Somebody asked me to make a list of alternative cars to Saab.
I’m sorry but after having seen all cars on the motor show, and having seated in almost everyone, only one car made me feel similarly as a Saab.
You will find out after the jump.
This is the reason Saab can’t die. I will never be able to buy that car, I mean buying a house is less expensive, but I think any of us would love to be able to buy a car that is more than a way to get from A to B. Yes I’m passionate about Saab, and this makes me feel that a less perfect Saab is at least as good as the best of the cars, but at least I feel something for the car.
I get the impression that the Smartphone generation doesn’t feel anything any more about cars, they are either a way to get from A to B or a badge to show off, this is a little bit sad in my eyes because people building those cars are passionate, in most cases, about that, and a car costs too much to not be able to feel emotional about it.
Anyway, I know Saab will survive and I will still be able to buy a new car.
”I will never be able to buy that car”…
sounds pessimistic, RedJ
I think we should always try to do our best 🙂
Totally agree with you, that SAAB is more than just a car to get from point A to point B.
SAAB that feels like a Rolls Royce.
But why not like a good old, it’s a shame that English brand died, Bristol? Or perhaps: Aston Martin? And when talking about older cars that doesn’t exist anymore: Facel Vega? In my opinion that als are great cars, but i’ve got the same problem as RED J, i can’t pay them and when i could pay them, then i don’t have the money to restore and/or maintanance them and yes, i’m very happy with our/my SAAB(‘s).
Like Saab, the report of Bristol’s death is an exaggeration! They were taken over by a division of Fraser-Nash. CCP/VA tried but just missed out apparently.
My “wishlist” would be either SAAB or PORSCHE. But have to stick with Skoda SuperB at least 4 four years because the new company car had to be ordered and SAAB was dropped off the company car list when there was a fear of wind-down in 2009. Bummer 🙁 And the delivery time of that Skoda has already been delayed by two weeks… Gonna have it in the end of September.
Luckily I still have my old’n’trusty NG900 Turbo.
We are all of the same Spirit here on SU – obviously! =)
Ok, I would not say “No, thanks” to a car like that… but if I have a free choice…
SAAB <3 FOREVER
If the worst happens the answer is simple.
Your old Saab is you new Saab
(spend some money on it and keep it mint)
I promise to do that if the worst happens. It has already, this year, got a new turbo and some other parts and a big service (more than 150k plan says + new oil on the aut transmision. All at my Saab dealer.
If Saab goes down , I’ll still own a Saab for the rest of my life; my current 2002 9-3 SE or a 9-3 SportCombi 2008-2011 . 🙂
+1
One of the few positives about the former GM ownership is that there are planty of parts (original and aftermarket).
Saab Parts will be in business so long as there are customers needing parts.
Yes. But what I’d really hope to do one day is to buy the next 9-3 with the small petrol engine from BMW (tuned by Saab) and the eAAM rear axle. 🙂
Is this true? I already cannot get parts for my ’07. I doubt I’m the only one. After a bankruptcy the suppliers will be back to making parts? I’d like to think so. This is the number one reason I wouldn’t buy a fire-sale SAAB in the worst case scenario (which is not going to happen).
It looks like it is more problems to get parts for new (eg. 2007-2011) cars than for old (eg. 2002) cars.
Maybe the suppliers use this to force Saab or the whole situation?
My understanding is that many suppliers have paused their production of Saab parts and only makes a small production run for spare parts each month or so (as I believe they do with old models), and when Saab restarts production there will be a higher availability on spare parts for the newer cars.
Indeed. There will be a good supply of used Saabs for at least two decades.
Lexus is out of my list, for me Lexus is like buying a Toyota but paying the price twice.
Audi is not for me, there is something in that cars that says no,please.
And BMW is waaaaaaaaaaaay to expensive.
A Lexus as an alternative to a Saab?! I always thought one of the big draws of Saab to it’s customers was that it was different, Lexus in my mind is the exact opposite of that. They are very reliable but the you can’t get much more vanilla in the luxury arena than a Lexus.
I think this is the most impressive demo for the eXWD system:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvrQmTvDd5w
The difference between FWD and eXWD is truly amazing! 😀
+1 🙂
My 08 TurboX still looks like Day 1 I got it!
If anything were to ever happen to it I’d just starting using public transportation 🙁
I have a video tape of Bob Sinclair taken at the 1988 North American Saab Owners Convention. He states that if all you need is transportation to get from Point A to Point B, a Saab is more of a car than you would need. He always talked about the “soul” of a Saab and the passion for life that Saab owners had. Saab owners are different. Someone called me (because I drive a Saab) as “quirky”. I told that person that I would take that as a compliment! Griffin up!
Totally agree with Red. I feel my SAAB as a part of my body and soul. What am I going to do if SAAB dissapears? I think it is going to be very hard for me to TRY TO BUY an other car.
This statement is the most important for me in this situation:
Saab Parts will be in business so long as there are customers needing parts.
Driving Saabs for over 40 years and with actually four Saabs in our family, (one 9-5 Station, two 9-3, one 900 I cv) we will try to keep them runnig as long as possible.
By then we will not think about an alternative! I don’t find the saabish feeling in no other car here in Germany!
Alfa Romeo and Saab are two distinctive brands that their owners exhibit almost the same passion for their cars.
It’s hard to find the same attitude elsewhere in other brands targeted to and affordable by the general public.
As owner of a Saab and an Alfa I can say that Saabisti and Alfisti behave almost the same.
If I ever decide to buy another car my first choice would be Saab again, but if Saab is not there then I would go for an Alfa.
Let’s hope Saab will continue to exist and flourish.
Here in the States (and evident from folks I have worked with over many, may years), Subaru is a brand with a loyal following. Can’t say that I’ve heard of a Subaru Owners Convention but they are loyal customers nonetheless!
Funny you should mention Alfa Romeo.
After yesterdays news I looked at the Alfa Web site (looking for a possible alternative to Saab).
No Spyder anymore but the 159 and 159SW at a quick glance do look like the outgoing 9-5 and 9-5 Wagon.
It’s probably a co-incidence, but the world works in strange ways. The Saab 9000 was a platform shared with Alfa Romeo and Fiat way back when.
Are Alfa Romeo and Saab designers wired the same way still?
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I can see the current 9.3 rear side view in the AR 156SW, but not much else
Iirc, the 159 is based on the GM Premium platform developped by Saab and originally planned for the new 9-5. Still surprising that you recognise similarities!
By the way, it really seems that the platform was too massive for an Alfa, since a lot of Alfisti complained that the 159 was too heavy (at least before the first revision).
Chris,
the problem with Alfa is the current lack of models, on the exhibition there was only the Mito and the Giullietta, and the 4C but this is no production car. So Alfa is not on the list.
It is true that they have a limited car portfolio. But their looks are great in all of them.
The 159 and the 9-3 share the same category. No equivalent though for the 9-5.
What? They don’t show the 159? Their main car? What is going on there?
I don’t know, but I’ve heard somewhere that that Alfa is starting to stop the production of the 159.
Do Alfa’s still sound like a coffee grinder?
Sorry, no such feature on the Alfa’s (not yet at least). You either have to buy or prepare yourself the coffee in advance.
I couldnt agree more, Saab is more that just a car, a mode of transport. its a lifestyle, an expression and it sparks emotion.
Funny you should mention Alfa Romeo.
If I were forced to choose an alternative to Saab, Alfa is where I would look. Could it be that they also have an Individual character that sets them apart from everything else????
Sounds like the time for has come to buy a trailer.
Unfortunately the Viggen can’t have a trailer hitch, I know since I have a Viggen and a trailer.
If I would live in Europe I’d keep the Viggen and get a Saab diesel with a trailer hitch.
Probably an old Saab. if not then maybe an Alfa or Jaguar XKR or XJR (second hand). I’d rather not have to take that choice though!
+1, was very tempted by some 2005+ Jag XJR – classy car. Glad I stayed with Saab though, my 9-3 2.8T SS is often admired as is my Viggen which does not look 12 years old!
Lets put it this way, there is only one part of me I would rather not do without that my Saab. 😉
If there were no Saab it would have to be an Alfa Romeo or a BMW. I still want to drive a classic 900T16S/SPG/Aero before I die (which wont be for wuite a while I am hoping).
Go Saab
I work in Munich, Germany, and I have seen several Rolls Royces, like the one in the picture, driving in the streets of Munich but also other luxury and/or sport cars. I point them to my wife and say: “Look, there is our house driving by…”
Believe me, I have never seen not a single NG 9-5 in Munich…what a shame…
Also living in Munich, I can assure you that there are NG9-5s on the streets. Not just as many as I had hoped by now.
I seriously object to the mentioning of Porsche in this context 🙂
I probably would have cut my tongue out 10 years ago, but I agree on the Taurus SHO as an alternative. Ford has come a long way. The American alternatives for a Saab have grown which is of course the reason for the new 9-5 not flying off the dealer lots.
I agree with that assessment on conspicuous display of wealth, but on the other side….the German cars you mention (maybe Audi excepted) have a warranted reputation for quality and performance that Saab has tried desperately, and unsuccessfully, to match.
+1 on the CTS Wagon. It’s beautiful. I’ve driven the Taurus and wasn’t blown away by it. It’s competent, but felt like driving a coffin.
The VW CC is extremely worthy of consideration, as it just blows away the 9-3 in all respects, including price. High on my list would also be a Buick Regal GS
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Not much else for me….So
I will buy a very late OG9.5, when one comes up @ the right price. I’ll trade in my older 9.5 estate (03). Saw a nice 2006/7 9 5 Aero estate today for, wait for…..£2750….nice, but a bit short on the service history, so said no..
Will keep looking & keep it (with my 9K) for a few years, then maybe something else will appear to please me…..
.
Obviously the NG9.5 would be gorgeous, but I’d be worried about spares for it….
Had me very worried about the value of my 08 9-5 vector sport Tid Wagon there so chjecked with Autotrader.
Got to be something wrong with that car.
2008 diesel models are being advertised for between about £8000 to £11000 on Autotrader at the moment.
2006/7 for about £6000 to £8000.
.
There are a few very cheap ones around, that have very high miles (+150k), but this one was nice body with 88K, so it was worth a look, but as I said, only 2 service stamps[maybe more, as ex lease, 1 owner though] in 88k mile, worried me.
But there a some good ones @ around £5k……..Iid always hold their money better, though.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2006-56-SAAB-9-5-VECTOR-SPORT-BIOPOWER-ESTATE-MANUAL-BLACK-NO-RESERVE-1-OWNER-/170695913022?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item27be44ee3e#ht_2166wt_1140Please continue this OT discussion on the forum
//RedJ
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Nothing more to say…….thanks.
I’ll just pick a cheap safe car….No fuzz.
I can assure you Red J that there are in fact a lot of people that favor a car that will make an A to A trip worth while… 😉
“Would it totally destroy my rep if I said in public that I quite like the Opel Signum 3.2 Cosmo?”
Yes, you’re toast 🙂
Yeah, yeah, yeah….you’re just saying that because you can’t buy one out there in the colonies…
😉
Ivo
No he really isn’t I’m pretty sure he’s considered that quote scientifically, objectively and finally subjectivly and come up with no, no, no.
Still it could be worse you could have said Hyundai or Chevrolet.
Well, I know for a fact that GerritN actually ís a scientist… so maybe I am toast indeed 🙁
Ivo
If Saab goes under I’m sure a lot of owners will go to Audi but personally I think it’s one of the most overrated brands on the market right now. IMO, the designs are bland and depend on LED decorations to jazz things up, the perceived quality of the cars is much higher than the actual and the reliability is terrible from everything I’ve heard from friends.
I’ll be holding onto my 9-5 Aero as long as possible and then I’d consider a Porsche.
I agree on your thoughts on Audi. The last “good” Audi (in my mind) was the A2.
If I can not buy a new Saab, I will buy an old one. As I have done frequently so far ( I own six Saabs, from 1958 to 1993).
Is Boxster as good as they say it is?
hej Saabanistas!
Check out this blog from ANE. Perhaps Saab could show this concept immediately after production re-starts….. just in case anyone lost confidence. Saab up!
http://www.autonews.com/article/20110914/BLOG15/309149883/1495
Agreed. I’m probably your age and have also wondered why it is that some people’s biggest problem with a car is the -in their eyes- insufficiently performing infotainment system. Cars apparently aren’t for driving anymore, what seems to be the important aspect now is the sound of the in-car audio and the options of the phone stuff.
Ivo
Alex740
My opinion of Audi and experience from friends who drive them is the same as yours. Even a friend of mine is turning away from his TT. It’s just too problematic, with numerous electrical faults which the dealer fails to correct and charges an arm and a leg to diagnose.
WooDz,
I don’t understand why you are going to a Touran, sorry.
I’m not saying you should stay with Saab, but in your case I would buy a VW Caddy, Fiat Doblo, Opel Combo kind of car. Those cars are meant to do what you want to do and they are not that bad as a car any more.
Just a thought.
Yeah do Jag drivers smile at each other? Do Alfa Romeo drivers? its funny how even if you are not a big Saab fan (like us boys and girls) somehow everyone knows they are in an exclusive little club.
I got a really nice smile from a blonde 9-3 driver yesterday as I pulled up at the petrol pump in my old black 1989 900 t16 Aero.
it cost me £80
Worth every penny.
Expensive smile… She a professional girl? Or were you maybe referring to a different ‘exclusive little club’ next to the gas station this time?
🙂
Ivo
Does the above pictured vehicle allow me to tow a horse trailer?
Can I do a speed travel from here to my parents’ without refuelling?
Is it available in a version without pathetic design?
If not, I feel it is not for me. Well, I am more of a Bentley fan anyway;-)
a) Don’t know, but I don’t need it.
b) Don’t know where your parents live.
c) The design is not pathetic. I’m sorry but the media tell the normal people to downsize but the better off are not willing to.
d)Compared with the Mulsane, the Ghost offers more for the penny, if this is of importance, and I didn’t like the fact that the whole interior in the Mulsane is covered with leather, it was like sitting in a leather bag.
=)
Thyl,
to own such a car means to have another way of living, some questions you are asking are no more of interest 😉
The way of living? I do not concur ;-). I just don’t want to own several specialised cars, just to find myself at 11 pm in the stable with the wrong car and an ill horse that needs to be transported to the hospital _now_. I don’t want I long distance car that can potentially drive fast, but ruins the average speed by it’s need for frequent refueling. And I don’t want to be seen in such a monster truck. This is irrespective of my income and way of living.
There are rumors that Audi and BMW will come with cars comparable to the new Saab 9.5 in about three to four years … these will some form of exclusivity the first 6 months….:-)