, 8 Apr 2003 13:31:58
  • SUBARU'S ARE QUITE SAFE.. EXCELLENT CRASH TESTS, STEVE, Tue, 8 Apr 2003 13:15:42
  • Asked myself the same re C900s..., Scott Paterson , Tue, 8 Apr 2003 12:06:05
    • Speaking of hatchbacks,, michael p, Tue, 8 Apr 2003 12:27:08
      • Who else makes a true midsize hatchback? Mazda6?, BrianD, Tue, 8 Apr 2003 15:33:33
        • Passat variant was to be a 2 dr hatch in 2004, IIRC nm, pursang, Tue, 8 Apr 2003 16:13:38
  • have no experience with VW gasoline turbo, but, nt moore, Tue, 8 Apr 2003 11:50:35
    • Where were you last summer?, bRAD, Tue, 8 Apr 2003 13:28:18
      • minneapolis,, nt moore, Tue, 8 Apr 2003 14:35:32
        • I'm a bit too far..., bRAD, Tue, 8 Apr 2003 14:50:56
  • certified pre-owened 9-5 wagon (+), MJP, Tue, 8 Apr 2003 11:50:10
  • 03' Linear Wagon w/ discounts is best bet.., Jon in Chicago, Tue, 8 Apr 2003 11:24:04
  • Volvo cross-country wagon ->, michael p, Tue, 8 Apr 2003 10:56:20
    • Volvo XC is OK- but 9-5 is a better deal for the same $, bRAD, Tue, 8 Apr 2003 11:05:00

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