What is a typical Saab driver/owner?

[nhlau]

I am planning to buy a car next year and yet I am analysing what kind of cars I like to search into depth.
Although I know Saab isn't going that well (on the financial side), I am curious about the Saab models. I really like them, but I am not sure if I will fit into the Saab culture.
So I am curious about the question: 'what is a typical Saab driver'? In other words, what makes a Saab driver special and different from other luxerious (I may say Saab = luxery) car brands.
My feeling is that young drivers will not drive in a Saab or am I wrong with this? And I always thought (when I was young) that only rich people can afford to buy a Saab,.. is that true?

[KaMiKaZi_t0M]

I'm a 20 year old college student who has owned a total of six saabs thus far, and modded a fair majority of them. I have a tattoo of a Saab Griffin on my leg. I have a girlfriend who also thinks that Saabs are cool. Saab is a vehicle that the first time you drive it, you will love it. If it is a right fit you'll know. Give it a test drive, you'll understand.
Good luck,
Tom

[Bryce804]

I bought mine at 20, brand new 06 9-3 aero. Loved it til the clutch went out in it 6 months ago.

[lexington01]

Originally Posted by Bryce804

I bought mine at 20, brand new 06 9-3 aero. Loved it til the clutch went out in it 6 months ago.

I looked at your old posts and don't see anything about this. What happened? How may miles? What was the cost to replace? Curious because I have an 07 aero. Sorry off topic.

On topic, I wouldn't say there is any one type of Saab driver. They used to be for quirky people like college professors. But over the past 10 years, GM diluted the brand's identity (and for the record, I am a fan of GM and usually don't bash them, but in this one regard, they didn't do the brand any favors). Nowadays, you can buy a Saab for not much more than a Chevy Malibu, so they are not just for rich people.

[Xedus129]

22 here, me and my brothers have all had many Saab's. Yeah my 75 y/o grandmother drives a 9-5 (she got a speeding ticket in it too!) but a lot of Saaber's are young.

[Bryce804]

Originally Posted by lexington01

I looked at your old posts and don't see anything about this. What happened? How may miles? What was the cost to replace? Curious because I have an 07 aero. Sorry off topic.

It slowly just wore out, got to the point it was a pain to drive. Bout 80k, tried for 6 months looking for non oem replacement flywheels. Then got offered a little more then I owed on it and bought a new car. Dealer quoted me about $3-3500.

But back on topic, were all ages and do all sorts of things. One big thing in common is the love for the cars

[Cm452]

Honestly, it's if the car fits you. A lot of people hate every single thing about Saabs. I've always thought they were cool! Buy a car not because of what others think, or what you may think others think of you, but because you love the machine.

As for Saab drivers- a majority are like every other car driver; it's a "nice" car that they can afford that gets them from A to B. Most drivers only care that it turns on, doesn't guzzle fuel, and has gizmos.

These forums on the other hand have a bunch of people who are or think they are; erudite, "car people, well read, well informed, moderate, eccentric, non-mainstream, friendly, full of camaraderie, most are at least mechanically inclined, and some are truly brilliant. We as a lot tend to have disdain for the ostentatious, the flagrant, the wanna-be's, the sheeple, and those ignorant by choice. We appreciate the arts, good food, and good humor, and are generally a sedate amiable bunch.

The great part about owning a Saab is the diehard loyal fan base=lots of know how and help for any Saab issue.
Good luck on your future buy,
-Cm

[lexington01]

Well said Cm!

[SaabMon]

Originally Posted by Cm452

Honestly, it's if the car fits you. A lot of people hate every single thing about Saabs. I've always thought they were cool! Buy a car not because of what others think, or what you may think others think of you, but because you love the machine.

As for Saab drivers- a majority are like every other car driver; it's a "nice" car that they can afford that gets them from A to B. Most drivers only care that it turns on, doesn't guzzle fuel, and has gizmos.

These forums on the other hand have a bunch of people who are or think they are; erudite, "car people, well read, well informed, moderate, eccentric, non-mainstream, friendly, full of camaraderie, most are at least mechanically inclined, and some are truly brilliant. We as a lot tend to have disdain for the ostentatious, the flagrant, the wanna-be's, the sheeple, and those ignorant by choice. We appreciate the arts, good food, and good humor, and are generally a sedate amiable bunch.

The great part about owning a Saab is the diehard loyal fan base=lots of know how and help for any Saab issue.
Good luck on your future buy,
-Cm

Quite the analogy. I totally agree.

[nhlau]

Good to hear that also young people drive Saab cars.
But I am curious how you become a Saab-driver, from who did you hear from it.
I can imagine that it is kind of tradition that you as a young kid drive with your father in a Saab and get the Saab feeling. Is it true that it is kind of family tradition?

@96mn12, good to notice that you distinct from others when driving a Saab, but why is that? Where does this distinction come from?

[96mn12]

Originally Posted by nhlau

Good to hear that also young people drive Saab cars.
But I am curious how you become a Saab-driver, from who did you hear from it.
I can imagine that it is kind of tradition that you as a young kid drive with your father in a Saab and get the Saab feeling. Is it true that it is kind of family tradition?

@96mn12, good to notice that you distinct from others when driving a Saab, but why is that? Where does this distinction come from?

I personally looked for something that was the least common, in a town that has every car marque (Bentley, Aston, Ferrari, Maserati, Audi, BMW, Merc, Porsche, etc etc) SAAB was the most unique at the price I was looking at (mid 40s) so I got it.

People see that the car is luxurious (Ive added a ton of stuff), they look at the swiveling Xenon lamps, the interior leather (when I drive with the top down) and assume its a Merc or BMW. They see the LED eyebrows and think its Audi, but they see something "unique" about it. So they try to put everything together and they cant quite figure it out, so they ask....

And Im happy to answer

[adamhalliwill]

I bought mine at 17. Paid cash for it after working in my dad's roofing business. Man that seems like a long time ago... I had to sell it recently due to needing a "work truck/van" for a new job. (apparently the saab didn't count, despite the ultra practical hatchback design) I had 3x more into it than what I sold it for, so it was a huge loss. I will have money again soon though and will be looking for a NG9-3 Aero vert in the 10k range.

[J-Rod]

Originally Posted by nhlau

Good to hear that also young people drive Saab cars.
But I am curious how you become a Saab-driver, from who did you hear from it.
I can imagine that it is kind of tradition that you as a young kid drive with your father in a Saab and get the Saab feeling. Is it true that it is kind of family tradition?

@96mn12, good to notice that you distinct from others when driving a Saab, but why is that? Where does this distinction come from?

Not a bit of family tradition here. No one in my family ever had a Saab before me, or really even knew what they were. I saw a Saab at a car show, loved it, drove one, loved it more, bought one, and I still love it.

By the way, this is my first car, and I've had it for years now. The love doesn't wear off.

The best way to become a Saab owner is to take one for a test drive. The unexplainable connection is either there, or it isn't. It was there for me. Big time.

[SwedishLoyalty]

Originally Posted by nhlau

Good to hear that also young people drive Saab cars.
But I am curious how you become a Saab-driver, from who did you hear from it.
I can imagine that it is kind of tradition that you as a young kid drive with your father in a Saab and get the Saab feeling. Is it true that it is kind of family tradition?

@96mn12, good to notice that you distinct from others when driving a Saab, but why is that? Where does this distinction come from?

I bought my first Saab at age 19. I was drawn to the mystique of it. I remember I was also looking at the Merkur XR4Ti. The Saab won out because of the Inca wheels (which were signature wheels on the 99 Turbo), and unique location of the ignition switch. I'm originally from the Midwest so I appreciated the Swedish heritage, and its ability to drive through snow.

It has continued as a tradition for me, going into my 8th model because of their reputation for being safe and well-equipped. They cost less than Audi/BMW but even in base form have a long list of standard features.

After driving across the country in them dozens of times, I find them to be supreme on the highway, offering great visibility and creature comfort.

[Silver0393]

Originally Posted by nhlau

I am planning to buy a car next year and yet I am analysing what kind of cars I like to search into depth.
Although I know Saab isn't going that well (on the financial side), I am curious about the Saab models. I really like them, but I am not sure if I will fit into the Saab culture.
So I am curious about the question: 'what is a typical Saab driver'? In other words, what makes a Saab driver special and different from other luxerious (I may say Saab = luxery) car brands.
My feeling is that young drivers will not drive in a Saab or am I wrong with this? And I always thought (when I was young) that only rich people can afford to buy a Saab,.. is that true?

I bought my Saab when I was 18 and now I am 21, and I will tell you I pay for it just fine. A Saab driver is one who cares about what he/she drives (doesn't settle on just a car) a Saab owner also loves or enjoys driving doesn't find it as just another thing that you have to do. A Saab driver likes to be different from what else is on the road.

[lowbudgethero]

first saab at 18 second at 21

im 23 and a laboratory tech

[nhlau]

Good, I will go for a testdrive in a Saab.
I have to say, I don't see Saab cars frequently on the road, how comes (maybe it is country based about the amount of Saab cars)? Is it that it will not sell as many as other brand because of its uniqueness?
A curious question, how is the service of Saab to its drivers? Do Saab dealers give special threatments or is the service the same as other brand companies...?

Nice to notice that also young drivers will buy a Saab

[kimvette]

Saab hasn't sold well worldwide because their marketing sucks. They sell extremely well in regions with harsh winters because they handle incredibly well in the snow, and the HVAC/heat is very, very good, but until they get their act together in the marketing department, and until they improve performance and interior material choices, they're going to continue to be catering to a niche market.

[saabhutter]

Originally Posted by kimvette

Saab hasn't sold well worldwide because their marketing sucks. They sell extremely well in regions with harsh winters because they handle incredibly well in the snow, and the HVAC/heat is very, very good, but until they get their act together in the marketing department, and until they improve performance and interior material choices, they're going to continue to be catering to a niche market.

Their marketing must be terrible because our winters are worse than just about any US winter yet they don't sell worth a crap around here.

[mad-machine]

Marketing world wide sucks.. I work in the casinos here in Atlantic City... and what passes for marketing would be laughable if it was not so sad.

Myself.. I am a 40 year old stage electrician and bought my first (and worst) saab 5 years ago.. an 94 NG 900.. my saabs keep getting older. I am now onto an 87 turbo.

As for myself... I like to think of myself as educated (I have the degree and the IQ test to prove that) and just a tad bit eccentric