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Saab 9-5 Wagon

1081 messages,  Last post on Jun 02, 2012 at 7:17 PM

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What is this discussion about? Saab 9-5, Wagon

Messages Page 72 of 109

#706 of 1081 Saab 9,5 Pricing by botanique

Dec 01, 2002 (9:12 am)

I don't know how pricing for new Saabs is in Canada (my home country) or the US right now, but in Belgium I was just given the full diplomatic discount on the 9,5 Vector Estate I ordered for my wife. As an expat I am eligible for a discount, but not the more than 25% off list I got. That not only took care of the VAT(21% here) but covered the expensive road tax which is based on engine output. Pricing in Belgium (in Euro) seems to be in line with the US, although the model line up is a little different. I already drive a 2002 9,3 Aero Cabriolet (Viggen body), so I'm happy to have another Saab in the garage.

#707 of 1081 RE: Jinxed by dski

Dec 02, 2002 (1:36 pm)

Not sure why your having these problems. I have heard similar stories from people in high altitudes who are not using Premium Gas. Apparantly it's a Turbo related situation but honestly.. I don't know. Our first 9-5 never experienced the problem.
 
Good Luck
Drew

#708 of 1081 Saab in Snow by rwbx

Dec 05, 2002 (8:00 pm)

Today in New York, I had my first real expereince driving my 2000 Saab wagon in snow, perhaps 6 inches with slippery conditions. It was a great and possibly dangerous disappointment. I have had an Audi so I have something to compare it to. The front end shimmied back and forthon accleration, I had trouble getting traction on slight inclines and I nearly lost control on a right hand turn as the front drifted left. Any comments or light on this problem would be appreciated.

#709 of 1081 RE: Snow by dski

Dec 06, 2002 (3:51 pm)

We've had Saabs since '94 (two 9-5 and a 900) and all have been Great snow cars. I've also had an Audi Quattro. Of course that was a better car for snow.
 
Do you have an Aero version? If so, it's your tires. The performance tires are not to be used for driving in the snow. You WILL need to get snow tires if you intend to drive in snow. If you have a Non Aero .. I'd still guess it's a tire issue. Have them checked. Our 9-5 did great in the 6-7 inch snow we got yesterday.
 
Good Luck
Drew

#710 of 1081 Beer 47 and Cabbatan 1 by vascdude

Dec 06, 2002 (9:04 pm)

First: Yes the GM employee discount applies. I recently got a quote on a 2003 Linear wagon Sticker: 39,700 My Price: 31,795
That included the GMS price, along with the full 4,000 dealer cash that they must give along with it.
 
I didn't get a price on an Aero, but it does drive nice! A bit of torque/steer at take off but it's to be expected. The interior is well laid out and I think it's as sharp as a BMW, if a bit understated. I know the dealer has some cash on the Aero, but I don't think it's as much as the 4K on the Linear.
 
Also drove, and just purchased, a Volvo XC70. The 2003 model has mildly increased HP, but loads more torque. Also the addition of the Haldex AWD is an improvement on an already good system. I purchased this through the Volvo overseas program. Sticker: about 38,500 My Price 31,945
This included AWD, Premium and Touring Pkgs, and I 'm not even going to Sweden to get it! I thought this was the best value with the AWD, although it's not quite the sporty wagon when compared to the Aero or BMW.

#711 of 1081 vascdude...... by beer47

Dec 07, 2002 (8:42 am)

thanks for the info...........

#712 of 1081 Thank you Drew by rwbx

Dec 07, 2002 (9:37 am)

I appreciate the comments on my posting "Snow". I do have an Aero and your ideas make sense, especially after reading this month's Consumer Reports on tires. At 30,000 I think mine might be a little worn. I drive upstate frequently and I am always concerned about being caught in a snowstorm on the trip. My Audi wagon always gave me an edge of confidence, but the price was steep to buy again. Saab is a great driving car, a fun car, but I think that given the choice again, I'd return to the quattro, more tank-like but safer I think. Thanks again

#713 of 1081 RE: rwbx by dski

Dec 08, 2002 (9:21 am)

Well, you don't need to trade for a Quattro to be happy. True it's the best for snow but just know that the Aero tires are not intended for snow. Unsafe actually. Put the appropriate tires on in the winter. It will be cheaper than trading, save wear on your more expensive tires and it will handle the snow Great.
 
Drew

#714 of 1081 An AWD Saab 9-5? by jonw2

Dec 16, 2002 (6:51 pm)

I just read Warren Brown's glowing review of the 2003 Volvo XC90 2.5T in Sunday's Washington Post. Brown calls it a crossover SUV. I'm sure this subject has been discussed here from time to time, but I was wondering if any of the regulars here know of any plans for a Saab AWD.
  As owner of an older Saab 900S and a later Subaru Legacy wagon, it has long occurred to me that an AWD is way overdue for Saab. In my opinion, Saab lost market share to Subaru years ago when Subaru seemingly became the vehicle of choice for many outdoors enthusiasts.
  Having owned two, I'm still a big fan of Saab, although it seems to me that they are slipping somewhat behind the competition. By the way, Warren Brown said that, in normal driving conditions, 95 percent of the drive power on the Volvo XC90 goes to the front wheels, thereby saving fuel. He says "65 percent of the drive power is shifted to the rear wheels during slippery conditions." A unique roll over protection system was developed for the Volvo XC90, which gives it great stability.
  This is not intended to knock Saab, as I would choose Saab over Volvo any day, especially since it is now a subsidiary of Ford. However, it would be reassuring to see Saab reaffirm its status as a serious contender in the market.
    Jon,'87 Saab 185K trouble-free miles

#715 of 1081 RE: AWD by dski

Dec 17, 2002 (9:47 am)

Yes, Saab plans to have an AWD version of the redesigned 9-3 model which is just hitting showrooms now.
 
I've seen the new 9-3. It looks great.
 
There are also plans to have a new Cross Over type vehicle on this platform. Prototypes have already been built and shown at Auto shows in the past year.
 
Drew

Messages Page 72 of 109

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