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Saab 9-5 Sedan

2237 messages,  Last post on Jul 17, 2012 at 6:08 PM

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

Messages Page 167 of 225

#1654 of 2237 oldman by 03oddity

Mar 08, 2004 (11:51 pm)

Serious as a heart attack! The dealer (Saab of Santa Ana) clearly posted the sale prices in the cars. Aero was indeed $8000 below sticker, Arc $7000 below. These are new 2004 models. Guess Saab feels the need to move some metal. I liked the features (esp. side bolstering on the seats) and driving characteristics better on the Aero but I agree about the 17" wheels and ultra-low profile tires; they look silly on a grownup car. Arc is a very reasonable compromise. Too bad they don't make the SE V6 any more. I loooove that engine! Can you say "torque"?

#1655 of 2237 Lease on 04 Arc by eitan56

Mar 09, 2004 (2:06 pm)

I live in North NJ. I was looking at a 36 month lease-15K miles/yr on an Arc with auto trans & metallic paint. Offer from lone dealer was $999 out the door and $495/mo. According to dealer, the residual value of the car after 36 months is only 46%. Ouch! Money factor is .00033 from Saab. I guess everyone, including Saab, knows how badly these cars depreciate. I'll keep looking.
 
If anyone out there can steer me to a better deal in NJ, I would appreciate it. Too bad I don't live near Santa Ana. I'd be driving a Saab right now.

#1656 of 2237 Depreciate From What? List or Cost? by blockislandguy

Mar 09, 2004 (8:29 pm)

Oldman, really the going rate on a SAAB is 8K off the Moroney before you step foot onto the lot. Its no special deal.
 
Eitan56, sure a residual of 46% isn't great but SAAB's is nowhere near that low if figured from transaction price. No one pays anywhere near MSRP on a SAAB. To compare residuals between comparable European sedans lets compare depreciation after the usual and customary sale price. Folks claim that BMW has a high residual and a low depreication but thats because they pay darn near close to list. The only reason SAAB has a low residual and high depreciation is the fictitious list that they discount by 8K to 9K every day, all day. SAAB needs to add content (AWD, 5 speed auto--makes sense with the 4 banger to have more selection, xenons across the line,throw another turbo on the Aero engine, etc.) or lower the MSRP. The market just isn't buying at any higher than list less 8K.
 
03oddity, yeh, the 17" wheels don't cut it and bend easily in winter pot holes, and the tires can be hard to find (European Car tested an Aero and blew a tire. The had to FLY in a tire from Tire Rack because no one stocked the particular tire/size). But, they are a tentative step toward something good. I'd like to see more performance stuff in the Aero to really differentiate it from other models and to go after the Ultimate Driving Car crowd.

#1657 of 2237 Thanks to all for the info by oldman

Mar 09, 2004 (8:53 pm)

I'm impressed with that level of discount!! Unfortunately my dealer is an "Only Price" dealer, only discounting $1400 off sticker, take it or leave it. However, maybe he gives away the other $5600 by one heck of a trade in allowance??? I'd guess it is time to visit them boys. If I was in calif. I too would already be driving an '04 ARC!!

#1658 of 2237 Oldman by rob999

Mar 10, 2004 (6:30 am)

I wouldn't deal with that idiot 'Only Price' dealer. The discounts are common knowledge. The Sunday auto section of the Chicago Tribune lists the discounts every week.
 
Personally, I'd think it would be a hoot to get a good deal on a car in California, fly out to pick it up and 'road trip' home in a new 9-5!!! I've driven ours straight thru from Colorado to Illinois a couple times now and am amazed how comfortable the car is, even after 16 hours on the road.

#1659 of 2237 Lease on 04 ARC by eitan56

Mar 10, 2004 (7:42 am)

This particular dealer,or Saab for that matter can charge what they want & I can take it or leave it. The Arc is sweet, but I will not pay $999 down, $495/mo. for it. That doesn't make any sense. Heck,I pay less $$ on an Acura TL with more features. I'll try some other Saab dealers or wait it out a few months.
 
If any of Saabers in north NJ can direct me to a good deal, you'll be my hero.

#1660 of 2237 Saab incentives by 03oddity

Mar 10, 2004 (11:55 am)

The dealer emailed me a purchase price on the 2004 Aero (loaded to the gills) that ostensibly took into account the GM supplier discount--but in the process another $2800 of the originally advertised discount disappeared, making it a wash. Guess they figured I wouldn't notice. There is a $5000 purchase incentive from Saab that they did disclose, and another $500 owner loyalty cash.
 
On a 36 mo. lease, the $5K does not apply. Payments would have been about $200/mo higher than my current 2001 9-5 V6 SE lease (sweet deal: $409/mo plus tax, 15K miles/year, no cap cost reduction, residual $18121). I really don't want to buy a new car that is so many years into its product cycle; that lease makes absolutely no sense financially. Saab Finance will not deal on the 2001 buyout (I'd pay $15 or 16K max).
 
Looks like it will be a TL for me.

#1661 of 2237 Saab Incentives by buddhabman

Mar 10, 2004 (1:20 pm)

We got about 5k of of our Aero wagon we bought last year. I wouldn't be surprised if you can get 8K now(Bummer for me). Oh well
 
Now to the look of the 17" wheels on the Aero. That is part of the Aero sporty look. In no way is it racer or ricey, its very understated. The wheels are no different than the look on the BMW 5 series with sport package. You like what you like, but IMHO you would be worse off with the ARC wheels. The 17" are pretty sturdy, but if you want more cushion you can get replacement Pilot Sports or comparable Bridgestone 730's /950's or even SO3's with 50 series profile.
 
As to perforamnce, the Aero is quicker, faster, firmer damped springs, better seats and gets pretty close in MPG to the new ARC. The 2003 Aero had better gas mileage than the old V6 ARC. The sport mode and Sentronic paddle shifters work very well. The brakes are awesome. I plan to add some Goodridge SS brake lines at some point and replace worn pads with Pagid pads when the time comes for a brake repair. The only other thing I might add is stiffer springs for really spirited driving thru the canyons. But let's be clear the Aero wagon handles as well or better than the Audi A6 Wagons, BMW 5 wagons and the M-Benz wagons.
 
As to reliability, not one issue. The only issue is resale - depreciation. If you turn over cars quickly then a lease is the way to go. We tend to keep ours for a while so no worries.
 
The ARC is nice but the Aero is worth it if spirited / enthusiast driving feel is high on your list.

#1662 of 2237 I'm sure no offense was intended, but... by pat

Mar 10, 2004 (6:04 pm)

Please, because of the negative ethnic implications from which "rice" terms arose, they are not allowed in the Town Hall. "Boy racer" is a term that seems to convey the intended meaning without the possibility of creating offense. We appreciate everyone's understanding about this.
 
If there are any questions or comments about this policy, feel free to email either me or our Community Manager, Sylvia - both of us may reached using our first names AT edmunds.com.
 
Thanks!

#1663 of 2237 17s aero by oldman

Mar 11, 2004 (9:36 pm)

Buddha, I've never driven on 17s. Are these low profile tires prone to harsh riding on bad roads compared to the 16s? I also hear that 17s are sometimes difficult fitments as many tire dealers don't inventory 17s, so a flat can cause some headaches if you are traveling. Personally, I'd like the aero 5M with 16s, and you gotta deal.

Messages Page 167 of 225

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