The local shop that works for me has worked on exactly two Saabs in 25 years of business, both mine. They're good guys, but they aren't experts. When they say their part supply is drying up, what they mean is that their suppliers are dropping the lines. Sure they can get parts somewhere else, but it's going to be more hassle for them and more expense for me. I'm not a mechanic, and I have no desire to become one.

At 10 years and 125K, the 9-3 is starting to show some quirks of age. This model Saab isn't known for reliability, you know, and since I use it only for out-of-town trips on mostly rural roads, being stranded is unpleasant at best, inconvenient always, and damn frustrating often.

Some of you like to buy and keep cars as some sort of life commitment; that's great. But I'm not that guy. I kind of wish I was, but I'm not. Sometimes, something new/different just feels good, don't you think? I'm not advocating conspicuous consumption or expensive frivolity, but I think my possessions should bring me a certain amount of pleasure. Sometimes, that pleasure comes from something new.

The 9-3 has been a loyal friend. I like its versatility, but I don't always likes its harsh ride or its idiosyncratic behavior. I like its uniqueness, but I don't always like its maintenance.

Have you driven an A3 or a TSX? Have you seen the build quality of a new Focus? These new cars are awesome. They might not be Saabs, but 10 years has made a world of difference.

As I told my son the other day, "The TSX wagon is pretty slick, but I don't know if it's $30K slicker than an old Saab." I'm pondering; I'm exploring options; I'm beginning to think it's time for a change.

• Replacing my '02 9-3, OKSaabs, Tue, 11 Oct 2011 16:02:32
  • Changing cars, OKSaabs, Fri, 14 Oct 2011 15:18:00 <-- Viewing This Message
    • Re: Changing cars, James, Sat, 15 Oct 2011 03:34:38
    • Re: Changing cars, No Snaab, Fri, 14 Oct 2011 22:06:54
  • Re: Replacing my '02 9-3, Bruce, Thu, 13 Oct 2011 12:30:52
  • I'm going thru the same process. . ., STICKMAN, Thu, 13 Oct 2011 06:29:18
    • Size comparison, OKSaabs, Thu, 13 Oct 2011 09:47:55
      • Re: Size comparison... C30?, James, Fri, 14 Oct 2011 08:23:51
  • Re: Replacing my '02 9-3, Tim, Wed, 12 Oct 2011 13:38:32
  • Hard job, No Snaab, Wed, 12 Oct 2011 05:19:02
    • Re: Hard job, DE , Wed, 12 Oct 2011 13:50:38
      • Re: Hard job, No Snaab, Wed, 12 Oct 2011 16:13:40
      • MPG?, OKSaabs, Wed, 12 Oct 2011 14:12:14
        • Re: MPG?, DE , Thu, 13 Oct 2011 06:14:48

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