Would you buy a Saab station wagon?

[TTaM]

Well would you? I am trying to convince a friend of mine to do so. He's considering that or a Cadillac SRX.

He's an automotive enthusiast in the regard that he finds cars interesting, and subscribes to a few car magazines, but has never owned anything stellar. He currently drives a Ford Ranger, and his wife has an Explorer. They are currently pregnant w/ their first child, and have a greyhound, thus the shopping for a wagon/crossover. Plus they often visit her side of the family on the east coast, so better gas mileage is appreciated.

He doesn't want to spend more than $20K due to the fact that his wife is currently laid off, a baby is on the way, and he just started a new job.

The reason I am pushing him towards a Saab is I think they look pretty good, and you can pick up a 2 year old one with less than 30K miles for $18K or so.

Am I a bad friend?

[JTapper]

I'd have a 9-5 Aero Wagon if I didn't have my Volvo.

Hawt:

[palmer]

The 2004+ 9-5 is the most reliable saab ever built.

The wagons are hot.

[Topher]

The 2004+ 9-5 is the most reliable saab ever built.

The wagons are hot.

Marty, just indicated that 2001 was, when someone was asking about buying one (guru on TSL/TSC).

I'd be torn between the 9-5 vs the SRX. My parents have an SRX and it's the most non-SUV SUV I've driven. Plenty powerful and they have a sweet pano-roof.

You will get better gas mileage with the Saab.

[Nataku]

Indeed I would. In fact, I used to own one. Some drunk SOB with no lights swerved into my lane and came at me head on, thus forcing me off the road and into a brick sign. Speed was approx 45mph. D/S corner hit. I came out with a small scratch of my forehead and a bit of amnesia. If it hadn't been a Saab, I'm sure it would have been worse. Now I really do believe them when they say Saabs are one of the safest cars on the road. You're also right, Saab depreciation is something else - definately some great bargains out there.

Recommend the Aero wagon. Good amount of power, plus the good looks and versatility of a sport-wagon.

[Digital K]

those wagons are nifty. I'd drive one.

[Topher]

Did they catch the drunk SOB?

[Nataku]

Nope. That jackass had the nerve to turn around, pull over and laugh - then drove away. I was too out of it to kick his ass and he was a good 15-20 feet away. I was left with a smashed (totaled) Saab (liability only insurance, so there was $2,500 down the drain) and hospital bills. Since he got away it was also documented as an at-fault accident for me. Lifes a bitch sometimes....

Thank god I had great insurance with no deductable for my hospital bills and the damage to the sign.

[Champ]

Marty, just indicated that 2001 was, when someone was asking about buying one (guru on TSL/TSC).

I think he was also factoring price, since the person he was recommending it to didn't have as high of a budget.

[Topher]

Go with the 9-5 wagon. When our last child was young we used a 9-5 wagon and had pleanty of room for stroler, diaper bags, and other overnight equipment needed when transporting young spawns. The 9-5 also has the latch system in it which works well. I would recomend looking for a 2001. They seem to be the most trouble free if you are looking for cheaper used cars too. The 4 speed auto almost never fails where the 5 speed can have some issues with programming and speed sensors. I really feel the 9-3 combi would get a little small especially if you are concidering more children. The back seat is a little narrow and leg room is short for adults.

.

[sprstu]

how about 75% subaru?

[Topher]

That's more like 98%

And the Impreza/9-2x is really hard to get two full size adults and a kid in the back of.

[TTaM]

That's more like 98%

And the Impreza/9-2x is really hard to get two full size adults and a kid in the back of.

I agree with this. This is a guy that has convinced himself that an Explorer is too small for his means.



As far as Saab engines go, is one preferred over the other?

How do they rank?

[palmer]

We talked about this.


4 cyl.


Get the post 04 aero, with a good maintenance history.

Less PCVSTD to worry about.

[TTaM]

Right, but there is the 2.0 and the 2.3.