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.

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!

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…

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”.

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.