As the title suggests, I am seriously considering an automatic in my next C900 convertible. I’ve been a stickler about all of my Saabs having a manual transmission. So much so that I went well out of my way to get a 9-5 with the manual.
However, circumstances have significantly changed for me with the new company car in the driveway and the fact that my travels will be much more weighted locally rather than halfway across the country each week as I’m prone to do now. In the past, I could let my wife drive the company vehicle virtually 100% of the time since my car is parked at the airport 3-4 days per week anyway. Thus, she willl need a car that she can easily drive when I’m away in Memphis or Louisville for two days or so.
Additionally, there seems to have been a very strong preference for the automatic transmission in the 900 convertibles when new. I estimate that the availability here in the United States is about 3:1 automatic-to-manual transmission. Quite simply, I’m ruling out some cars in great condition if I don’t consider an automatic.
On the flip side, I could be rid of the 9-5, replace with a daily driver for my wife, and get the manual 900 ‘vert for me. However, I like the brownie points of letting my wife drive the convertible when I’m gone. She really enjoys that idea.
Feedback requested.
For an idea of the current cars that I have to choose from, take the jump.
1992 900S Manual
1993 900S Manual
1993 900 Turbo Automatic
1994 900S Automatic
1994 900 Turbo Auto (could the advertising picture be any worse? Wash it, please!)
1990 900 Turbo Manual
1993 Monte Carlo — the only one that I will consider buying long distance, and it’s tempting.
