Anyone here have a '03/'03 Saab?
 

Hey there:
I need to replace my non-Pcar with a decent sedan that can haul the kiddies occasionally, employees often, and me in comfort and some style without breaking my bank account.

Test drove a 2003 9-3 linear at lunch, seemed pretty nice to me and very fast. My favorite option is the free scheduled maintenance every 10K. for 3 years.

Anyone have an opinion?

Oh and before we go down the buy a 1990 MB with 500,000 miles I've done that (1995 Volvo with 125K and 23 year old P-car) for the past several years and frankly its time for Adam to get a NEW car. I love the oldies but I need realiability and hassle free....

TIA

Adam
SmileWavy

Oops sorry the title should have read '03/'04 or '03 9-3 Saab!

Remember Saab is GM now.

I was pretty impressed with the MB C32 AMG. 4 years free service, too.

check out this motor trend article http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedan/112_0307_30k/index4.htm
They test the 2004 Acura TSX, 2003 Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor and 2003 Saab 93 Arc. Another car you might want to consider is the G35 Sedan.

Blue:
When I sat in the car I said to myself try to find the GM clues here, how has this car become like a Chevy malibu and I'll tell you it feels like a european car....

Thanks for the link Scott

Re: Anyone here have a '03/'03 Saab?
 

If it ain't gonna be German, there is only one: TOYOTA.

Jürgen

I'd go with an Audi A4 Quattro. More fun than the Saab, and quattro is useful for all types of weather conditions. BMW 3-series is also woth a look, but they can get pricey really quickly if you add a few options. Infiniti G35 also looks very impressive.

I'm looking at picking up a new 2003 Acura TL. You can get them pretty cheap at around $26K for the base model, or $28K for the Type S. They come fully loaded at that price with the only option being a nav system. The 2004 TL's are redesigned, and dealers are discounting the 2003s.

Do Saab's still have the ignition key in-between the front seats? Back in 1982 I was shopping for my first car and test drove a Saab 99 turbo - with those funky star wars wheels. I thought the car was great but it was $5000 over my budget. I ended up getting a used Datsun truck. Thinking back that was probably the safest thing I could have done!

Back in the early 80's it was Firebirds and Camaro's - how could you not like one of these -
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1064931210.jpg http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1064931238.jpg http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1064931248.jpg

Yeah the key is still between the seats, makes the 911 key placement look normal!

Still looking around, just not finding a lot that I like within my budget....Accord, Altima, Camry, I just really don't want to cross the $30K line

You should really look at the Acura TL Type S.

260 hp, HID lights, 6 disc in dash CD, all leather, sunroof, heated power seats driver and passenger, Bose Audio much more for about $28K

I did the need-a-new DD this spring... near the top of my list was the new Saab 9-3SS (Arc or Vector). I was pretty set on leasing the 9-3SS when I decided to try the 9-5. I was suprised how much more substantial the 9-5 felt and how well it rode while still handling well and being fun to drive. I ended up buying a certified pre-owned 2000 9-5 for about 2/3's the cost of a new 9-3SS and have full Saab bumper-to-bumper warranty coverage until 4/2006 or 100k miles!

If you do go the 9-3SS route, I suggest: 1) LEASE (do not buy), 2) at end of lease, if you absolutely love the car and want to keep it another couple of years, then negotiate down the buy-back price (most are able to currently get $1000 to $2000 below the lease residual) and then ask your dealer to certify the car for the CPO warranty!

Thanks John for the advise re Saabs. I definintely will be leasing and will most probably just turn it in at the end.

I'll go look at that Acura you all have me convinced..

Adam

I've always loved the old saw about getting Saab parts from the factory:

"They put the parts on the dock in Sweden and wait for continental drift to delivery them to their destination port."