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Saab European Delivery

43 messages,  Last post on Dec 29, 2007 at 1:49 PM

You are in the Saab 9-3 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Saab 9-3, Saab 9-5, Sedan

Messages Page 1 of 5

#1 of 43 Saab European Delivery by dafohosmen

Nov 09, 2003 (6:14 am)

Has anyone experienced or known someone who recently experienced the european delivery program with Saab. I am looking at purchasing a 2004 93 Aero manual and picking it up at the main factory in Trolhattan. We have family in Sweden, so it would be a nice trip for us, and it would essentially cost nothing. Picking up and dropping of in Gothenburg Sweden is free, they supposedly give you $1000 in travel expenses, and you get to break in your car in the wonderful scenery of Sweden. The only other expense is insurance while you are there, which is about $200. I believe I would save about $3-4000 on the car. The literature on it says you take 8% off of MSRP. Does anyone know if you can negotiate then take off 8%, or is it just 8%? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Is this worth it or not?

#2 of 43 Sweden Delivery by GBrianK

Nov 09, 2003 (12:39 pm)

It just depends.... If you were planning to go to Sweden, it is worth it. They pay for 2 plane tickets, first night stay, dinner and breakfast. You take delivery at a site near the factory and have the opportunity to take it out on their track. After that, you either have the choice of leaving it or driving it around the country (have to buy insurance) for a few weeks. If you do chose to go, don't forget the SAAB museum.
 
At 8% of MSRP, that should get you about $700 under invoice + $1000 (implied value for tickets, hotel and food)... Last time I checked, there was a $3000 to $4000 incentive (and sometimes more if you choose SmartBuy) to purchase here. So, it works out to be about the same price either here or there. Question is, do you want to go to Sweden? If you do, this is a great package and there is an opportunity to see Sweden!
 
Oh, almost forgot. When taking delivery, you have a chance to get extra options (some of which are not available in the US).

#3 of 43 Extra Options by dafohosmen

Nov 09, 2003 (2:14 pm)

Thanks for the input. We were not necessarily planning to go to Sweden, but it had been part of a long-term pkan for some point during our lives.
 
When you say they pay for 2 plane tickets, 1st night stay and two meals, is that what they call $1000 in travel expenditures. I was under the impression that the first nights stay and two meals were included, then they just cut you a check for $1000 to spend wherever you would like. The salesman at the dealership didnt really know much about the program, he just gave me the pamphlet. That is in the info I gathered from reading the pamphlet numerous times. I think I would rather have them just pay for my flight. Tickets from Indianapolis are about $6-700 each right now.
 
Also, what options would be available that are not available in the U.S.? Is there anywhere I can go more in depth about this and speak to someone who really knows this program? Configuring my car exactly to my needs is a big plus for me. Also, breaking in a car on the track at the factory as well as the winding countryside of Sweden is intriguing as well.
 
Finally, is there a reason you are going away from Saab for your next car? I noticed you have a 2001 Saab 93 but are looking at a new TL. Thanks again for your thoughts.

#4 of 43 European Delivery by gjl3

Nov 10, 2003 (10:03 am)

I have not done this recently; but did it on my 1995 900. It was wonderful, we picked the car up at the factory and toured Sweden, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland before dropping it off in Frankfurt. Aside from the very high end hotel near the factory, there was a program to get a good discount at other Relais & Chateaux type hotels.
There was no negotiation on the price.
I wanted to do it on my 2003 9-3SS but the program was not yet available on the new model when I bought it.

#5 of 43 Customization by dafohosmen

Nov 10, 2003 (12:19 pm)

I just got off the phone with a Saab customer service representative who attempted to explain to me how the cutomization of my future vehicle would work if I utilized the european delivery program.
 
She said that even though I am picking up the car in Sweden, the car is still built to U.S. specs and thus only options that are available to U.S. buyers would be available to me.
 
I think she was mistaken, but input from other would be appreciated. For instance, there are two other options for sport seats on the 93 Aero in other countries, as well as a turbo diesel engine. I want to know if I can purchase things like that. I dont necessarily want those things, just to know if I have access to them.
 
Also, has anyone heard if they are bringing back 0% financing?

#6 of 43 Customization by GBrianK

Nov 10, 2003 (3:33 pm)

Hey there.... What I meant by extra options were aftermarket stuff... On the model I have, there were extra cupholder slots in the doors. You couldn't get the attachments here in the US but could in Sweden.
 
As for the diesels, they are Euro spec'd...not for the US market. Equip the vehicle as you would a US car and if you want the extras such as hood protector, etc... get it in Sweden. You get the stuff a little cheaper and there is no tax (if I remember correctly).
 
On to my car decision, have you driven the previous SAAB 9-3? It had flaws, wasn't as sporty but it was RELIABLE and had CLASSY materials. I have driven a couple of the new 9-3's and am just not impressed. Not to mention, one of the cars I had stalled on a busy street. Scared the living daylights out of me.
 
My SmartBuy terminates next March so I am still shopping. I like the 2004 TL, 2004 Accord and the 9-5.

#7 of 43 previous 9-3 by dafohosmen

Nov 12, 2003 (12:51 pm)

What do you mean by a previous 9-3? 2003, or like 1999? I have only driven the 2003 Arc manual and a 2004 Aero Manual. All of the stalling problems I have heard of relate to the automatic transmission. I have also seen very good reports about the cars safety and dependability. I am a pretty big fan of the car right now, and being able to take advantage of the delivery at the factory is just icing on the cake. It should be great fun and maybe I will start to get all of my future cars that way.

#8 of 43 Saab European Delivery by lcp1

Nov 13, 2003 (1:21 pm)

The main negatives regarding Saab I.D.S.delivery
that most prospective buyers are not aware of:
 First and foremost-you can not use any of the
dealer subsidized programs-purchase pricing
subsidies,leasing or financing programs(such as
0% financing.Secondly,after returning to the U.S.
your car will not be at your providing dealer for
anywhere from 6-8 weeks(shipping time from Sweden)
 Finally and often the killer---payment in full
has to be made in full 30 days before delivery ruling out any type of conventional auto financing
or leasing options.This makes the car in most cases either a cash or equity line of credit purchase.This is because a lien cannot be entered
until time of vehicle registration which will not
occur until after that 6-8 week shipping period

#9 of 43 Payment in Full, Two Months Upfront by blockislandguy

Nov 13, 2003 (8:10 pm)

Lcp1, nice post. How though do the other car manufacturers do it? Surely, the overseas delivery program must get around this somehow. Leasing?

#10 of 43 Answer... by GBrianK

Nov 13, 2003 (11:21 pm)

By previous generation, I mean the 1999-2002 9-3's. As for Euro pickup, yes 100% finance is expected on the day you pick up the car UNLESS you finance thru SAAB Financial Services. If you chose SFSC, there is a "delayed" payment of sorts that SAAB has figured out. For greater detail you would have to contact them.
 
Pickup in Sweden or purchase in the USA, either way you are getting a good deal. Here in the US, you get cash incentives.... In Sweden, you get around invoice + travel expenses....

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