Wanted to get some opinions on which to get: 2006 9-3 or 9-5 Sportcombi (Aero, of course!). I have a 2001 Tahoe. It's great, but I don't haul big stuff anymore and my dog is getting on in years so a lower entry would be greatly appreciated by her. The cost in gas would basically be a wash. I don't drive a lot of miles and I'd be going from regular to mid/premium fuel. Finally, the safety ratings are better in the Saabs.
So, since I've pretty much made up my mind on getting a Saab wagon, which do you think I should get? I know either is not out yet, but the specs I found on each show they're basically the same size/power, etc. Since I just got a 9-5 sedan and know what that's like, can people out there with 9-5 wagons or 9-3 sedans give me input on things they DON'T like about each or if anyone wants to point out qualities/features that are on one, but not the other, that would help too.
Hiya, owning a 2000 9-5 van myself I would be biased towards it. Having said that I have had the privilage of driving the new 9-3 sportwagon on the day it was released I have to say I was really really impressed. It really isnt that much smaller than the 9-5 van. Difficult to compare on performance as it was brand spanking new and had that new car feel which is always a pleasure. The interior is fantastic. If I was in the market for a new Saab then the 9-3 sportvan would really get my thumbs up. Recon you need to see and drive both back to back to get a really good idea..
The 9-3 is a bit firmer and more agile than the 9-5. I haven't driven the new V6, but the 2.0T performs quite well, and maybe with a little less lag than the 9-5's 2.3T. That said, the 9-5 is a larger package altogether, with a more comfortable rear seat, and larger cargo area. If you're moving from a Tahoe, I would suggest a 9-5, but both Saabs are great.
By the way, can anyone with a 9-3 with navigation comment on the ease of use? Is it touchscreen or do you have to use knobs and buttons? What about the cell phone kit? Anyone know how that works and if you have to have a certain brand/model cell phone? I always wonder about that whenever I see the keypad on the dash.
Regarding 9-5, the new model shows an auxiliary input for MP3 on the standard stereo, but no input with navigation. Did they move it under the center armrest like on the 2006 9-3?
wow everyones split between 9-3 and 9-5. :lol: i think the 2.0t would use less gas, but you'd have to put in plus or premium to keep it from pinging as much. v6 will take a bit more gas and you still have to put in a higher grade for the turbo on that as well.
can you adjust timing or something so it wont ping with regular fuel?
The 9-3's nav system is not a touchscreen and is somewhat tedious to use. The one in the 9-5 is a easier to use because of the touchscreen, but I think the screen is smaller.
With an 02 9-5 sedan and 04 9-3 sports sedan in the garage, I'd say go with the 9-3 sportcombi. If ride quality is a big factor, you should probably test drive both first since there's quite a difference.
does it? my friend complains about their aero pinging on regular and i can never tell the difference. maybe my hearings not good enough or i just dont know what it really sounds like yet.
The T7 software will retard the timing for "lesser" grade fuels, the car should run fine but you will notice a difference in performance. Having said that i believe the 9-3 sport wagon uses T8, but there's no reason to suggest it would operate any differently from T7.
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