2003 Saab 9-3 - READ ONLY

185 messages, Last post on Nov 04, 2002 at 6:21 AM

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What is this discussion about? Saab 9-3, BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Sedan

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#31 of 185 by machiavelli Jul 25, 2002 (12:25 pm)
Kev is right - I bet by the time you option out a 9-3 to the same level as a TL, it will be the same price or more ($28-31k) - plus the TL has more power even in the base model, let alone the Type-S.
#32 of 185 by logic1 Jul 25, 2002 (2:13 pm)
Read the article in Thecarconnection. The base Saab will come loaded. Leather, auto, upgrade stereo. You have to request the manual. We've gone over the hp thing. Saabs have never been boy racers. They are driver's cars. Look at the sources before jumping on me please.
#33 of 185 by magnetophone Jul 25, 2002 (4:41 pm)
I'm getting happier about this Saab 9-3 every day. Talk about good pricing! This car is priced and optioned just right. Make mine a base Linear in red.
#34 of 185 by logic1 Jul 25, 2002 (5:43 pm)
I'm thinking dolphin silver, and I will be happy with the 175 hp as well. I would never use a Nav system, but I like the way saab worked it into the dash. But is liking a design trick worth whatever premium a nav will draw?
#35 of 185 logic1 - what link? by kevin111 Jul 26, 2002 (2:03 pm)
Was looking throught the discussion, and have not seen a link. Could you repost the site again? Please?
#36 of 185 by logic1 Jul 26, 2002 (2:19 pm)
Go to: www.thecarconnection.com. Under the news sections. There are articles in the July 24 and 25 posts as well as a separate Saab article.
#37 of 185 thank you! by kevin111 Jul 26, 2002 (2:20 pm)

#38 of 185 by pablo_l Jul 28, 2002 (1:18 pm)
I just bought into the traditional Saab value propositions after years of owning Jagurs and getting somewhat tired of too much coziness. I think Saab's strength is its difference, and I am not sure positioning themelves smack in the square of the industry standards with 2 4-door sedans is a good idea. I think a more avantgarde update of the hatchback theme would have made them more successful, especially now that cars like the Merc C230 are validating the concept for the $30k+ market. If you get too industry-conform, at some point in time buyers will forget about the "brand values" you originally had, and will simply compare you 1:1 against the competition... and I am not sure people will pick a Saab over a BMW, Merc, Lex or Audi then... not because there is anything wrong with the car, but rather because it takes a while for the public to internalize the new value proposition...
#39 of 185 Abandonment of 'Distinctiveness' by larryjor Aug 13, 2002 (3:23 am)
My brother and I are long time Volvo fanatics (35 yrs) and currently own a '00 T6. Volvo decided to begin to evolutionize their 'look' beginning with the 850 in the early 90s, then really took off with the introduction of the S80. We are totally convinced of the rightness of this corporate change in philosophy. It is not that Volvo changed its total commitment to its core values of safety and concern for the environment. These values have NOT changed in the slightest. The Goteborg management could see the writing in the sand: the numbers must increase in order to survive and prosper. The company had to attract MORE customers. I do not find any substantial difference with what the management in Trollhattan is doing now. They need and want MORE buyers of Saabs. We think they are making the right decision. I am particularly keen on their revised look and the substantial input the engineers have done on this new platform to give it its Saab distinctiveness. The old platform and its quirky image was just that: old and not selling enough cars. Even though it is now much more in the mainstream, I think the new 9-3 has the best chance in many years of improving sales for the company, and survival IS the name of the game. Ciao, Larry
#40 of 185 by dl7265 Aug 13, 2002 (3:48 pm)
The current CAR magazine has a nice write up and several photos of the new 9 3. you can find it at barnes and noble or tke it home for $7.95. overall they praise the new car, other than saying the engine dose not feel like 175 hp and not quite as smooth as the old Saab motor. DL