View Full Version : Can someone tell me why they bought a 9-7?
Saabboy93se
25-01-08, 11:11 PM
While I dont mean to offend anyone, I am curious why someone would buy a Saab 9-7 when you can get a GMC Envoy which is the same car same engine, same drive train, fully loaded for around or less than the price of a Saab 9-7?
Just interested in the feedback...
watchez
26-01-08, 12:58 AM
It is true that 9-7X shares its basic design with the TrailBlazer and Envoy. However, Saab has made cosmetic and mechanical changes that give the 9-7X a Saab appearance and driving personality. Many reviewers seem to think it is the best example of the shared platform. Assumedly this partly due to the lowered sport-tuned chassis of the 9-7X that in my experience results in a different drive than the sister vehicles. I have an aero version and GMC has no model to match the vette derived engine so mine is slightly more removed. For me, I like the look and the drive. Saab deals on this car so a good price can be had. As prior Saab owner, I got over $1600 in incentives just for being a repeat customer also you will find that the Saab just leases better than the Chevy or GMC. You can't go by the msrp.
mike saunders
26-01-08, 03:34 AM
While I dont mean to offend anyone, I am curious why someone would buy a Saab 9-7 when you can get a GMC Envoy which is the same car same engine, same drive train, fully loaded for around or less than the price of a Saab 9-7?
Just interested in the feedback...
Drive them both and you'll see why...
The Saab is lower, with stiffer springs and a tighter suspension, and handles MUCH better than the Trailblazer or the Envoy.
Of course, you could lower your Envoy and come close to the same handling...
But your key would still be in the dash :cool:
CleveSaab
26-01-08, 07:04 PM
Have you SEEN an Enovy?!?
http://www.news-blogs.com/_images/auto/gmc_envoy_xl_2006.jpg
http://www.thetorquereport.com/saab.9.7x.500-thumb.jpg
Now I ask you..... which would YOU rather have? No contest for me....
Sure there are a few similarities, but tell me that Saab isn't MUCH sleeker and sexier. That Envoy is *yawn* boring....
Heather
26-01-08, 10:13 PM
Those two pictures answer the question perfectly for me. I have always been a fan of this forum and on Friday found out there is a company selling a 9-7 not too far from me. I will have one, I will :cheesy:
jgmiller
27-01-08, 03:24 AM
I'm not trying to pick on the Envoy but while I've never had a problem with people knowing my 97X is a cousin of the TB I've always hated when they know it's related to the Envoy. To me the Envoy is just ugly, it has a very odd look to it that just makes me dislike it. Those two pictures answer the original question perfectly.
chiller
28-01-08, 12:41 PM
While I dont mean to offend anyone, I am curious why someone would buy a Saab 9-7 when you can get a GMC Envoy which is the same car same engine, same drive train, fully loaded for around or less than the price of a Saab 9-7?
Just interested in the feedback...
its the drive, you'll see when you drive one, drive the envoy/trailblazer first then take out the 97x after, you can feel some of the similarities but you'll be blown away by the feel...
2nd as someone mentioned the look, oh gawd that look of that voy is just ugh...
thirdly for me with the incentives all stacked together on it i walked away with one for about the same price as a fully loaded TB...up here in Canada the 5.3i sells for about 52g's...combined with suppliers pricing I had, add the factory rebates, add the blowout incentive they had for buying an 06 leftover (i bought my 06 in Jan. of 07) and I got about 1/3 off the price of the truck, way cool deal !! LOL :cheesy::cheesy:
Saab vs. Envoy:
Pro: Exterior appearance, fit and finish of interior, better ride, lower, and easier to get in and out of. For me buying a closeout 07 in Dec. with $7,500 rebates vs $3,500 on Envoy cinched the deal.
Con: Lack of engineering ingenuity in finding storage space and cup holder locations. Driver side cupholder is difficult to use unless truck is in gear and passenger side cupholder is a joke(if it even works).
I actually thought the 9-7x took over the styling from Oldsmobile Bravada, since Olds was discontinued.
just my .02:D
Butters
29-01-08, 01:21 PM
I used to rent TBs when visiting with my mother in law in Miami. We needed the trunk space. And there's plenty compared to wagons like the 9-5 or Volvo V70. When I heard that Saab 9-7x was going to be "only" a TB with different make up, I didin't think less of it, quite the opposite actually. I wanted one. I was really dissappointed when I learned that they wouldn't sell them in their native Sweden. But that changed last year. In Sweden the 9-7x is actually a lot cheaper than the TB. It's cheaper than a 9-5 with leather etc.
Oh. It looks so much better than any of its siblings.
http://img127.imagevenue.com/loc637/th_47857_nya_bilen2_122_637lo.jpg (http://img127.imagevenue.com/img.php?loc=loc637&image=47857_nya_bilen2_122_637lo.jpg)
CleveSaab
01-02-08, 10:03 PM
Saab vs. Envoy:
Con: and cup holder locations. Driver side cupholder is difficult to use unless truck is in gear and passenger side cupholder is a joke(if it even works).
Sorry dcb. If it had good cupholders it would NOT be a Saab. Lousy cup holders are a Saab trait going back to AT LEAST 1994 on every car they made. ;)
Bbmin7(b5)
03-02-08, 03:48 AM
used to be kinda bummed they wre based off the Trail Blazer but damnit if they arent a sexy vehicle. i quite like them now.
Lousy cup holders are a Saab trait going back to AT LEAST 1994 on every car they made. ;)
They didnt offer cupholders till 1994 :lol:
coldwake81
06-02-08, 07:15 PM
Wow there is some serious step-child attitudes in the Saab community towards the 9-7x. Most of those people probably never really looked at or drove the thing. It gets as good of gas mileage as the BMW X-5, much better interior then the envoy/TB (the TB was my last vehicle btw), and is much sportier. With car companies going away from the truck based mid-sized SUV this is probably the best one out there.
If I had to buy an SUV again it would definately be a 9-7x!
While I dont mean to offend anyone, I am curious why someone would buy a Saab 9-7 when you can get a GMC Envoy which is the same car same engine, same drive train, fully loaded for around or less than the price of a Saab 9-7?
Just interested in the feedback...
Interesting how slaaboy hasn't responded....
ArmySaab
06-02-08, 08:04 PM
They didnt offer cupholders till 1994 :lol:
I wouldn't call what they put in the 94 cupholders :lol:
lexington01
08-02-08, 05:09 PM
Here's a reason to buy one:
http://www.suburbansaab.com/newmodelsspecials.asp
Tried to talk my wife into it, but she doesn't like the wood dash.
chiller
08-02-08, 06:07 PM
Here's a reason to buy one:
http://www.suburbansaab.com/newmodelsspecials.asp
Tried to talk my wife into it, but she doesn't like the wood dash.
wow talk about prices...if the wood on the dash is all there's a kit I saw somewhere that you can order, makes it an aluminum dash I believe...
Sububuran in Ann Arbor is where I bought mine late Dec. Great rebates on them then and now. Great people to work with.
lexington01
09-02-08, 05:06 PM
Yep, that's where I bought my 9-3. Mark (my salesman) was great to work with. He located the exact vehicle I wanted and had it brought in from Wisconsin.
Anyways, as you can see, they had some very temptimg deals on the 9-7x's. My wife has always liked the Envoy so I nearly had her talked into it, but ever since the Enclave came out, she won't consider anything else for her next vehicle.
[QUOTE=Saabboy93se]While I dont mean to offend anyone, I am curious why someone would buy a Saab 9-7 when you can get a GMC Envoy which is the same car same engine, same drive train, fully loaded for around or less than the price of a Saab 9-7?
Just interested in the feedback...[/QUOTE
No offense taken-Good Question.... towing-personally have a 24 foot boat -6250 lbs total towing w/tongue weight- no problems with launching/ retrieving. Personel Business is in construction--Handling in everyday situations-bar none better than is shared platforms==told by friends who drive the Chevy TB, Buick Ranier, GMC envoy-they claim no comparison when driving MY 9-7x...handling always is the forefront of conversation-bar none-but see for yourself..... Drive it.......let me know what YOU think?
Vehiclefit
22-02-08, 04:27 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGCptVfdsFU
If you wanna see what the Saab 9-7x Aero and Trailblazer SS can do. :p
Should the link not work, just search on Youtube for "Trailblazer SS & Corvette Ballet" Amazing video.
SaabKen
02-03-08, 07:19 AM
Sorry dcb. If it had good cupholders it would NOT be a Saab. Lousy cup holders are a Saab trait going back to AT LEAST 1994 on every car they made. ;)
Cleve, in the 9000's center console behind the shifter, there is a large covered storage bin that can accommodate a cupholder accessory insert (quite rare actually), where two holders of different sizes can take a large mug and a soda can, plus two spring-loaded change dispensers and one other cubby for cell phone, etc.
I was lucky a buddy gave me his when he sold his 9000 :D. It's very useful and cups don't get in the way of the shifter, stereo, ACC etc.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Saab-9000-Factory-Cup-Holder-Coin-Holder_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ63691QQihZ017QQi temZ270214812630QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW#ebayphotoh osting
(http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Saab-9000-Factory-Cup-Holder-Coin-Holder_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ63691QQihZ017QQi temZ270214812630QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW#ebayphotoh osting)
Found a pic on eBay:
http://i6.ebayimg.com/04/i/000/cf/23/de2b_12.JPG
Jason S
20-04-08, 10:01 AM
I agree w/ Watchez... I just leased a 2008 9-7x 5.3 a month ago and I compared the deals to the fully loaded Trailblazer and Envoy... Yes the Saabs sticker was 46K, 7K more than the sister vehicles, but my lease deal you couldn't beat. I did a 27 month lease for $486 a month, no money down... sign and drive! Chevy and GMC wanted over $100 more a month, plus $2000 down... and for a 24 month lease, not 27. The incentives were clearly better on the Saab and in my opinion you get more car for the money. The Saab has some features that just aren't available in the other counterparts, ie: High Intensity Lighting... I'm 100% happy w/ my lease decision!
I agree w/ Watchez... I just leased a 2008 9-7x 5.3 a month ago and I compared the deals to the fully loaded Trailblazer and Envoy... Yes the Saabs sticker was 46K, 7K more than the sister vehicles, but my lease deal you couldn't beat. I did a 27 month lease for $486 a month, no money down... sign and drive! Chevy and GMC wanted over $100 more a month, plus $2000 down... and for a 24 month lease, not 27. The incentives were clearly better on the Saab and in my opinion you get more car for the money. The Saab has some features that just aren't available in the other counterparts, ie: High Intensity Lighting... I'm 100% happy w/ my lease decision!
Congrats on the new ride, best bang for the buck out there.
infinitemethod
23-04-08, 07:30 PM
I got mine last month at Suburban Saab with $800 down and $399 a month for 27 month lease. I love this car, way better than the many TB's I've driven.
SaabKen
26-04-08, 08:21 PM
Those two pictures answer the question perfectly for me. I have always been a fan of this forum and on Friday found out there is a company selling a 9-7 not too far from me. I will have one, I will :cheesy:
*bump* ...
So is this 9-7X a right-hand drive ? AFAIK there aren't any RHD 9-7X made. Do UK MOT allow LHD vehicles on your roads ?
y8tiger
30-04-08, 06:10 AM
I previously owned a POS 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee Orvis that I spent more on trying to keep it from stalling in intersections, than I did on actually paying it off. This motivated me to really do my homework for a replacement. My research, based on the numerous online Customer Reports, and a pre-existing preference for Saab, made it an easy decision once they entered the SUV Market. All you have to do is drive a TB, Envoy, or Ranier first and then try the 9-7X...no comparison! I only get to drive our 9-7X on weekends now because the wife took it, but that is alright because I Love my 9-3SS ARC.
Sold on Saab!;)
Mainly for the interior and the uniquness of 9.7x (don't see too many, at least not where we are). My brother-in-law has an Envoy and there is just something about the Saab that makes it the better choice.
Think about it, GMC attempts to be a TRUCK, while the Saab version has to be, well, a Saab. You want the extra space, but the amenities and handling of a 9-3 (ok ,well, that's the dream, anyway).
I personally have a 9-3 and came from an SUV, so I'd never consider a 9-7x, but if I were, this is the model I'd choose, just because of the better handling.
Funny, a family member was madly in love with my 9-3 SC, and mentioned he was in the market, I assumed I'd see him in a 9-3 or 9-5. NO, he got an Envoy!! Strange, I mentioned that he might have gotten a great deal on the 9-7, I got a blank stare in return. Guess he hadn't heard of the 9-7...
dxbdavie
24-05-08, 08:21 AM
*bump* ...
So is this 9-7X a right-hand drive ? AFAIK there aren't any RHD 9-7X made. Do UK MOT allow LHD vehicles on your roads ?
The MoT are more concerned that the car meet the CO2 and Emissions laws than the side of the vehicle the steering wheel is on.
There are imports that are LHD over there, just remember to pay the appropriate tax, or the bad men will find you!!!
Plus of course, as much as the Brits (of which I'm an Expat in the Middle East) would love the 9-7's they'd need a mortgage to pay for the gas (£1.10 per litre = $9.91 (UK) Gallon or $218 a tank!!):evil:
Davie
toxicavenger
14-01-09, 08:03 PM
Hey guys I have red alot of great stuff you all have written about the 9-7x but I have a question for you . Can I get a update on what you still think of it? I am looking at a 06' 9-5 Sportcombi or a 06'9-7x but I want some insight into the 9-7x from the real guys driving them. Thanks ahead of time.
chiller
14-01-09, 08:09 PM
Hey guys I have red alot of great stuff you all have written about the 9-7x but I have a question for you . Can I get a update on what you still think of it? I am looking at a 06' 9-5 Sportcombi or a 06'9-7x but I want some insight into the 9-7x from the real guys driving them. Thanks ahead of time.
I have 73k on mine after 2years of ownership and am happy with it ... no real big issues just a few niggling things about it but all have been fixed under warranty.
the sport combi will be better handling, better on gas, but the 97x like any other SUV has the road presence that doesn't come with a wagon... I've owned sports cars, sport sedans, lux cars, and this 97x and still get a smile when i drive this just the same as the others ...
SaabScott
14-01-09, 08:26 PM
Hey Chiller, you need to come out to a club meeting ... you would likely be the first (and only for a while) 9-7X owner in the club.
jimbayne
14-01-09, 08:28 PM
Hey guys I have red alot of great stuff you all have written about the 9-7x but I have a question for you . Can I get a update on what you still think of it? I am looking at a 06' 9-5 Sportcombi or a 06'9-7x but I want some insight into the 9-7x from the real guys driving them. Thanks ahead of time.
Why don't you just test drive them both, and decide on that and the also what's your best deal.
Both are SAABs so it's a win-win no matter what you end up with :lol:
Just bought a 9-7x as the big brother to my 9-3. Both are amazingly fun vehicles that I love to drive.
The wife was a Toyota lover. We test drove the Sequoia, the Tundra, the Tacoma, the 4Runner (which has NO headroom to my surprise)
9-7x gets the same mileage as all of the them except the 4 cyl Tacoma. :roll:
She has been converted.
Happy Saabing
Jim
PS the test drives are the best part of car buying.... don't waste the opportunity!
y8tiger
14-01-09, 08:40 PM
Hey guys I have red alot of great stuff you all have written about the 9-7x but I have a question for you . Can I get a update on what you still think of it? I am looking at a 06' 9-5 Sportcombi or a 06'9-7x but I want some insight into the 9-7x from the real guys driving them. Thanks ahead of time.
I'm 6'3" and I truly enjoy driving the 9-7x. I traded my Black '03 9-3SS Arc just last week. So Now, I have a Blue '06 Saab 9-7x 4.2i to match my wife's Silver '05 9-7x Linear. My 9-3 was a beauty and it was hard to let her go, but I found myself making excuses to drive my wife's 9-7X every chance I got. After almost 2 years of ownership, I can truly say I like it better than the 9-3 and have had less problems. I am not saying the 9-7x is problem free, but most issues have been minor or cosmetic in nature. Some issues were just from lack of knowledge and documentation in the owner's manual. I.E. - 12V Power Sockets Fuse# and the reason a Key is locked in the ignition. In time I imagine the knowledge base of this SC 9-7X forum will grow to the point that most answers will be available here.
Long Road Trips and driving through Snow covered roads (with a different set of tires) is a pleasant experience in the 9-7X. Since I am the proud owner of 2 unique 9-7X's you can tell what I and my wife think of them.
infinitemethod
14-01-09, 08:43 PM
About a year later after I got my leased 9-7x I still am enjoying it. It does have a few issues though. The driver's side door is malfunctioning. The window sometimes goes down and if it does make it down it will stop on the way up and I'll have to wait to click the button again. Motor issues. Also, my heated seat button sometime works. My cup holder broke. The AWD drive system leaves much to be desired over other AWD systems I've driven before.
jimbayne
14-01-09, 10:36 PM
About a year later after I got my leased 9-7x I still am enjoying it. It does have a few issues though. The driver's side door is malfunctioning. The window sometimes goes down and if it does make it down it will stop on the way up and I'll have to wait to click the button again. Motor issues. Also, my heated seat button sometime works. My cup holder broke. The AWD drive system leaves much to be desired over other AWD systems I've driven before.
All that an you still enjoy it?? I assume you are getting these things fixed for free right??
I have rented envoys and then I test drove a 9-7x. Hands down a much sportier version of the same platform.
I also purchased mine used for 14500.00 and it is a 2006 with 32k on it.
For the price you cannot beat it.
toxicavenger
15-01-09, 05:40 AM
I would test drive one but I am overseas for awhile working. I do have a 00' 9-5 and love it. But for gas mileage I bought my wife a 08' Fit Sport. So I am thinking about either a 06' Spotcombi or a 06' 9-7x. Also I have looked at the Sequoia and also the Honda Element. We have had my brothers Element the last fews years while he is overseas and we love it too. Just it is really basic. So here is my dilemma because I see how cheap a used 9-7x are getting everyday. Thanks for any info eveyone gives me on this. If you have never owned a 9-7x then please don't give me your SUV opinion.;) Why don't you just test drive them both, and decide on that and the also what's your best deal.
Both are SAABs so it's a win-win no matter what you end up with :lol:
Just bought a 9-7x as the big brother to my 9-3. Both are amazingly fun vehicles that I love to drive.
The wife was a Toyota lover. We test drove the Sequoia, the Tundra, the Tacoma, the 4Runner (which has NO headroom to my surprise)
9-7x gets the same mileage as all of the them except the 4 cyl Tacoma. :roll:
She has been converted.
Happy Saabing
Jim
PS the test drives are the best part of car buying.... don't waste the opportunity!
y8tiger
15-01-09, 06:21 AM
Also I have looked at the Sequoia and also the Honda Element. We have had my brothers Element the last fews years while he is overseas and we love it too. Just it is really basic.
We were disembarking the Mukilteo Ferry in Clinton during a heavy Snow Storm last month. Soon as you start driving North on Hwy 525 the road goes up a steep hill. As we rounded a corner, we came upon a Honda Element spinning-out in the snow sliding backwards down the hill towards us. I quickly avoided the Element and continued up the hill with no problem in my wife's 9-7X. You can imagine the discussion about how glad we were to not be driving one of those in the snow.
toxicavenger
15-01-09, 11:07 AM
it might have been the 2wd drive one because the one my brother has is AWD and it does really good with just all seasons on it. but I still understand your point and thanks for the info.:cheesy:
chiller
15-01-09, 12:36 PM
Hey Chiller, you need to come out to a club meeting ... you would likely be the first (and only for a while) 9-7X owner in the club.
i didn't know there was a club ?
Paul92Conv
15-01-09, 10:41 PM
Here's a link to our last Fall Colours Tourhttp://www.saabcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=137174&highlight=Fall+Colours
and last summer's Winery Tourhttp://www.saabcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=128061&highlight=Winery+Tour
Saab Owner's Convention 08http://www.saabclub.ca/messageboard/viewtopic.php?t=1132
+ Monthly meetings
Check it out then come out and join in!
chiller
16-01-09, 12:24 PM
Here's a link to our last Fall Colours Tourhttp://www.saabcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=137174&highlight=Fall+Colours
and last summer's Winery Tourhttp://www.saabcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=128061&highlight=Winery+Tour
Saab Owner's Convention 08http://www.saabclub.ca/messageboard/viewtopic.php?t=1132
+ Monthly meetings
Check it out then come out and join in!
intersting didn't know about this at all ...
SaabScott
16-01-09, 02:09 PM
intersting didn't know about this at all ...
Check out the site in my sig ... it has all of the details.
mdriest
13-02-09, 01:54 AM
I actually thought the 9-7x took over the styling from Oldsmobile Bravada, since Olds was discontinued.
just my .02:D
GM must have had a lot of Bravada parts left over :D . Before purchasing my 06 9-7x 5.3i in Dec. 08 I owned an 02 Bravada. Yes the 9-7x's roots date back to the Bravada. GM/Saab did make a fair amount of improvements.
GM must have had a lot of Bravada parts left over :D . Before purchasing my 06 9-7x 5.3i in Dec. 08 I owned an 02 Bravada. Yes the 9-7x's roots date back to the Bravada. GM/Saab did make a fair amount of improvements.
Unfortunately, the fair amount of improvements were bilaterally moved over to SAAB once Olds went under... Still a admirable vehicle (9-7X) but improvements should been present to differentiate between "Same old GM practices" to "SAAB ingenuity"
mikeucr
15-02-09, 05:38 PM
Unfortunately, the fair amount of improvements were bilaterally moved over to SAAB once Olds went under... Still a admirable vehicle (9-7X) but improvements should been present to differentiate between "Same old GM practices" to "SAAB ingenuity"
The fact of the matter is Saab was probably given very little money to "reengineer" this SUV. Why would they spend tens of millions of dollars completely reengineering an SUV when SAAB is not partiicularly popular and they probably knew this wasn't going to be a big seller anyways?
SaabScott
15-02-09, 05:49 PM
The fact of the matter is Saab was probably given very little money to "reengineer" this SUV. Why would they spend tens of millions of dollars completely reengineering an SUV when SAAB is not partiicularly popular and they probably knew this wasn't going to be a big seller anyways?
You are quite correct.
And that is one of the reasons I find the 9-7X to be such an incredibly good vehicle ...
Considering what they started with ... the 9-7X is lightyears away from there.
brooklyn1976
23-02-09, 04:54 AM
I got a super deal on my 07 97-x 5.3 had 11,000 miles on her got it in aug of 08 for $17,500 i wanted a trailblazer ss but was a bit priced out :cry: i always
like the saab 97-x didnt think i could find one that cheap i love it :D
SaabScott
23-02-09, 03:19 PM
I got a super deal on my 07 97-x 5.3 had 11,000 miles on her got it in aug of 08 for $17,500 i wanted a trailblazer ss but was a bit priced out :cry: i always
like the saab 97-x didnt think i could find one that cheap i love it :D
I think I may be adding one to the stable in the next couple of years. ;)
runutzzzzz
24-02-09, 05:27 AM
Because I think it looks classier than a TBSS and I got a heck of a deal!
mdriest
24-02-09, 11:32 PM
Because I think it looks classier than a TBSS and I got a heck of a deal!
I 2nd that! A TBSS is an improvement over the basic TB and the Saab 9-7x is an improvement over a TBSS. I also got a good deal on my used 9-7x.
Heather
10-06-09, 10:34 PM
*bump* ...
So is this 9-7X a right-hand drive ? AFAIK there aren't any RHD 9-7X made. Do UK MOT allow LHD vehicles on your roads ?
Wow, revisiting old threads. Sorry it's taken me a short while ;oops: to respond to your question. They do allow LHD vehicles over here. It's just a pain when going to car parks, toll booths where things are designed for RHD vehicles.
The company that were selling Saab 9-7 over here are no more, they were listing vehicles for sale and taking payment for vehicles they didn't own.
http://blogs.mirror.co.uk/investigations/2008/09/loach-brothers-hit-drivers-wit.html
I've yet to find anywhere that is stocking them here now. Only option seems to be to by one from the continent and import it. :(
isd1027
07-11-09, 06:04 AM
Because I already have a 9-3 , and needed a SUV to pair up - :cheesy: