Help convert me - Potential Saab buyer w/questions!

[djdube525]

Hi all... I stumbled across this site (lots of great info!) when researching saabs. Was hoping you could help me with my dilema.

Currently have a 98 Volvo V70GLT (135k miles) and a 95 Nissan p/u (155k miles). We're looking to get a new car and have looked at a lot of models (Infinity G35, Acura TL, Lexus ES330, Accord EX-V6, Camary XLE-V6, need to try a Mazda 6 - we've tried to be open about trying alot of cars). Top 3 are the saabs, Lexus and Acura... the reason for the other 2... reliablity... not sufe if it's because of the perception of reliability from yester year... I think I have myself convinced that both the 9-3 and 9-5 2004s should be relatively reliable since they are not first year model cars.... If we can over come this, then it's saab all the way (both are very cool, fun to drive cars).

The problem... deciding between the 9-5 and 9-3. We tend to take our cars on a couple long trips each year - Colorado (26 hours) and Maine (16 hours). Even though it happens a couple times a year, we want to be comfortable.

So was wondering on the 9-3, how comfortable are the seats on a long haul? The 9-5 seems like it would be a better car for long trips... but the 9-3 is just so fun to drive. The 9-5 has a little more room in the rear... but not hugely so. Because the volvo would eventually (2-3 years) get traded away... we may decide to do the wagon, which easily answers our question.

About the 9-5... is there a way to add in an aux input to the stereo system like I've read about on the 9-3 boards?

Lastly... it sounds like there are a few software options one can ask the dealer to do for either car... other than turning on the aux input for the stereo... are they any "must haves" to consider? Something other than the default?

Thanks!

Dave

[TPK]

Ill let some of the experts on here do most of the serious convincing for you, but Ill add my .02 while im here...

I believe as far as 'software' goes that this is the best list to refer to:
http://www.rothskeller.net/steve/saab_options.html

Everything is changed via a 'Tech 2' tool at your dealer, and should be able to be done anytime pre or post purchase.

Also with the 9-5 group, here is a list of our usual things to check into when thinking about purchasing a 9-5:
http://www.saabcentral.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=24095

From my own personal experience with the two cars you are looking at:

The extra room in the 9-5 seats makes all the difference in the world when driving over long periods of time.

The 9-5 is much more spacious in the back, making it a lot nice for those road trips you speak of.

Im not sure about the aux stereo in, but make a post on the 9-5 workshop and im sure someone will have an idea about it.

All in all, and especially if youre looking into the 9-5 wagon, Saab is by far the best choice you have out of your list.

As someone who has driven a lot of cars over the past year while deciding which to buy, the 9-5 kept creeping back into my mind as the car that was most consistent with performance.

Good luck!

TPK

[Tomoose]

the aux inputs can be installed by the dealer I believe.

[Saba]

I haven't driven the 9-5 so I can't compare it with the 9-3. But you hit the nail on the head about it (9-3SS) being a fun car to drive. The 03 had a few minor problems (rattles, software bugs, mine had none and still has none after 23000km)The 04's seem to be quite clean. I don't believe the 9-5 has the aux, but it really makes a difference to the audio in terms of choice. The audio systems generally suck, although the 04 has improved with better speakers, but its not that difficult to get a really good system with some simple mods. As far as space goes, I think there is plenty of room. The boot (trunk) is large. I regulary go on 1000km round trips and my kids don't complain. I think the 9-5 has better seats, but the 9-3's are still comfortable. Get the BSR PPC (don't tell your wife and you really have a fun car to drive). The 9-3 is a new model at the start of its life, the 9-5 is an old model at the end of its life. The 9-3 has a lot of new innovative technology and design, the 9-5 has a lot of dated but proven and reliable technology. Its a tough call, I don't think you would be disappointed with either.

[valbowski1980]

I plead the 5th on the 9-3SS. I'd say the Acura TL, you just can't beat it and no Saab can come close to its fit and finish as well as reliability.

[djdube525]

We still need to retry the Acura... but from my recolections... the saabs appeared to be more spacious... even though the specs wouldn't make you think that. One thing the TL doesn't have that the 9-5 does have (with an option) is the ventilated seats... I didn't think I would like that... but it won me over in the test drive we took (we live in North Carolina... and the summer months can be brutal).

With our GM family discount... looks like we could be out the door cheaper with an Arc 9-5 with a handfull of options than the TL... the other hesitation on the TL... first year model... I swore I'd never do that again... but you're right... it is a very nice car.

It would help if we could decide wagon or no wagon... then that narrows the choice rather quickly (not sure if I mentioned that earlier... but we really enjoy the versaility of our current wagon... would hate to give that up).

Thanks all for the other links!

Dave

[TPK]

Originally Posted by djdube525

We still need to retry the Acura... but from my recolections... the saabs appeared to be more spacious... even though the specs wouldn't make you think that. One thing the TL doesn't have that the 9-5 does have (with an option) is the ventilated seats... I didn't think I would like that... but it won me over in the test drive we took (we live in North Carolina... and the summer months can be brutal).

With our GM family discount... looks like we could be out the door cheaper with an Arc 9-5 with a handfull of options than the TL... the other hesitation on the TL... first year model... I swore I'd never do that again... but you're right... it is a very nice car.

It would help if we could decide wagon or no wagon... then that narrows the choice rather quickly (not sure if I mentioned that earlier... but we really enjoy the versaility of our current wagon... would hate to give that up).

Thanks all for the other links!

Dave

You drive the 9-5 wagon yet?

I dont have a family or anything, so itd be no fun for me at all... but that 9-5 feel doesnt leave it.

:wink:

[valbowski1980]

If you want a wagon, check out the new Legacy/Outback. You may have to wait a bit since I'm not sure if they are here yet. Beautiful cars IMO, and they now can be had with a turbo :wink: . Also since Subaru is part of the big happy GM family you may also get a discount there.

[djdube525]

Still need to drive the wagon... I think we've test drove 5 different saabs already :-).

Our "family" consists of me, my wife, and our two labs... which have to sit in the back seat... wagons are just so darn convienient when you need to pull the seats down and slide something large in there...

We were going to test drive the wagon in the next couple of days in hopes that would sway us one way or the other. :-)

As for the new outback... haven't seen the new ones yet here. Also... the GM discounts tend to apply to help get rid of older stock... so in our case, the extra incentives apply for 204 saabs... but do not for 2005 saabs... I would assume the same for the outback or other gm models... I'll have to check to make sure.

[Mattlach]

Originally Posted by Saba

The audio systems generally suck, although the 04 has improved with better speakers, but its not that difficult to get a really good system with some simple mods.

Are we talking about the same audio system?

My Harmon Kardon 9 speaker system in my 9-5 Aero is probably the best car audio system I have experienced.

It has great range, and is quite loud. The only times it is not "perfect" is when I have something loose in the glove compartment that rattles when I turn up the bass

Also, I have found it really nice to both have a six cd changer in the trunk and a dash mounted cd player. I can both change cd's on the fly, and keep my standard selection in the back...

[Mattlach]

Originally Posted by djdube525

Our "family" consists of me, my wife, and our two labs... which have to sit in the back seat... wagons are just so darn convienient when you need to pull the seats down and slide something large in there...

I have never seen it myself, but I hear the 9-5 wagons have a special sliding system that makes it very easy to load stuff into the back. Ihave heard that lots of people really like it.

[SaabScott]

Welcome to Saab Central djdube525!

It sounds like you have your work cut out for you ...

Personally, I would go with the 9-5 Aero Wagon ... just can't beat it for functionality and the fun factor is exponential when you blow the doors off just about everything on the road ... in a wagon!


Good luck and please let us know what you decide to do! 8)

[djdube525]

okay... one last question.

When you jump to the 17" wheels, that comes with tire pressure monitors correct (or is that just on the 9-3)? It seems from what I've read, people have had issues with the tire pressure monitors being prone to have false read outs... has this been people's experience for either 9-3 or 9-5?

On the Aero wagon... and the 17" wheels... what tires come on that car... Z rated or something less... like a V rated tire? Just curious.

Thanks everyone for all the info. This site has been definately helpfull!

[Mattlach]

Originally Posted by djdube525

On the Aero wagon... and the 17" wheels... what tires come on that car... Z rated or something less... like a V rated tire? Just curious.

I am fairly certain original equipment on the Aero Wagon is as follows:

Size:225/45-17
Load Rating XL
WR Speed Rated

--Matt

[sjhudon]

I would vote the 9-3, I drove both the 9-3 and 9-5 and while the 5 is a little rommier for the twice a year trips, the 9-3 will keep you happy year round. Don't let the negitive 9-3 talk get you down, they are just made we threw their hatchback away :wink: anyway, I think the 9-3 handles the 90% fun to drive and 10% long road trip car to a tee.

[900t]

I'd also need to say 9-3, and as for the Acura, all I can say is - what are ya, nuts?

[Mattlach]

One thing that should be considered is how tall you are, and how many people you drive in your car at most.

In my friends 93 I need to move the seat all the way back in order to drive comfortably (I am 6'3"), and when I do this, it is impossible for anyone to sit in the back seat behind me.

This is the main reason I chose the 9-5 over the 9-3.

--Matt

[Saba]

Originally Posted by Mattlach

Are we talking about the same audio system?

My Harmon Kardon 9 speaker system in my 9-5 Aero is probably the best car audio system I have experienced.

nah, the 9-3 has a Pioneer/Clarion mish mash of sub par components with poor design of frequency outputs. Saab went with the Mosfet network in the 9-3 and needed components that fitted that (ie optical input). I don't think Harmon Kardon were up and running with that.