Posted Feb 5th 2009 10:28AM
The Saab What I want: Saab 9-3 sportcombi AWD. But it's over-the-cliff depreciation, and Saab proprietary OBD = high cost of ownership.
What I need: Toyota Venza. Camry mechanicals = trouble free ownership and likely good re-sale. But it's just. So. Boring.
I think SAAB's biggest hindrance is the price; people don't see SAABs as worth the money overall even if they have a few redeeming characteristics. If GM could start seriously dropping some prices, SAABs might actually sell better.
February 05 2009 at 7:29 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyIf Saab wants this to sell at all, they'll have to scrap their pricing model and price it like the higher end Subaru wagons.
A choice between the top of the line outback wagon and this would be compelling for some subie owners and many people downsizing from SUVs.
We all know that won't happen though, and this will end up being the car that nobody gets, either going Outback or A4 Allroad.
Overpriced, overweight, poor gas mileage, and overly late. If Saab survives long enough for the 9-3x to make to dealer lots, they'll only sell a handful. The Audi Allroad sold poorly. The Volvo XC70 sells poorly. Why Saab thinks theirs will sell any differently is completely beyond me.
February 05 2009 at 12:00 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply2009 with 100 miles on it. And I'm not talking about quality of drivetrain or other worn down parts. I'm talking about the uber cheap overhead light plastic, the inane pedal position, the 3 second lag on manual shifts in sport mode, the useless cupholders, and the in speedometer menu system that is about as hazardous as they come.
Even my family's old 1998 900 felt better than this car. I don't know who would possibly cross shop this car with a 3 series, C class or TL. Anyone who has fond memories of the old 900 has had them set afire with GM's incompetence.
I suppose they have to carry on with already planned stuff, but Saab is really dead meat--unless the Swedish government takes it over. What car company would want to buy it? Overpriced cars and much too tied to GM platforms to be the quirky little company it used to be. Interiors have fallen behind the times. Power and gas mileage is nothing to write home about. The 9-5 is a laughably overpriced old thing. And GM has no money to revive it.
February 05 2009 at 11:33 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyAnd GM wonders why they can't get buyers for Saab? They have to stop deluding themselves in believing that Saab is a premium brand when they're trying to sell gussied up chevys, opals, and subarus. As someone who just drove a 9-3 loaner for the past week, its pretty crummy on the inside as well.
February 05 2009 at 11:17 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Replythat's way too much for this car
$38+k can fetch me a CTS4, a G35x or a 328xi and these 3 options are just way better for the money
now the CTS and 3-series have wagon versions as well,
how's GM going about this? here is a CTS wagon $40k, or here is a Saab wagon $40k - they trying to prove this won't sell?
I don't know how i feel about this car... it's kind of weird.
but i guess that's the way a REAL saab is supposed to be, right?
Lets wait to see what it looks like with real wheels in the showroom... I have never been a fan of the Audi Allroad though
February 05 2009 at 10:55 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyI like the.... Headlights...
I guess that's what airplane design does for cars. Silly Swede's.
