As we enter the final month of what’s been, let’s face it, a pretty ordinary year for Saab sales, I’d like to know how many of you have purchased a Saab this year.
Did you buy a new one?
Did you buy CPO?
Or did you buy one privately in the last 12 months?
I’ve featured a number of Saab purchase stories already this year and I have a few more coming, too. There’s no need to tell your entire story here if you don’t want to, but it’d be good to know how many new cars we added to the collective TS stable this year.
I’d also like to know if information presented here at Trollhattan Saab helped you in making that decision. Was it just plain model news, or car review coverage, or just the sense of community that helped you out. And of course, is there anything we could do better, like market specific model data or anything like that.
If you’ve got a story to tell, please tell it here. It’d be helpful to know who you are, your general location and what you bought so I can continue to point out to Saab the value of a site like TS.
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This Easter I bought my 9-3 SportCombi 1.8t BioPower. 175hp hirsched to 200hp here in Oslo.
Top speed 245 kph. (spec sheet says otherwise, but I think the speedometer and my GPS were both correct)
(sorry for repeating stuff I’ve already mentioned in other comments
)
I have always been a SAAB nut, but this is my first car (of any kind). Coming from a SAAB family, there really was no other choice.
My dad has always had a SAAB (96, 99, 900, 9000), so he looked very pleased as he took my brand new 9-3 out for a spin.
My research sucked though. I think I knew about SAAB introducing a four wheel drive model, but did not know much about XWD (and what makes it special). But TurboX is way out of my reach (take the price in the US, multiply by two and then some), and I would not have wanted to wait a whole year for the XWD models to show up.
TS would have been a helpful guide for me at that time, and I will definitively use it the next time I buy a SAAB.
I’m a faithful daily reader of this blog and I value both Swade’s excellent work here but also the unvarnished comments of the everyday Saab drivers who post. When I wanted to make a change in my daily drive, information here helped me make a decision. In May, I bought a CPO 2006 9-5 (my 6th Saab) as my daily commuter to replace my 150,000 mile 2001 9-5 that my son now uses to travel around town. I cleared space in my driveway by selling my 1992 900T convertible. After reading here about the virtues and pitfalls of both the 9-3SS and the 9-5–and driving them both–I stayed with the 9-5 platform. For all the highway driving I do plus, I think, the general consensus here that the 9-5 is the more reliable platform, the 9-5 was still the better choice for me. From my personal experience, my 2001 9-5 has been very reliable with only normal wear-and-tear plus a throttle body and DI cassette failure in 7 years. I was among the many who thought that the “Dame Edna” design was a bit tough on the eyes but over the year, it has really grown on me. My ’06 9-5 is black and I’ve received a ton of positive comments from my co-workers on how gorgeous it looks.
Bought an ’08 9-3 convertible in January and could not be happier. I think the 08 convertible is, by far, the standout of Saab’s offerings. Its appeared on many top 10 lists for being “hot”, “family friendly” and “safe”. I love it because its classic Saab – fun, unique, and stylish, but also understated. I have gotten many compliments about the car; this summer I drove through Manhattan with the top down and 3 people stopped me to tell me how much they loved the car.
This website was helpful for me when I was considering buying a Saab, as I had never owned a Saab before. Like most people who read this website, I have developed an emotional attachment to my Saab. Hopefully, Saab can whether the current uncertainty at GM.
Keep up the good work at TS!!
As some of you probably know, I bought my 6-speed manual Turbo X sedan in May. Could not be happier half a year into my ownership!
I was honoured in early August when Swade did a ‘feature’ on the news that I had finally bought my first Saab after a few decades of drooling. I, or should I say we, bought a glacier blue 2004 9-3 ARC with a 5speed and the 17″Vector wheel package at a price that made leasing a new Saab – or a much considered BMW – seem a total waste of money. Just under 3000km later and I know by going Saab I made the right choice as that 2.0T engine combined with RE-Axs puts a smile on my face every time. Problems? Nothing that any Saab owner would be surprised by 1/ the on-again-off-again ticking HVAC when I unlock the door on a cold morning (hasnt done it for two days now) and 2/ an odd rattling that sounds like someone banging two empty plastic two litre bottle together from the drivers side front suspension on rough roads and only when it’s cold out. Both of these problems I have been told are common and other people have said the dealers cannot fix them. Dare I call them Saab quirks? *hides behind the sofa*
Disappointed, nah! If I wanted perfect Id have bought a Honda but I wouldnt be having nearly as much fun. Which reminds me gotta got to work!
I bought a new 9-3 2.0 last April. Mine is a black, 6 speed manual. It is my first Saab, but my love for the car and the brand goes back to the early 90′s when one of my roomates in college let me drive his 1988 Saab 900 (classic, I think it was a 1988 year model) for almost two years. I loved the Turbo, I loved the feel of the car in general. That’s when I knew that there was going to be a day I was going to get one for me, and that time came in 2008. I love my new car, I drive it everyday day, and I have not had a single problem with it. Zero. I have to say, I am a bit surprised (but in a good way!)
TS was my guide before my purchase, and all of the comments, reviews, updates and helpful hints from TS and all the readers were invaluable. I knew a lot about the car and the changes for the 08 model year thanks to TS. I’m glad I did, because the dealership experience was simply terrible. It was one of those combination Saab/Hummmer/Cadillac dealers….Saab was relegated to a corner, hidden behind monster Hummer and Cadillac SUVs. The sales people knew almost nothing about Saab, or what was new for the 08 model year for the 9-3….nothing. When I went for a test drive, I asked the guy to please shut up and sit quiet next to me (all he wanted to show me was the operation of the cupholder, simply pathetic).
I read TS everyday now, and I have been doing for almost a year, and I hope to keep reading it for many more. I hope Saab survives too!
I bought a 9-3 TTid but had a little meeting with a tram so I bought a second one shortly after
As some will know, this is the year I am leaving Saab (hopefully for a short time only). i have topay tribute to Swade for his dedication, enthusiasm but above all else, his objectivity – how you remain so even-handed amazes me sometimes when others would scream and rant (GM) or faint and swoon (concepts), you are always ready to place the information and stand back allowing others to have a view.
I have decided not to replace my leased 9-3 because I really really want something more up-to-date, unlike others here I am a lifelong Saabisti but have to say current offerings do not inspire me (other than a nicely spec’d ‘vert which is just not practical enough for the family).
I hope to return when the 9-4x or 9-5 arrive (funny when I took out my 24 month lease in Dec 06, that seemed like the right timing to step into one of those new models!!).
Keep up the good work, I’m always logging in to see what hope remains for Saab.
My buddy bought a 2008 2.0T SportCombi
I have purchased two Saabs this year, a Turbo X that I had ordered in October and took delivery of in May, and a 9-7 Aero purchased in February for my wife to replace an aging Grand Cherokee. I am a daily visitor of Trollhattan Saab and very interested in Saab and the performance models and upgrades available, and generally all things Saab. I also love the heritage and antique Saabs that come up from time to time. I would love to visit the factory one day in the future. There are several reasons I have two of them, one reason is the Turbo X replaced a 2003 9-3 Vector that I had a wonderful experience with. I also cross shopped an Audi S4 but found the performance of the Turbo X is on par and with the same equipment the cost was much less. Plus, I had built a relationship with Sewell Saab in Plano, Texas and it was easy to continue with them.
The 9-7 was more or less an impulse purchase. We had gone by the Saab dealer and drove a regular V-8 model and it was not so impressive. My sales guy thought she would enjoy driving an Aero model so he brought one around to drive. Well, she pulled out onto the access road and nailed it, and it was a sale. The Aero is extremely fast, and the ride is fantastic. Yes, I know it is a rebadged Chevy and all that, but we love it just the same.
We enjoy our Saabs on a daily basis and couldn’t imagine driving anything else!
I purhcased a GM executive demo of a 2007 9-5 Aero Combi Smokebeige metallic in July! It compliments the 2006 9-3 2.0T Combi I also have in the same colour!
I previously leased a 2002 9-3 SE HOT 4 door Hatch Anniversary Edition which I filpped into the 9-3 Combi.
Power – at highway in 9-5 Aero is addictive
Space – in 9-5 is HUGE! Can fit 60 cases of tennis balls! 20 more than 9-3!
Seats – any excuse to drive with the 9-5 ventilated seats on is acceptable
Issues – none to note
Dealer service/purchase – no issues and came under the price I offered which was low!
Fuel Mileage – very good considering loads and travel distances I carry/do
Crash worthiness – haven’t tested the 2 combi’s yet but 5 Star from NCAP and IIHS says it all, the Hatch recieved a nudge from a off duty police officer, minor damage but watch yourself they know all the fine lines.
Will I buy a Saab again…more than likely. GM owned (family member was employed), European quality plus the other items listed above and the low volume of them in Canada makes them alluring and maintains book value and easy to re-sell. Liking the results of the new Insignia, Euro Car of the year AND IIHS crash results! Although the Mrs. is set on a 9-3 Convertible in the new yellow colour (Saffron/Lynx whatever!)…we will see when the lease is up in 2010 if I can find one of the 10 brought to Canada for sale on the used market.
Interesting is theat there are 2 dealers still with new yellow vert’s for sale, 3 months now and still at least 3 Turbo X’s floating around new for sale.
This website has helped my devotion to the Saab brand, it is my homepage and I look at it daily.
Keep up the great work Swade et el.
B
I also bought a Turno X sedan. I like the car but I feel that the finish is not as good as my 2004 Volvo S40 T5. I’m happy with the car but was expecting more. I can’t put my finger on what I’m missing but I will eventually figure it out. I’m in Canada and read your blog a few times a week. You helped me pick Saab over Volvo.
I bought a 9-5 Estate (Wagon!) this year second hand to replace my 9-5 Saloon (Sedan!), which replaced my 900 Talladega, which replaced another 900 Talladega etc etc.
I am currently looking for another 9-5 Estate. Dog requires it to have a comfy room at the back for her now you see?
Saab just make great cars you can depend on. I hope they come through this financial challenge in good shape, and I feel they will.
Looking forward to the new 9-5 of course. Can’t wait for some genuine images of it.
Chris J
UK
P.S. Thanks for this great site too – I check it out every day!
We purchased a new Saab this year. 2008 9-3 2.0T convertible. My wife made the purchase. She reads Trollhattan Saab on a twice-a-month basis. I have Trollhattan Saab in my RSS reader, so I see it every day and give her info. Regular model news and car review info helped the decision, especially the safety reports.
Previous models that Trollhattan Saab helped sell to my driveway:
- 2008 9-7x Aero
- 2007 9-5 Aero Sedan
- 2006 9-3 Aero Sport Sedan
The only model bought without the help of Trollhattan Saab was a 2006 9-5 2.0T sedan, i.e. the first year of the Dame Edna. It was bought on a fluke because I was tired of the cr@p sedans in the rest of the GM brand portfolio. As my dealer knows, the key is getting a butt in a seat for a test drive. My wife lead the purchase of this 2006 9-5 2.0T sedan after her test drive. It took a while for me to warm to the car. I hit a groove with it after using her 2006 9-5 for some extended highway travel. Now, I’m having trouble facing the end of my lease on my 2007 9-5 Aero Sedan in December 2009.
So, Swade help sell 4 Saabs. My dealer got us into just one albeit our first one. Reasons for the 4 Saabs sold by Swade are:
- 9-3 Convertible: News and reviews
- 9-7x Aero: News of the tuning that went into the model
- 9-5 Aero: News of the quality improvements made over the previous model year
- 9-3 Aero: News that it was the last year of the button dash with SID
Oh yeah, having the Aero Academy nearby was nice. But GM killed that.
I live in South Carolina U.S.A.
Things to do better: Tell GM that Saab needs product! (You’ve done that, repeatedly, though.) Tell GM that I’m tired of the drama of delay and canceled Saab programs. Tell GM that the land barge SUV drivers in my area are trading their luxo-cruisers for high MPG Saabs, both new and CPO. Get the eco theme out there. Lose born from jets. Secondarily, get the safety and advanced features message out there. Thirdly, get the messages out there that all the Saab greatness can be had for THOUSANDS less than the German cars.
I purchased a 2007 9-3 Aero 2.8 back in January. I’ve been quite happy with it and I must say that it has been more reliable than the 9-2x that it replaced. I’m amazed at times how much get up and go that it has. I saw recently that Consumer Reports tested the auto at a 6.4 0-60 and a 14.9 quarter mile time. Better stats than almost all the other performance cars with the exception of a handful of other ultra performance cars ($40,000+).
Hi Swade,
I picked up a MY2008 9-3 SS 2.0T this past August. I had considered waiting for the XWD or the 9-3X but one can only wait so long for just another delay. Now that I have the car, I’m incredibly happy with the purchase and have no regrets about not waiting longer.
I knew Saabs were fun to drive, but I didn’t realize to what degree until I’d had it for a few days. Every day is an adventure. Until the weather turned wet and cold here, I couldn’t help but put the output of the car to full use. It’s an amazing machine.
I have had an eye on Saabs for about a decade (first test drive was in the late 90s) but this was the year when the stars aligned and I could actually go ahead and buy one. This site, along with a couple of others, were key in informing me about the car and keeping my interest up where Saab marketing and product delays failed.
I bought a 1973 Saab 99 this summer, but I don’t think that fits Swade’s purposes in asking the question.
I was *strongly* interested in the Turbo X, largely based on the information here on the site. But upon reflection I decided to wait for the 2010 (or ’11?) 9-5 for my next new Saab.
This is one of the few places I know that can stoke interest in upcoming new Saabs.
I purchased an ’07 Saab 9-3ss AERO towards the end of 2007. The ’08′s were out, but this car had calling and the right price to allow me to trade in and get this updated more speedier model.
It is a great car, highly stable and “safe”. The balance is great for a front-wheel drive, the best on the market I just say. Oh….did I say it is safe.
Anyway….just thought of sharing.
Paul
Bought my first ever Saab – 9-3 SC MY06 1.8t. Have owned all kinds of brands before and only have one regret.
Why didn’t I buy a Saab earlier.
Tuned by Maptun……
Bought a new 9-3 Aero BioPower SportCombi in 08.2008, great car
I bought Turbo-X this year, 3rd Saab of mine (after two classic 900, I still have one of those, the second one – Aero – went away with my wife…).
I ordered it early in January, so Saab did not have demo cars or too much info — actually I based on info and photos here, on trollhattansaab.net.
Generally I am very satisfied, though I am looking for Hirsh upgrade to remove some plastic from the console, and thinking of moving window steering to the central tunnel
Bought a 2008 9-5 aero ( fusion blue, w/ nav) had to order it because there are no manuals to be had. I also bought my wife a 2003 9-5 aero wagon in merlot red ( auto, though she wanted a manual). This makes 5 9-5′s that I have purchased ( may my cosmic blue 2002 aero RIP). I have also helped several friends in their selection of Saab, one of which got a 2008 snow silver 9-3 2.0 ( he loves the light bar I think that is what sold him
.
Chris
Well I picked up my Turbo X this April, but I actually put the deposit down in Oct ’07, so not sure if it counts
Obviously I hadn’t seen one in the flesh when I placed the order – definitely a Trollhattan Saab researched purchase!
Hi there swade and fellow Saabians;
I have purchased my MY2008 9-3 SS 2.0T A/T about three weeks ago, so I guess this makes me the newest member of the bunch.
I`ve known the brand for quite a while, but as I started to learn more and more about it when I was researching the market for a new ride to replace my `01 VW Golf back in winter of 2005, I got hooked onto it. Back then I was seriously considering buying a `06 9-3 SS, but the events unfolded that I ended up with a Subaru Forester. Go figure.
But eventually, after two years with the Forester, I have managed to put things together and finally sat behind the wheel of my 9-3. The thing is, I have never driven a Saab before, not even test driven the 1.8 Tid 9-3 that the dealer kept offering me to take it out for a spin. I just happened to know that the car I have chosen was the one for me. I have been driving it for three weeks, and it amazes me to find out that she was all I`ve imagined and expected her to be, and even more.
TS was a great resource of information for me, as well as some other sites and forums on the net; living in Turkiye, you do not have much source of information regarding Saab, internet set aside. Well, we have 6 (yes, only six.) dealers in the entire country, only one in Ankara, the capitol, where I live. So I was and still am a regular reader of the site. I do have to admit though I was a bit (ok, more than a bit, a lot) worried when I was following the “GM Deathwatch” entries just at the eve of my purchase, but nevertheless it is an invaluable source. Thanks a lot for the hard work, swade.
I bought my Turbo X in mid september. It was brand new and one of the last Turbo X cars in Sweden with manual transmission.
I remember the ads in swedish papers this spring saying “Only 175 people needs to read this ad”. Guess I read it!
Trollhättan SAAB was a great source for information, primarily AFTER the purchase. Top of the line Turbo X sold itself so to speak!
The purchase was more emotional/sensory/feel driven than economy/”sense”
But we only live once! get the best out of life have fun even if the economy worldwide is a bit sour right now. But if everyone starts to buy stuff it is going to be much better soon!
I picked up a brand new 2008 9-3 Linear Sportcombi TiD last Friday, now has over 1000kms on it. ( Sorry avisdurgan, newer!!)
Saab OZ made an offer I couldn’t refuse and now doing about 50,000km (31,000miles) a year it made perfect sense to trade my 73,000km (45,000mile) 2006 9-3 Linear Sportcombi 1.8t.
I was very happy with my 06 but wanted diesel and bluetooth. With my 08 I got all that and more.
Saab has looked after me very well (search this site for stories) but Swade and TS have given me the community and support a car-brand enthusiast wants and needs. Being a local site also is an extra plus for me. TS has also led to link ups with other notable OZ enthusiasts which usually go wildy astray.
Old school lives on with the 9000. Time to give it some lovin and bring it back up to scratch.
Thanks Swade. Everyone else, watch this space.
Hi,
I’m also a faithful daily reader of this site, and one of the biggest saab nuts in Belgium. Almost bought a 900 convertible this year, but we feel the economic crisis a bit too much for such an extra spare car.
My lease contract of my 9³ sportssedan ended after 3 years and 170.000 km, and for a new lease I have tried everything to get a 9-5 sportscombi or a 9³ SH TTID, but this belgian leasecompany ( Vancia Rent ) did everything so that I couldn’t choose a SAAB anymore. DIrty bastards. So now I feel very unfaithfull and one of our cars is no SAAB anymore, but a ( must be honest good driving ) Volvo V70. But my love for saab was there, is there and will always be there ( just hope that somebody could buy this brand off GM before they let it die ( or die themselves !! ) Thanks for the good blog !!
After totalling my 2006 hirsched chili red SportSedan 1.9TiD I’ve bought a 2008 jet black Aero TTiD SportSedan.
Swade featured it on TS (Swade: thank you).
Couldn’t be happier with my purchase. The fit and finish is so much better than the 2006 models.
I received it in march and as I’m writing this, I’ve past the 33K kilometers.
You can put my purchase of a Turbo X in April (my own money, replacement for a 9-5) firmly down to TS.
I would say this purchase was 80% due to TS, 20% to Saab itself (as usual with my previous 30 or so new purchases, 0% was down to Saab GB).
Here in GB, sales of Saab seem to have been built on good products provided by the factory, backed up with good after sales service, provided by local, family run dealers who knew their customers. With the continuing demise of such dealerships, and their replacement by those owned by larger groups, it is fortunate that we can rely on TS to keep us within the ‘community’, as Swade put it.
We traded-in my wife’s ’01 9-3 5-door for a CPO 2005 9-5 Arc SportWagon at our local Saab dealer in September. Info from TS helped convince me the 9-5 is a much better car than it would at first appear. I never was interested in the 9-5 (or even its predecessor the 9000) but after reading what 9-5 owners posting in comments at TS have to say about their beloved car and Swade’s glowing reviews of the car I came to realize what an underrated prize it really is.
And the 9-5 wagon is probably more exclusive than Ferrari here in Los Angeles. The 9-5 is the worst-selling car in the U.S. and the wagon variant is even more rare! We almost never see another 9-5 wagon on the road here. There’s something to be said for exclusivity. I figure we just know a secret nobody else does!
Hey! I got my 8. saab in march this year (Norway). A MY 08 9-3 Aero TTid sportwagon.Bought private. A really wonderful car, but in lack of XWD…
I bought the car unseen and unproved, due to 60% chocie by TS and 40% by myself
Iam very found of the dealer and nothing to complain about at all
I came back to SAAB at the end of July this year.
Back in December 1994 I purchased an April ’92, 9000 CS 2.0 lpt in Imola Red which I kept until it was a little over six years old. Owning and driving that car made me feel, and that I had, something special. (Unfortunately some reliability issues and servicing costs were less so).
A friend has a 9-5, 250bhp Aero Estate (2002 or 2003) and whilst it was with the dealer for a few days he had the use of a 9-3 ss. One evening he came to my door and asked if I was “coming out to play”; with the result that I had “a shottie” of the 9-3. Can you recall the outline sketch of a figure driving, which SAAB have used in the past, and how the artist draws a big grin on the figure’s face? Well according to my friend, I had a similar grin whilst at the wheel of that SAAB and as far as I was concerned I wanted one.
The result is that I now own a September 2005 (MY06), 9-3 Vector 1.9 TiD (150 bhp) in Nocturne Blue with Parchment interior. I live in Aberdeenshire, Scotland and bought the car at my local SAAB dealer in Aberdeen.
That feeling is back and this time round I reckon it will outweigh any negatives.
I bought a 2008 9-3 2.0T with automatic, cold weather package and sun package in July 2008. It is U.S. Spec. Titan grey with black interior. I live in Germany, so flipping on the heated seats is a pleasure every morning. This car has been a nice luxurious ride for my 6 foot 7 inch frame. I would like to see GM sell SAAB. Maybe all of the SAAB loyalists should get together and buy SAAB. I think it would be wise for us to bring back the hatch like in my old 85 900Turbo. I hauled a jet ski in that car.
I guess a lot of you’ve seen my purchase this year. (and recently with a sprinkle of snow too)
The Viggen was a heart buy, when I should have been using my head, However the old owners purchased a new Saab from Astley Saab in Yeovil, leaving the Viggen behind for me. I’ve had a lot of work done and really for the money I could well be driving a 2005 9-3 Aero Sportwagon but I just couldn’t let up the chance to own Saab’s last (uncompromised) special model. I’ve been a reader of TS since 2005 when as a Saab Salesman was left short of the info I required to serve my customers on future products. That info came from Trollhattansaab in abundance.
Did swade play a part in my purchase? Without doubt (I should send him a portion of the bills as a way of saying thanks : D ).
I read TS via RSS the moment it hits my Mail box. I enjoy reading the comments and if I can, help out where I can. I hope you have enjoyed some of my ‘Guest posts’ too
The All New Saab 9-4 Insignia
Saab 9-1: E-Flex starts to make a spark
The Saab 9-5 – all car and no crap
The 9-X BioHybrid is cool
Is GM right in downsizing the Saab 9-3?
Future Saab 9-1 vs Astra VXR vs Saab 9-3 Convertible
Past, present, future… (an interesting one to read again with the current financial climate)
The Viggen is great and although I should be driving a left hand drive vehicle and not a right hand drive one, I’m very happy to be looking after her until the right Saab for me comes along.
Zippy, That rattling could possibly be a heat shield, The dealer might be able to adjust it in some way that it stops hitting things in bumpy surfaces…. I had a customer with a similar problem once.
In May I bought a CPO ’06 9-3 Aero. I love this car. I love the fact it has a Saab dash and it was the first year of the V6.
This is my first Saab. But my mother and I have had a love of Saab for a few years now. She is on her 2nd Saab. We did the E.D. on her ’07 9-5 and I believe we were one of the last ones!
I live in FL, Saab are not too popular here, 3 series, and A4s are a dime a dozen. ;-( So I still get looks when I drive around my Laser Red 9-3 Aero
I don’t qualify for the 2008 list! But I bought a Chili Red 2007 9-5 2.3T sedan in February 2007. And I traded a BMW 328 (1998) ‘vert to get it. Neither has been our daily driver because our 2001 Saturn L200 2.2L keeps happily rolling along at 206000km; if and when that car ever collapses, the 9-5 will become the daily wheels. Relevant to this question: TS absolutely played a part in my choice. Every time I googled a SAAB question, an item from TS was close to the top. Just past 47000 (mostly highway and weekend) km and ready to add another roughly 15K on a run from Montreal to Arizona and back in a couple of weeks. My only gripe was the nice-handling but superfast wearing OE Pirelli P6s; they wore out in about 20000 km and now my summers are Yokohama (winter Nokian).
I, like other 9-5 owners, also get “nice car!” and “what kind of car is that?” treatment. One of the best compliments was from a friend who races an M3 bimmer and was president of the Quebec BMW club; he pushed the S button on the auto shifter (a match for the paddles) and put a grin on his face in 15 minutes behind the wheel. The 9-3 is lighter and more agile (esp. in 4-cyl mode), but that’s OK with me. I did consider a 9-3 SC (a real looker), but I have tall adults in the back seat regularly. GM and Saab (and the world) definitely need a new 9-5, but I don’t–at least not yet. I think it was TS that carried the story that Carlson’s favorite current SAAB was the 9-5 Automatic (before the TurboX came out).
Cheers all! I too enjoy reading this site almost every day.
wow, Swade, seems like you’ve had a hand in a good percentage of SAAB’s sales for 2008!
I purchased an 9-3 Aero XWD this year and have been very happy. This purchase is in huge part due to your site. Without the emerging information about the updated body and XWD as it was coming out, I’d be surprised if I would have made the effort to pick one up this year.
Also, the profile of the Dueck dealership in Vancouver where I purchased the vehicle made me feel thankful for having such a good dealership in the area. Kudos again to Bill.
Thanks for the great work, keep it up.
Purchased a 2004 CPO 9-5 wagon 13 months ago.
I love it, my wife loves it.
I hate to think Saab might not be around for me to buy another in a few years.
I loved the 9-5 so much, I went out and bought a 1990 SPG, since I learned how to drive on a 900.
Just have to get rid of the Forester now, and we’ll be an all-SAAB family.
I was picking up the 9-5 from a service at the dealer a couple nights ago and they had a beautiful new 9-3 SportCombi. Sticker price was over $35K. It was marked down to $24K.
I couldn’t believe it. I was thinking of every way I could afford it right now — just couldn’t imagine a brand new 9-3 SportCombi for $24K.
But with a 15-month-old, another up in New England at college, and me the only one bringing in income right now, I’m staying put I guess…
But damn if I wasn’t tempted…
I bought custom ordered 9-5 aero sport combi with 5spd manual tranny in mid july 2008 It was custom ordered via military sales. So far 2970 mi later it is still a blast to drive. The only issues so far were squeaky dashboard and blown rear speaker (replaced under warranty) as well as missing trim clip in a trunk. The car is a blast to drive and I love the look on the dumb truck/suv driving Texas rednecks faces when they get owned by a station wagon. Go Saab
I bought a new 2008 2008 9-3 2.0T on the last day of August. Automatic, BOSE, 17″ alloys, premium package. Didn’t get the cold weather package only because dealer couldn’t find one with the upgraded sound. Titan grey with black interior.
Really liking it – excellent compromise between family and dad. Rather concerned now about the warrantee surviving. Back at the end of August I never would have thought GM could disappear in 2008!
Love the site and check it daily.
We bought a 2006 9-7X Arc this past September. I found TS after the purchase. We compared the 9-7X to a Touareg of the same vintage. The 9-7X had more amenities than the VW, while the VW had a slightly smoother ride. The price of the Saab was lower and since all features sans ride were clearly in favor of the Saab over the VW, we bought the Saab. We have not had any second thoughts about our purchase and really like the vehicle.
Hi swade,
I have actually bought two Saabs this year.
In August I ended my employment where I also enjoyed my 2007 9-5 Vector perk car. This was a lovely TiD, with the Anniversary package and all extra incl.
But I needed a car to drive to work (approx 18 km single way) so I had to get a used car. I found a nice 1997 Imola red Saab 9000 2,0t A50, slithly tuned to approx 220 hp. It had the Super Aero wheels and looked really nice.
To me it was a great reunion with a gasoline turbocharged Saab since I had been driving the Fiat diesel for 18 months. And halleluja did I get reborned into the world of Saab Turbo
I have got to quote jeremy Clarcson of UK´s Top Gear: Diesel is tryly the fuel from hell…..
My wife is driving a Ford Focus (jokely called the Ford F#$!-A$$ at home) which is a great car so I shouldn´t be to mean about it, but it has no SOUL.
Anyway, what I realised after a few months of driveing the 9000, was that Sweden is a long country and going up north you need a car that you can depend on, driving with my 10 month old son, packing and all. The 9000 was all up to the challange safetywise and it is in deed roomy, (actually quite as roomy as the Focus Wagon, BUT it was an almost 12 year old car and it had 230 000 km on the speedo. SO I figuerd, why not take the newer Focus while driving greater distances? Well the answer to that is simply: It´s like driving a empty tin-can om the highway. It´s a great car in the city. Roomy enough but also small enough to park easily and stuff like that. When you take it out on the highway for 500 km, it just feels small, unsteady and very noisy…
So what do you do?
Well my briother in law who has a 9-3 Aero SS needed a cheaper car since he was going to university, so he bought the 9000 from me and I once again got hold of a 9-5 SportCombi.
This one was a Cosmic blue 2000 2,3 Sport Edition with the Aero chassis and kit and wheels. It had 150 000 km on the speedo and had been treated very nicely from its owner.
I have to say that for me the cosmic blur is just about the greatest looking colour on the 9-5 in it´s original shape. It just looks great in every angle.
Anyway, since this was my 3rd 9-5 (I had an Aero before the perk car) I have been reflecting on how the model has changed from it´s original shape to the 2008 shape. Let me tell you: It´s both good and bad…
First of all, when you sit down in the 9-5 2000-model you a struck on how well everything seems be have been thought of when desiging the interior functional-wise. I did not get this feeling in the 2007 9-5. Sure it looked more modern. -But smarter? I don´t know, but i di´dn´t get thet feeling.
Thigs I didn´t know that i missed in the -07 but I have found to love in the -00:
The graded speedo. It´s just so smart and comfortable
The stereo. It just sounds better and works better (I have had the 150w in both-300w in the Aero)
The fact that every time you turn off the car the stereo volume lowers down. Never happened in the -07
The Night Panel button -How the hell could the drop it to behind the left of the steering wheel in the -07..???!?!?!
The green instrument lights
The possibility to programme the electric engine heater via the SID
The feel of the doorhandles- Hey the -07 LOOKS good but the quality is shit compared to the -00. It just feels smoother, more solid and you don´t have the sharp mold-edges…
The net on the b-pillar
The foot-rest for the left foot
The wool roof (in the -07 it´s textile and it do NOT dampen the noise as much)
The doorlight in the rear doors
The light in the trunkdoor
All in all I feel that the “original” 9-5 -00 feels more Saab and it does have more soul than the new one. It also look stunning in its original shape without the “new” design that feels alot like it has been “added on”..
All in all. I love my Saab
I purchased two Saabs this year. The first one I bought was more of an introduction into the wonderful world of Saabs.
That is what has made me search out various Saab forums and blogs. And based on what I’ve been reading for the past several months, I really like what I see in my fellow Saab enthusiasts. We are a tight knit and very modest bunch….but more importantly, we really love our Saabs. And generally, the reasons we love our cars so much is so different from what I see in BMW, Lexus and Merc owners. There is no snob appeal in owning a c900, but when I read about how much this car is loved by its owners, I couldn’t help myself. Knowing I’d suffer the wrath of my better half, I went ahead and purchased a ’89 900 S last week to go along with my 9-3 Arc.
We just bought a 2006 1.8t Linear SportCombi as Swade documented recently. Fusion Blue, Parchment interior and 10,000km on the clock. Its been terrific so far and has motivated us to finally join the local Saab club. The ongoing community of T-Saab was a big factor in our purchase. Not only in terms of advice but also the sense of community and enjoyment that was not going to come from any other car. There really is nothing quite like the effect that Swades work has had in bringing such a disparate group of fruitcakes together.
I bought my new TTiD Aero in June 2008.
I bought a new arctic white 9-3 1.8t BioPower Convertible 3 months ago for the nice Swiss weather. And the other car in the garage is a 2006 jet black 9-5 SportCombi Aero for the Swiss hills. You can assume that both car make tons of fun
I visit the TS blog regularly.
I purchased a YM2009 Saab 9-3 SC 1.8t Linear on August and got it on October. Before that I had YM2005 9-3 SS 1.8i. That injection motor was horrible although it did its job very well. But it certainly wasn’t a rocket… This Sport Combi is whole lot better. The only things I’m missing is the adjustable start volume of the audio system and the possibility to choose between 1 or 2 zone ACC.
However, I didn’t and still don’t have the emotional connection with those cars like I do have with my YM1997 900 Turbo
i have been a reader of trollhattansaab for some months
now and i am a daily reader of this site.TS givs you the latest news in the
SAAB scene and a site like TS is needed now more than ever for marketing SAAB.
But also here you will find a big technical knowledge base.
So yes TS did help me to decide for SAAB.
As for me, i will be one of those MY2009 owners of a SAAB 9-3.
And to be precise it will be in MAY 2009.
I bought a Turbo X Sedan in May of this year and love it. It is my first Saab purchase, but hopefully won’t be my last. This car is awesome to drive and a hoot in the twisties. I live in Rochester, NY, where we have had a few snowfalls already this year, and the car has performed well, even with the summer tires still on. I can’t wait to get the snow tires on next week (the first ones I bought didn’t fit) so I can really see how it goes in the snow!
The car has been a blast to drive, and I have been very pleased with it so far, and have not had any problems in the first 5k mi (except for the $115 oil change).
I read the feed from your site everyday, and I am very impressed, keep up the great work, and let’s try and keep Saab alive (w/o the General).
My wife always enjoyed driving my 02 9-5 Aero, so when the time came to trade in her 04 Audi A-4, I gently led her to the Saab dealer; I wanted her to make the choice without too much influence from me.
This time around, she wanted a bigger car, 9-5 sport combi fit the bill. She also looked at VW Passat, and Volvo.
We ended up with an 08 Silver 9-5 Sport Combi. The local dealer in NC didn’t have the color she was looking for so I looked on line. We ended up purchasing a brand new car through ebay from a Saab dealer 400 miles away.
The price was fantastic, the transaction was smooth. She loves the car. Her fav features are the heated sport seats, XM, the steering wheel controls, and the POWER.
Although my wife would never visit a car site, it’s just not her thing,”that’s what I’m for”, TS did have an indirect influence on the purchase.
Keep up the good work Swade!
Cheers.
I purchased a dealer’s black 08 9-3 2.0t combi with 4k miles. I;ve racked up 15k miles since I got it in March of 08. I’ve also owned a 03 9-3 and an 05 9-2x. The 03 9-3 had a lot of positives, but was in the shop every month (not much of an exaggeration). We looked at the Audi A-4, Merc C-class, and BMW 3s. There was no comparison; the Saab had the most to offer for less money and the combi looks like nothing on the road. and what an improvement in quality and performance from the 03 9-3! the reconfigured dash in the 08 is my only major complaint. I suppose city MPG could be better, but i get 33 on the hwy.
I got the Turbo X delivered this year in May. The information published on this side allowed me to order the car “blind” and to know what to expect and I do not regret at all…
I bought a Turbo-X manual transmission last November, but took ownership in June 2008. I bought it, like many others, sight unseen. I’ve got about 12K on the car now. I love it. Best car I’ve ever owned. I traded in a VW GTI for it and turned down a BMW 325 Acura TL-S Type, and Audi A4. To me the Saab 9-3 Aero was just a better car, but then I heard about the X and decided to wait and go for it.
The day I stop driving this car I will really be sad. Good thing with only 12K so far I have plenty of miles left
I hope to be driving Saab’s for a long time.
I bought a 08 9-3 2.0T in October. I’m sure many of you who read TS will be shocked, but I am a VERY loyal GM owner with my first purchase of a 83 Pontiac G/P (traded in for the 9-3!) a 95 Bonneville with over 100K, a 2001 Tahoe, and a 1966 Corvair turbo CVT (my other turbo). The last three I still own.
My cars MUST be unique. I came within days of buying yet another Pontiac (G8 GT) but $4.00 fuel came (and went!). My better half spotted great savings on Saabs and we bought one. Unique? yes. Fun? Heck yes! Regrets? Absolutely none. Saab brings something very special to GM. GM would be best served seeking input from their unique division. I hope GM gives them the product, attention, and recognition they deserve!
My TS experience started after my purchase, seeking accessories to make my ride even more unique. I was so intrigued by articles by Swade that I am a daily reader. Keep up the great work!
I bought a CPO MY 2006 9-5 2.3 T, Chili Red. I absolutely love it.It my second SAAB. My first was 2004 9-3 Arc.
Keep the good work Swade and everybody!
I got my 2008 TTiD SC in july this year.
Very happy with this car. The only thing I don’t find amusing is that some strange “swirking” sound apers when crusing in minus 20 degrees celsius.
But the engine is so nice and the comfort is on par with the 04 9-5 SC I left at the dealer.
- The car is a 9-5 2.0t – Scandic – Sedan ( black/ bright leather)
– Bought in August 08 /Fuel-consumption : 7.3 litres per 100 km as a result of a passive and
friendly way of driving
– Waiting for the new SAAB 9-5 seemed to me to be a too long time and my actual 9-5
I drive without any problems ( like the ones I owned before) and I think that in future it will be
the same good feeling as today having made this decision .
Best wishes from Germany to all of you – Rudolf K.
Hi Swade,
I bought a new Dame Edna 9-5 Aero in April because you made clear that the really new 9-5 would take a long time to come. It was my 7th SAAB in 23 years, the previous one was a 2004 9-5 2.3T and before that one a 2000 9-5 2.0t. It took a long time for me to decide on it. I went to check out the BMW 5 and Audi A6 but it didn’t feel good to switch to a new brand. Now that I have driven the car for 31.000 km my dealer has gone bankrupt and I wonder what my next car will be. SAAB has lost its appeal to me, too many little annoying things that make me go over and over to the dealer. Furthermore a lot of horsepower and no way to handle it. Yet I have no good feelings on any other affordable brand. This must be a car-midlife-crisis….!
I replaced previous SC 1.8t M5 BSR with 9-3 SC TTiD Vector Automatic. We ordered the car in september ´07 and received it in jan. ´08. Main reason why I chose TTiD was because of the comments Swade wrote after his first testdrive on TTiD.
´08 felt more refined than ´06, but this ´08 had quite few misaligned parts and bits, like central console, driverside rear door + seals, handbrake lever, front windshield seal, passenger side front door seal. Nothing major, but considering that the car got stuck in quality control (some rubber hose in engine compartment needed attention) for few days I felt sh*t about those faults. All except rear door installation was corrected by the dealer when I complained.
TTiD is truly great engine, automatic transmission was a perfect fit and overall feel was good. Later this year I replaced this car by AWD crossover wagon of different brand. I needed more ground clearance and AWD. It was really, REALLY sad moment to let Saab go. Perfect solution would´ve been to be able to keep Saab as well, but financially that was definitely not possible…
Anyway, I´d choose 9-3 over A4, BMW 3 series, Merc-C etc. anytime. It´s a great car and good driving experience.
oh, how I wish I could add my name to this list…
I bought a fusion blue 2008 9-3 2.0t auto ( :c ) on 9/26 from Saab of Milford, CT, USA. Cold weather package and moonroof. I probably could have gotten it for $1000 or so less, but it’s my first car purchase. It replaced a 1997 chrysler cirrus that I had neutered while trying to pretend that I knew how to drive.
I was originally impressed by the styling of all the 2006 and 2007 models that other engineers park in the lot at work– I work in aerospace, too, so that helped. I figured the endorsement of [at least] 7 of them was a good enough reason to start looking into the car. I asked around about reliability and what to expect, and it wasn’t offsetting enough to turn me off.
I did some research and basically found that it fell into the exact mold of what I wanted in a car. I did visit TS, but it didn’t influence my decision much.
Once I managed to get a good combination of rebates [MY closeout + employee discount + good financing] I took the dive and grabbed it. I think I made the right choice.
Only issues:
-eventually plan to replace the head unit with something with a touchscreen media system.
-the a-pillar or whatever you call it + the tall headrests still takes some adjusting to
-some buzzing in one of the interior panels when the stereo is at any decent volume
-rubber/foam seal around the left rear window needs touch-up adhesive work
Everything else is butter. It’s the perfect amount of power, comfort, and individuality for me.
I bought a Viggen privately in the beginning of 2008. Sold my 1998 900 Talladega in the middle of this year. At the moment, I’ve got the 96 bug so if anyone knows of a 96 for sale in Oz, please email me at lsalle@bigpond.net.au. I prefer a V4 but a 2-stroke would look good in my driveway as well.
A white 9-3 SC Vector 1.8t BioPower 2008, cream interior and with factory tinted windows (of course) =)
I bought a Saab 9-3 TTid Vector sport this year, I actually placed the order 2007 bu I had to wait because demand was high. It is a CPO-car wich will be sold after 3 years.
The car has the same equipment as an Aero short of exterior trim and full leaterher seats. It is an absolut blast to drive and I still loves the ride.
I have taken on long trip throug Europe and with fully loaded car and average speed at 137 km/h the car only used 7.2 l/100 km. I have driven 25000 km so far and nothing has failed or broken and my first service will be in february.
The site was not in not much of help when buying but that is because I know a lot of saab to begin with. I visit here daily for more news and updates. I love it!
I ordered a 2008 2.0T SC early in December 2007, took delivery in early April.
Ordered because I had specific wants that wouldn’t be found on a dealer lot:
o polar white
o automatic
o 16 inch wheels
o no roof rails
o no sun roof
o no xenon headlamps
o no foglamps
o no full leather seats
o would have liked driver’s seat memory but it only came in a package with things I didn’t want
o parking assist
o heated seats
o added auto-dimming mirror
o bought 4 SAAB snow/wheel combos, list price $235 each mounted/balanced
o added TPMS sensors to the snows
Great assistance and deal from Meyer Garage in Iowa.
Slowly putting on miles, 500-600 a month, so I don’t know when I might need to buy another. Don’t even need to do an oil change between the free ones at the dealer.
Handles well, as expected.
No maintenance issues except that my radio was dead one morning. Turned out to be a fuse that hadn’t been pushed in all the way, solved myself.
Owned a 1982 900 3-door and a 1994 900S 5-door, base models both. This is my first turbo in 26 years of SAAB ownership, but still the base model.
Got a lot of good info from TS, like the description of how the new TPMS works. Got a lot from other sites, but a lot of noise too.
Had thought about European delivery, but it obviously wasn’t there when I bought.
Haven’t looked at 2009 info, but it seems like the number of options are down. Didn’t see park assist when I browsed.
Saint Paul, MN
The first 08 Snow Silver Bio-Power 93 sedan ordered in Australia, need I say more!
Leased an ’08 2.0T convertible from Saab of Milford to replace our ’05 convertible. Same great, solid road car (even same color) but even quieter, and the adaptive headlights, XM and OnStar are terrific! Got a lot of valuable info from TS before committing to the new Saab.
Third Saab in three years. Had 9-5 and 9-3′s in previous years and then a love affair with an Alfa 156 2.4 JTD which drove beauitifully but was falling to pieces.
Went back to Saab : this time a convertible starting with a couple of 1.8 Vector Convertibles and in 08 a black Aero conv with Hirsch engine upgrade. It is now one year old with no problems but and everyday look forward to the turbo boost on my way home from work.
Looking forward to new convertible which I am sure will be my next purchase as long as it is not toned down greatly from concept ideas.
Greetings!
After a five-year hiatus from Saab, I bought a 2008 9-3 Aero SC in September. My previous Saab had been a first-generation 9-3 which, although the most reliable Saab I ever owned, was a vehicle I never really liked. Didn’t have the soul or the rigidity of my earlier Saabs. The 9-3 Sport Combi reminds me of my old 95, 99 and 900s, except a lot, lot nicer.
The only problem we have now, is no one in our house wants to drive our Volvo wagon.
Castle,
if that is truly your one and only problem… Then: Buy another 9-3! Problem solved! (I think I will change my moniker to “Dear Rune”)
Maybe that is what SAAB should start doing. “Comes in boxes of two”.
Bought a Saab this year… two days ago actually… but its used… 1995 NG900s for 900 bucks
Based on my fun so far, I’d say a Viggen or Aero is in my future
Too bad they don’t make a hatchback coupé anymore…
Just bought an ’03 9-3 Arc on 11/26, and I’m loving it. Quite an upgrade from my 94 900 S, annd 93 9000 CSE before that.
Geez – First time on this site! As a frequent web cruiser it’s amazing I’ve not been here before! Taking you up on your request to post info on recent SAAB purchases…
Just yesterday I picked up a Turbo-X here in the western suburbs of Boston. This is now my 5th SAAB:
1987 900 Turbo – Driven 150,000 miles over 10 years
1996 9-3 T – Driven 100,000 miles over 5-6 years
2002 9-5 – Driven 40-50,000 over couple years
2006 9-3 Aero – Driven 46,000 miles to this weekend and traded in as part of Turbo-X purchase.
Also in the mix (yes, the turn of the century has been crazy!):
2000 Porsche 911 Carrera
2002 Porsche 911 Turbo
2004 Porsche Cayenne Turbo
Yes, I like something with a bit of HP and Torque!
I came to buying the Turbo-X in an unusual way. The 2006 9-3 Aero cited above developed some electrical/starting problems in early October. Over the past 7-8 weeks it’s been in the dealership for about 2 or so weeks all told with about 4 different visits. I finally got it back last Friday. After SAAB put a few thousand (according to service department) into it, they believe it’s all fixed. Fortunately, all work was under warranty. But coming up to the 50K mark I was clearly worried.
I was given 2 different loaners. A sportcombi the first go around (boring, not my style). The second was a Turbo X! Within minutes I felt like I was back inside my 911 (the carrerra, not the twin turbo!) and called my wife to give her an update and jokingly said something like “I think I found my next car”. I did some research, spoke to a couple dealers, and found one that was priced well. A factory car with about 1,500 miles on it.
It’s been a day that I’ve owned it but between that time and the time with the loaner I’ve become quote fond of it. Certainly more fun than the 9-3 Aero. (I should note that I went for the 6-speed manual vs. automatic, which probably adds to the fun!!).
I look forward to visiting this site more often and being kept apprised of the developments with SAAB, the cars, etc.
Thanks!
Welcome Bernie, you sound like an awesome new member of the TS and T-X family. I’m sure Swade is keen to learn more esp. regarding Porsche as well. Send him some pics and let’s get some serious Saab lovin’ happening.
Thanks for the welcome Turbin. I will indeed try and get some pics out here. In my interest to make my post a couple days ago i forgot the question I wanted to post to readers!!!!
Where SAAB only was going to sell 600 in the US (of the Turbo-X) I’m interested in knowing where these vehicles actually are across this fine land of ours. I would imagine a good number are right here in my backyard so to speak (Northeast) as this is definitely SAAB country. In fact, go into Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and you’d think that was a state-mandated vehicle!
Anyhow, good to join this group and am interested in the SAAB future like most here are as well!
Bernie.