Hard to say right now. It really depends on what global platform a new 9-5 will be built on. There's some speculation out there but no commitment, AFAIK. Market forces will dictate some of these decisions (a new 9-5 will need an AWD version and I've even heard a new V8 could be developed for it). I spoke to some SAAB officials at SEMA and they weren't too informative; prolly cuz they didn't know either.
The current 9-5 went thru a massive overhaul in 2002 so don't expect too many changes until an all new car comes out.
One big thing to consider is interior and trunk room. I like the new 9-3 but it is a smaller car than the 9-5. The 9-5 may look & feel small but it is very roomy, even for big folks (I'm 6' 4"). The hatchback is no more in the 9-3 and there is no wagon version like there is on a 9-5. Two rather different cars, the 9-5 & 9-3.
I've had good experience with the dealership (BRI Saab - OkC, OK) that's offering that Aero at $32.9k. They've been around for a while. I buy all my parts/accessories from them for my 9-5 wagon. They offer a standard 20% off list on Saab parts. (800) 749-1806
I have no affiliation with them whatsoever, I am just a satisfied customer.
Based on my calculations, you should be able to get an Aero for around $32K.
Invoice - $37157
Dealer Cash Discount - less $4000
Lease Discount - less $1000
New invoice - $32157
Based on the above, I don't see why a Saab dealer would not take about $32500 for an Aero, especially since Saab is in such bad trouble financially. Also, Saab has a 2% holdback which contributes more profit for them. I'm thinking of offering $32500 for a 2003 Aero to my dealer and leasing, considering the money factor is .00046 and the residual is 49%. Has anyone else had any luck with this tactic?
The only dealer cash I am aware of is on the Linear models only. Where do you find info about dealer cash on the Aero?
Same question on "lease discounts". What is that exactly?
And finally, exactly which Aero has an invoice of $37157?
Oh BTW, just because SAAB Corporate is hurting financially, do not expect the dealers to just rool over and hand you a $5000 under invoice deal. If you can make it work, great. But at least post all pertinent details of your negotiations so we all can figure out how to do this.
In Sunday's NY Times North Jersy Dealer. Nicely equipped, 3000 demo miles, $26,500 or so was the price. Sounds like a great deal for someone. The timing is wrong for me. 4 cyl motor.
bretfraz,
CarsDirect has the Aero invoice at $37157, without any options. Also, this same site has the Aero purchase price LESS than invoice at $35405. It looks like CarsDirect took $4000 off MSRP ($39275), which leads me to believe that Saab is offering dealer incentives of $4000. Also, the $1000 lease discount comes directly off the cap. cost only if you lease. This amount came from the leasing board. I am considering a Saab for my next purchase, but only if I can get all these discounts. The Saab 9-5 Aero is a nice vehicle, but it is in no way comparable to a BMW, MB or Lexus in the 40K range. A 9-5 Aero for around 34K to 35K is a much better price point for this vehicle.
Based on what I've found at places like GM Family Savings the only 9-5 incentive is on the Linear model. I rarely hear of any factory incentives on the Aero and there does not appear to be one on now. So my sources tell me CarsDirect is wrong.
I've never heard of $1000 off the top for a lease until I read your post. I'll keep digging but so far no official or semi-official confirmation is available.
A "no options" Aero might be tough to find. There aren't too many options to begin with but a 5 speed Aero with nothing on it is a rare bird from what I can tell. Finding that will take a nationwide search.
Lastly, Road & Track did a comparo of 11 sport sedans over the summer. The 9-5 Aero finished fourth but I don't know why. The editors did not have one bad thing to say about the car. Well, I think they criticized it for not offering a CD changer. The IS300 finished in 3rd but received several adverse comments. The C280 finished towards the back of the pack.
All three of those cars you mentioned will offer buyers the pleasure of near MSRP purchases along with the enjoyment of full market price interest rates. Happy full-price paying!!
What type of deals are out there on '02, '03 Aero's. I understand that 9-5's dont hold their resale value. What can you expect for a used '02 Aero, Thanks.
Hi,
I'm thinking of getting a Saab. It's the only car my wife likes. I'm also considering VW passat 4mo, and Subaru. I like the look of the 9-5, too, but I'm concerned with reliability, because I would hold onto it for awhile. I know that these depreciate like a stone. One dealer told me a guy had a 9-3 for 9months, and wanted to get a WRX. The value of the car was 50% less. Now, I don't know if that's realistic, but the red book values (I'm in Canada) are way lower than what dealers list them for used. Significantly lower. I don't want to invest in one if it's not reliable and I take a bath on resale. If it's reliable and I can enjoy it for 5+ years, great, I could probably find some deals, but not if they don't hold up. They cost as much as bimmers, even more in some cases, but they don't seem to be the same level of car.
REgarding the car magazines. I've always felt that they b---ch about the "quirkiness" of the center ignition, and something with the seatbelts. Then they give them a low rating. I think they just can't get over that, and feel they need to knock it because of that. Why should "Quirky" design mean it's not as good a car? They are very biased IMO.
regards,
cdndriver