Stay with 9-3 or...

[iqsman]

Hey all,

Just a little opinion related post here...

I have a chance to get a certified pre-owned 2004 9-5 Aero Nocturne Blue with Parchment interior...pretty much all options, but with a 5-spd gearbox!

Here's the deal...I can get it for actually LESS than I'm paying now each month on my 9-3 Linear that I bought new in 04. I originally leased the 9-3 and bought out the lease about a year ago. I felt pretty upside-down financially for doing that, but figured I was keeping the car for a while anyway, and got the extended warranty.

Any opinions or questions I should ask the dealer? The dealer is the same Saab dealer I got my 9-3 from.

Thanks!

IQS

[SMHarman]

Well your BSR will not transfer so you would need to decide whether you want to BSR the replacement.

You don't know the full history of the new car but it will be CPO? so that may be less of a concern. You also might want to look at the wear and tear items that may need replacing. If it is going out CPO brakes and tires need about 60% life on them so that again is less of a concern.

Apart from that if you end up in a newer car with a longer wwty for less money it sounds like a good deal.

[MainLineSaab]

The 9-5 is a great car. Similar to the 9-3 but a little bigger with more features.

I have to say the automatic is better suited to the 9-5 though.

[iqsman]

Originally Posted by SMHarman

Well your BSR will not transfer so you would need to decide whether you want to BSR the replacement.

I definitely gave that some thought...I figured if I ever wanted it again, I'll have to part with another $900...but in this case I'd be starting with more HP (250)than I could ever reasonably get out of my 9-3 which is sitting somewhere between 205-210 with Stage 1.

IQS

[sptsdn]

My only suggestion would be to not look at how much it will cost you per month, but rather look at the total cost. Sure, it may be less per month but for how long? Again, don't think monthly, think total cost.

That said, do you really need the 9-5? You car is under warranty and you've owned it since new so you know how it has been maintained and driven. You mentioned that a year ago you were prepared to own your 9-3 for quite some time so, outside of seeing an attractive 9-5, what changed?

Look at the total cost of keeping your car (what you pay per month for the remained of the note) vs. what it will cost to acquire the 9-5 (the hit you'll take on your current car plus the total monthly payments). Now, is the difference worth it to you to get a "new" car? Is the emotional factor worth those x number of dollars?

And remember, there will always be another great deal later. Every year I end up getting enticed to get into a newer Saab when the incentives get big but once I really sit down and do the numbers, it just isn't worth it. Plus, next year, the incentive will likely be just as good, only the cars will typically be better. I just have to remind myself that I've got a functional car that is paid for and there will always be a "good deal" later.

[MooF]

I agree with Sptsdn. I have often made lease/purchase changes because I'm trying to save money in the short term, month-to-month. It all depends on what your short and long term financial goals are?
And as stated, think about what you are driving compared to what you are getting into? Is it worth taking on an unknown vehicle to save a few $'s? I don't know how many times I've purchased a different car (new or pre-owned) and then wondered what I got myself into...and would have gladly gone back to my previous car payments to rid myself of the new hassles...

Having said all of that, if you really think the 9-5 fits a need, such as more interior room? then go for it. (one thing to remember about the increased HP, it is a heavier car).

Cheers.

[teblhasa]

I ran into the same situation a few weeks ago myself. I was driving a nice Camry until it started misbehaving in the snow, and this little voice in the back of my head kept quoting an repair cost. I was pretty sure that expensive repair was the transmission since it never seemed quite right. I needed new tires and some maintenance work done, which I would have had to borrow money for, thus adding to the loan. I was also worried about being upside down on the loan and I realized that now was the perfect time to sell it if I wanted to keep a $3-5,000 buffer. If I would have waited another year or two, I would have had less money to work with because the trade would have been worth a lot less and I don't know if my loan would have gone down enough. Then again, once the car is paid off, anything you have over and above is a buffer!

But the beauty of keeping what you already have, as people have pointed out, is you know the car well and its possibly cheaper to keep depending on the payments. But there's also the emotional factor of just plain wanting something different, and that was half my decision too. Really, what is the point in driving around something you don't like just to save a few bucks? That's why I got a Saab, not a Corolla or a Prius.

The 9-5 is nice, that's what my boyfriend has, but it is no 9-3. I personally don't find it as comfortable or as fun to drive as my 9-3. His doesn't seem to have sport suspension and the steering isn't as precise. Its funny, my 9-3 Linear has more features than his does, and he has the high end Aero! The interior only seems slightly bigger, and only the newest 9-5's get better mileage than the 9-3's. The 9-5's have a 2 gallon bigger gas tank too, but I don't know how many more miles they can go on a tank. I don't think its a lot. But they are super smooth, super quiet and known to be more reliable.

Good luck with your decision!
Anne

[Krieg]

You're pretty cool for a chick.

My wife doesn't even know what make a car is unless she looks at the nameplate on the trunk.

[teblhasa]

Thanks, I try! Actually I'm a bit of a tomboy although I don't look like it. I am obsessed with cars, especially car detailing. One of these days I'll run my own detail business! And muscle cars... I even had to drag my boyfriend around car shopping. Man, I could do that all day!Anne

[Krieg]

...that would probably kill to get a date with you.

Chicks who like cars are a rare commodity.

[teblhasa]

True! Its funny, I can out-talk a lot of guys I know! I may not know exact mechanics, but I can normally tell you what the car is and when it was made. And my favorite stuff- the horsepower, gas mileage, reliability statistics. Now of course when it comes to muscle cars, I just know whether it rocked or not, and appreciate the unique styling.

You should tell my boyfriend that one- that guys would kill to get a date with a woman who's into cars. He's decided after several years of dating that he's not interested in marriage, but he still wants to be with me. I've told him without that ring he does stand a chance of losing me. Not to be mean or anything, but that's the fact. And I'd be equally as happy being with a guy who liked cars. My bf will appreciate a nice car, and he works on them too, but he gets bored with them fairly quickly. Its like when the Back to the 50s show comes to town, I could camp out there all weekend. We go for maybe 1/2 day. What a bummer!

Anne

[Krieg]

<Dr. Phil Voice> "Now Anne, we have a saying in Texas, why buy the cow when the milk is free?"

Yes, these boards are good for car AND dating problems.

[teblhasa]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I get that from everyone I talk to! Maybe I should just start dating cars then. Heck, I've been accused of being in love with my car before, and my bf played that Queen song for me. Maybe i'll decide one of these days that I've had it, pack up the car and hit the open road. Only problem is I don't think I should put a trailer on the car to tow my scooter. Bummer!

Anne

[iqsman]

Well my test drive was yesterday...actually very disappointing in the sense that the wife and me both were not impressed. I think the outdated interior really does hurt this car. The outward appearance is great, but once you get inside, the 1998 dash staring at you just kills the mood. Well that, and the shifting in this car is just not what the 9-3 has. The clutch felt very mushy as did the shifter itself. I know all manuals drive differently, but this wasn't a good different.

I then got back into my car (after a week without it for a coolant issue in which they replaced the short block!) and appreciated it that much more...

I promised the 9-3 gods I wouldn't stray again!

IQS

[teblhasa]

That's too bad you didn't like it. Its amazing how different the two are since they look so similar. Our cars are the same year, just the 9-3 vs. the 9-5, and my 9-3 has more intelligent features in it (like the SID), although his has the ventilated seats. I think his transmission shifts smoother in sport mode than mine, and of couse is faster. What really got me was the difference between the 2003 9-3 and the 2007 9-3. I had the 2007 for a couple of days and was so excited to get back into mine! I thought the car would have only been improved, but it wasn't nearly as smooth or as comfortable, unless it was a convertible thing. I missed the info display right off the windshield too, I didn't like having to look at the spedometer for messages. Think the 9-5 is the same way...

Anne

[Energy_AZ]

We have both a 9-3 and a 9-5 (2003)

I drive the 9-3, wife in the 9-5. I love them both, for slightly different reasons.

But when the time comes for me to replace my car, I think I am leaning towards 9-5 for myself. Its a bit nicer (interior, stereo & build quality) and more powerful.

I think the 9-3 is a bit 'sexier' (body style) but overall I think the 9-5 is clearly an upgrade.

[teblhasa]

I think the 9-3 has more toys inside than the 9-5, unless the newest models have changed. I do like the build quality of the 9-5, although you're right, the 9-3 is more sexy. I especially like the hood design. Too bad its no longer offered in the hatchback style. Those looked even sportier.Anne

[Energy_AZ]

Originally Posted by teblhasa

I think the 9-3 has more toys inside than the 9-5, unless the newest models have changed. I do like the build quality of the 9-5, although you're right, the 9-3 is more sexy. I especially like the hood design. Too bad its no longer offered in the hatchback style. Those looked even sportier.Anne

In our cases...the 2003 9-3 was the 1st MY after extensive refresh to the 9-3 line up. And the 2003 9-5 was one of the last before it got its own extensive refresh (when was that, 2005/2006?)

So the 9-3 appears to have a flashier, more modern interior. But the 9-5 had almost none of the 'bugs' typical to 1st year of a refresh and signifigant better internal build quality - more comfortable seats, no rattles, etc

Our 9-3 is sport, so its rougher but more precise. Its peppy and fun to drive. The 9-5 is more a luxury cruiser, its very comfortable and smooth (but does come in sport models as well)

Not to mention our 9-3 has a lame sound system wheras the 9-5 has Harmon Karden. Not even fair to compare!! (have heard 9-3 now goes with bose - about time! What about all us 2003-2006 9-3 owners stuck with garbage cd changers and crappy bass?!)

So yeah...a little give/take between the two

Either way, holding off until AWD is available - and will be for both the 9-3 and 9-5. (2009??) Gonna be a tough call between the 2. All I know is that I will be getting into my 4th Saab (someday!)...and will finally do European Delivery! (someday!)

[teblhasa]

As a general rule I've heard, the sport versions are a little less reliable and a little more buggy than "regular" cars. The Japanese cars seem to be the exception though, but then again they are more sporty looking than they are true sport! It makes sense because a lot of people, whether it a true sport or just sporty looking, like to beat the crap out of their cars. The ones that remain reliable are probably because they were driven nicely and well-taken care of. I am thinking maybe the same comes with the 9-3.

Yeah, the AWD would kick butt! Maybe I'll save up for that too, it would be my first new car. I wonder what car would beat this one for handling with AWD...

And as for the stereo, my Topaz had a better sound system! I did find when I played with the bass button it started thumping pretty good. Maybe there is hope of cruising downtown in this cute little Saab blaring rap music. I used to do that in the Camry for the fun of it and I got the weirdest looks from people! BTW the kind of rap I play isn't dirty, it just has a really good beat. Oh, or blaring country music, that's fun too!

Anne

[Energy_AZ]

Originally Posted by teblhasa

As a general rule I've heard, the sport versions are a little less reliable and a little more buggy than "regular" cars. The Japanese cars seem to be the exception though, but then again they are more sporty looking than they are true sport! It makes sense because a lot of people, whether it a true sport or just sporty looking, like to beat the crap out of their cars. The ones that remain reliable are probably because they were driven nicely and well-taken care of. I am thinking maybe the same comes with the 9-3.

Yeah, the AWD would kick butt! Maybe I'll save up for that too, it would be my first new car. I wonder what car would beat this one for handling with AWD...

And as for the stereo, my Topaz had a better sound system! I did find when I played with the bass button it started thumping pretty good. Maybe there is hope of cruising downtown in this cute little Saab blaring rap music. I used to do that in the Camry for the fun of it and I got the weirdest looks from people! BTW the kind of rap I play isn't dirty, it just has a really good beat. Oh, or blaring country music, that's fun too!

Anne

When I spoke of 'bugs' I was refering to all the issues 2003/2004 93 owners had been reporting on this site. Door (and various other location) rattles, intermittant sunroof operation, peeling dash buttons, peeling external badges, fading door handles, problems with aftermarket stereo components etc...nothing really specific to having sport suspension or not. (although I am sure stiffer suspension increased rattles for some)

Fortunately my 2003 93 did not seem to be as buggy as others. But compared to my wife's 9-5...that thing is solid, no rattles, no annoying issues like fading door handles, etc. Its not as 'sexy' as the 93, but its still a nicer car overall. (IMO)


As far as AWD - yeah - will be great! But nervous about being the gunnea pig and buying 1st year its available. As far as handling....well, I am sure there are some others out there that might be better - Audi for one has used AWD for years and I am sure they have a more refined product as Saab will still be in somewhat of an experimental phase when they delpoy the 'XWD' package (saab will refer to all wheel drive as 'XWD')

Still happy to hear it's coming - hopefully more robust engines will soon follow. Thinking something along the lines of an AWD w/ 310hp+ stock would be nice.. Oops, now I am in 9-5 territory!