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Comments
0% three-year financing and 2.9% four-year
financing on 1999 models through the end
of the month. Details at Saab's web
site.
intuitive than it was before the site's overhaul (when all you had to do was click on "Marketplace"), but it's there. Click on "Saab services," then "financing and leasing." For some reason, the financing info is under the "lease" link. (The "purchase" link looks to be a listing of 2000 model prices.) I've not heard about free
maintenance. Hope this helps!
Saab does not offer a "free maintenance" program similar to the standard programs of Audi, BMW, and now Mercedes.
What they do offer is coverage for "adjustment and wear items" for the first 1 yr or 16,000 miles (which ever comes first). When I asked the salesperson during a test drive, he said this did not cover routine oil changes, but did cover tire rotations, alignments, etc. I'm still not quite sure what the exact coverage is (I haven't specifically asked to see it in writing, yet).
Hope the info helps
George
That's certainly new (and good) information to my ears!! -- I wasn't questioning what you heard / know, only stating what I've been told by the one and only Saab Dealer in Birmingham and from their brochures.
I'll check back with the dealership to inquire specifically about the maintanence program. Is it possible, this is a program only applicable to your state / area for now? Additionally, is the program good if your car is serviced outside of the region at any Saab Dealer/ service center?
I remember a few years ago, prior to BMW offering free scheduled maintanence on all their cars, some of the area dealerships were offering this for "a limited time" to attract business from other area dealers. Its possible that Saab is "testing the waters" with this program with the possibility of making this standard similar to the other European makers! Lets hope so!
George
On a different topic, does anyone know if traction control will be available on the 2000 model as an option with the 4 cylinder engine?
http://news.excite.com/news/pr/990908/ga-saab-model-change
George
Does anyone notice a difference in performance between an automatic transmission or a manual? Manuals are rare in the midwest in station wagons, so even though my first choice would be manual, the automatics are easier to get. Any thoughts?
Also, with kids I naturally thought the grey leather interior would be best, but it is a darker grey than I had in mind, so may go with the tan/biege....am I crazy for making this choice with kids, dirt, upkeep of lighter color?
Thanks anyone for responding!
Any recent owners have an opinion on this? I don't think Consumer Reports gets down to this level of detail in their reliability assessments. I'd love a wagon, but these two items are making me wary...seems a manual might have less resale value.
that I get a V6. The rationale was that a smaller engine has to work harder to pull the car and generates more heat. Saab's are designed and tested in Sweden which is much colder than California, where I live. This extra heat (as compared to V6 plus difference in climate) has an adverse affect on engine life, gaskets, etc.
Also, he thought that the car might feel somewhat underpowered, when it takes full load (4 people + gear) when I go skiing in the Sierra Nevada
Mountains. I have no way of test driving it in the hills, thus any comments from those who have driven in the mountains would be greatly appreciated.
With respect to the engine life question, I realize that the car has not been out
long enough to make an assessment, however I feel that the same principle probably applies to engines in other makes. All comments and opinions are welcome.
The original auto trans went out the first year, and was replaced under warranty without issue. This was the first year for automatics in a 9000, I believe, and I expect there were a few design defects present. The replacement lasted until about 200K miles, and its replacement is running like new. Again, do the service when it's time and it, too, will last.
Wayne
Tell us more. What is uncomfortable? What is weird about the control layout? Car and Drive had the same comment about the ergonomics about the V70R AWD a few months ago so you aren't alone. I have an XC and its the most comfortable, well designed car I've ever owned. Nice soft Ivory leather, burled walnut trim, "soft touch" dash board and the ignition is on the steering column where it belongs ;-). I think Saab makes "neato" cars and we will test the Wagon in a year or two when our Volvo 940 is ready to retire but to compare a Saab and Volvo and say the Volvo is weird it a stretch.
Let's call it a draw. They both have their quirks and it depends on the person.
I should probably drive the Volvo because the sales rep at the atuot show said I looked him up on-line he's give me 300 bucks over invoice on that top-of-the-line AWD model! We all know about Volvo's vaunted safety record - how does their reliability history rate? Sounds like you're happy.
As far as the A6 being underpowered - I didn't get to really "let it out" on my test drive as we were in a small, residential neighborhood. Did you feel underjuiced for a 6, compared to the A4? Or were you planning on doing some towing with the A6 and thought in that respect?
BTW: I have never driven the Saab wagon! My positive review is, again, based strictly on a cursory look at the same auto show. I also agree with mrj about FWD with good snow tires for mountain, winter driving. However, I'll be doing beach driving (gulp), and light off-road, too, which I think benefits from AWD (a little added ground clearance wouldn't hurt, i.e. the subaru line).
Draw it is! Enjoy your volvo many more years!
mistake. The front seats are so horribly
uncomfortable I shudder at the thought of driving
it again. There is a gaping hole under the lumbar
region that apparently places great strain on not
only that part of the body but includes pain
down the front of the legs,arms (drivers side) &
feet. I've only had it for a week, am locked
into a 3 year lease, and can't believe the pain
I'm in. Anyone else having this problem?
Wayne
a "99 or a 2000. Perhaps it took 600 miles to
break it in. Although you did say after 60
miles it felt alright. I've driven it 180 miles
& it only feels worse. Who else is suffering?
Wayne
KronPrinz
The child seat is located behind the front passenger seat and when folded, is a fully functional seat for anyone. The only thing I noticed in the test vehicle was a slight "bulge" but it was not uncomfortable/obvious.
Hope the info helps
George
Bottom line: Modern cars with electronic and computer controls are ALL subject to these problems, particularly early in their production runs.
And then the Saab came into view. Overall the most interior space, great unique style (I like the quirkiness Saab has), SAFE, wonderful handling (read: traction control), it felt put together better than the rest and most of all, my wife promises to let me drive it once or twice... a month. (joke)
When comparing safety, cost (first time leaser), history (I've owned 2 of 3 I test drove), brand management (how customers are treated).. there really was no choice.
Plse keep us posted on your ownership experience (ups, downs etc).
Happy motoring.
Wayne
In case any New Englanders are wondering.. I bought it at Charles River Saab (I've bought 2 previously from there, and my family has purchased a total of 6 from there.. see Bill Perry he is a great sales guy). There are a few dealers who could get it for me cheaper (about $10/mth) but the service at CRS is unequal.
I'll let you know how it is in about a month or two.
1.Have you had any problems with your car so far?
2.If yes, please indicate what kind.
3.Howmany miles to the gallon do you get?
4.How would you rate your car when driving long highway trips? 1 being quiet and smooth, 10 being rough and noisy.
5.How comfortable is the seating in your car?
6.Are their any special features youlike about your car?
7.How would you rate the roomminess? 1 being big and roomy and 10 being small and cramped? Thank you for your time I appreciate it.
& general comments to you all:
Everybody loves this car, and SAAB did a great job.
I find the previous SAAB seats to be better.
If you have a back problem, the previous 9000 seats are better.
SAAB cannot fix your back problems that so many people have these days due to too much driving and sitting.
Yes, tilt the seat back all the way, seat high, max. lumbar, should alleviate back pain.
The 9-3 should be dropped and replaced with the 9-5.
The 9-5 should have been bigger to compete with A6, and bigger cars.
The trouble is,it's hard to find a nicer car to drive after you've had the 9-5, unless you pay more.
Safety features are superb. It's too late to say"I should have bought the SAAB as you're heading into the ACCIDENT."
The cockpit is cozy, and forward visability VG.
Build quality is way up.
SAAB has gotten rid of all the old unreliable parts and replaced them with reliable GM OPEL parts. (My Euro friends have OPELS that seem to last forever).
Buy what you like to drive, not what auto reports say.
For people in NY Conn area, Lighthouse Motors is rated the best. They do only SAAB.
Stay away from dealers that handle too many different cars, they don't care about you.
Drive the car a few times, and compare with others.
It's hard to find something so special. Many other cars are so alike, for instance Camry, Maxima, Accord.
Most vehicles are cars. Few are automobiles. SAAB is an automobile.