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Please do the same. Good luck.
What do you think?
AS
To rwbx- Sorry to hear about your experience. Did you ask your dealer how much your pads were worn? Some dealers recommend replacing them much sooner than others. For future reference, you may want to find out what their criteria is for pad replacement, or even get a second opinion before giving them the green light. My 2 cents.
Btw, here's a direct link to Edmunds' Maintenance Guide where you check to see if there are any related Technical Service Bulletins. You'll also find manufacturer recommended service schedules there. Good luck and please keep us posted on your Saab 9-5 wagon experience.
Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards
I realize your comparing the life with other experiences but... did you drive those cars more on the Highway... and the Saab more in local traffic? Have your driving patterns changed at all? Is there someone else driving the Saab who didn't drive the Audi or the reverse? There would have to be much more information I would think but.. 20+K is not extreme by any means and the cost was not out of line either.
I drive a new Montero for Work and mostly Highway. The dealer was amazed that I went 54K before needing new pads. He claimed most owners of these are on their 3rd set by that time. Driving patterns are the key factor.
In your situation, I wouldn't say you got "Ripped Off" even if all things are equal and it turned out that Saab pads don't last as long as Audi. Most parts on the Saab do in fact last longer than Audi parts. Brakes are one of the cheaper components to compare. Don't take that wrong either, I love Audi's too. I've had two Audi's and three Saabs.
Good Luck
Drew
Drive Safe,
Joe
For the money, it's hard to beat the Saab. The resale predictions may be reported lower but remember those are based on Sticker price. You'll do MUCH better than Sticker on the Saab.
Our 2002 Wagon is our second 9-5. We had the first year 9-5, tested out several competitors for it's replacement but just couldn't pass on the Saab. No regrets here, we love ours.
Good Luck
Drew
Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards
1. down: $4K, $418/mo net, $439.01 w/taxes
or
2. down: $5K, $390/mo net, $418.00 w/taxes
That's in Boston, MA.
Thanks,
Tomek
Thanks for your comments!
Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards
I'm at a loss on this important issue since my area, the Pocono Mountains region of Pennsylvania, sees its fair share of snow each year.
Btw....I love this car. No problems to speak of at all so far.
Thanks in advance.
Check with your Saab dealer about any Specials Deals on a winter tire package. I don't have an Aero so it's not a big issue for me but our dealer does offer a program that is very competitive with extra service. They provide Snow tires on a Steel rim and they store whatever set your not using for you at no extra charge.
It's certainly worth a phone call. Also, I'm sure you already know but if you are doing this yourself, don't forget to use a Torque Wrench when mounting your wheels. Some people don't realize the damage that not setting equal and proper torque specs can do.
Good Luck
Drew
Go to Saabnet.com, search 'snow tire' or 'ronal' and you'll see tons of posts on these subjects.
Anyone have any ideas or advice? I'm a female road rep and can't take any chances of being stranded somewhere with a dead battery.
Drew
Good Luck
If you think there is a problem, tell your dealer that you would like to compare yours with another similar model on the lot. If there is a problem with yours, you will feel a difference between the two cars.
Good Luck
Drew
FyI: Just in case you're comparing: Volvo xc 2003 can be bought for under 32K during a special discount on the already cheap overseas program.
I just went through this entire process and found great prices on both.
You probably read the hp number for the Aero which is a 4 cylinder as well.
Drew
I've always liked the Saab's looks and individuality, and was considering getting a wagon. A used one though. The new Saab prices here are way out of line (I live in Toronto). At least I think they are, close to and higher than some bimmers.
I had also had reliability reservations. A firend is a Saab mechaninc and said that one of thier design flaws is the coil for each plug. It is efficient in it's job, but they all break down and are very expensive to fix. Has anyone had this problem? Are these cars the maintenance headaches I always hear about, in spite of Cr and others saying it's the best they've ever built? That's fine, but if their best is still behind the others it's not much of a leap. My wife says the Saab is the only car she's ever looked at and liked. So I'm trying to decide if the appeal of the car is just overshadowing the reality of what a bad experience actually owning one could be.
cdndriver
I did not have any other problems and replaced it this year with a new wagon.
Drew
Given these prices and lease/finance incentives I don't think I would go used. Also, many of us lease our Saabs due to their generally high depreciation.
My 2001 now is 18 months old and has 27k km with only minor problems. It is as tight now as it was new. The cars are unique and certainly not perfect but I enjoy driving this car every day and it is the first time in awhile where I am not looking forward to leasing something else (and I have owned two BMWs in the past).
I could probably add at least another 3 to this list but I need to cut myself off or I wont be able to make a decision...
The Saab salesman that I have dealt with in the past is already calling me to tell me what a great deal he will give me and I'm tempted to go with the Saab.. I have had a few battery related problems over the last 3 years but nothing serious. Other than that,the car has been solid and fun to drive.. Does anyone have any feed back on the Aero ? I have read all the pro reviews but I'm looking for some real life feedback..
I really like the car. The BMW is nice but seems underpowered to me (although I have to say I'm pretty sick of the torque steer with a FWD performance car). I haven't driven the Volvos.
As far as real life feedback goes, I've said numerous times that the Aero wagon would be the perfect car except for two things:
1) Torque steer
2) Suspension is too soft with too much body roll for my tastes (and just think--it's the Saab sport suspension--I can't imagine what the regular suspension feels like).
Hope this helps!
I will say this: We owned the First year 9-5 and just traded for the '02 this year. The newest version (2002) is completely different in ride and handling. I noticed the upgrade and improvement in handling immmediately. Body roll should not be an issue with the new models. It's not with our new wagon anyway.
Drew
ps. Our first 9-5 needed a battery replacement early too. Anyone know what the issue is here?
I think it's a Sweedish thing.. My Brother-in-law owns a 99 Volvo s70 and he also has had to replace several batteries.
I'm not sure if battery technology is getting worse or if the newer cars just use more power but my 89 Mazda 626 was 6 years old before I had to replace the original battery.
Drew
Thanks for your many ideas. I love the look of the wagons. They just look so sleek compared to all the others, but I talked to my banker and a new one, even with discounts is out of the question. So I'm looking at used passat 4 motions, or a new Legacy. I even looked up leasebusters, which have an awful lot of people trying to get out of Saab leases, but they are all in the 700-800/month range. It seems with the way they depreciate like a rock, you'd be upside down quickly. I don't know if a 2000 wagon would be a good place to pour money. I haven't driven one yet, because all the books I'm reading about buying a car say, "don't fall in love until you get it home" It looks like I'm leaning towards the Subie because of reliability. My heart wants the Passat or Saab, but the practical side says Subie. I expect to keep the car for awhile (that's why I'm not excited about leasing.) My last car, a 77 320i just went to it's grave 3 weeks ago. It held out well for 25 years! I don't expect that, but I need something reliable, stylish and fun to drive for a good 5-7 years. there, that's my dilema. I'm trying to narrow the choices.
any ideas?
thanks in advance,
cdndriver
I can't find anywhere in Canada where I can get the invoice prices on cars without having to pay at least $20.00 for them. Edmunds, here, doesn't give anything for Cdns., it won't take our postal codes. If I go for a new car, I'd like to know. Anyone know where I can get the information? Websites?
Thanks,
cdndriver
Good Luck
Drew