This post is more of something to ponder. When looking at new or used cars, where is the better value? Typically I would answer this question with no hesitation that used is better value because the cars depreciation is the worst in the beginning and the used car has already been through the worst of the depreciation. The big thing that kills this notion is the incredible pricing that dealers are offering on new Saab’s right now. I don’t see these prices as something that excites me from the side of a new car dealer as the prices are coming from dealers losing money on every one of these cars to move old inventory, but from the side of the retail customer it is fantastic as you get a lot of car for relatively little money.
Comparing a used Saab to a new Saab, recently I have seen 2008 Saab 9-3’s on dealer lots in Canada for as much as $22000 with low millage on them. Now compare that to a brand new base model Saab 9-3 with 6spd transmission for as low as $27265. Where do you see the better value? I see it in the new because rather 20-30000kms on the engine, there are virtually 0kms. Now some will say “yes but there is no warranty”, true but a lot of the 2008 models are or just about out of their warranties as well and if warranty is a big enough issue for you, buy an extended warranty. Even if an extended warranty for 4yrs would cost you say $2000, you are still under $30,000 for a brand new Saab and pretty much a new car warranty.
Now look at other manufacturer’s cars available at or above the starting price of the 9-3 deals out there. You have Kia Optima EX luxury is $32,050.00 and yes it’s an automatic but still a Kia, Chevy Malibu LT starts at $27,970.00 again with an automatic but is also one of the quickest depreciating cars out there. Recently we had a customer come in from a Kia store and buy a 9-3 sport combi because it was a couple grand more than the Kia Forte he had been looking at and he couldn’t justify passing on a Saab as he had a 9-3 convertible as his second car.
The odd thing is that most dealers have had no problem moving used Saabs as they are a desirable used car, but have found it hard to sell the new cars in stock. With pricing of the new Saab cars falling in line with 2 year old used car prices now, it should be clear to anyone to look at new when it comes to Saab before you look at the used. This is definitely the right time for you to be buying if Saab is what you are looking for and there are plenty of dealers out there that are ready and willing to get you into the car you dream about.
Come shop here in New York. New 2011 9-5’s are 50% off list, new 2011 9-3’s are 35% off list.
My neighbor just bought home a new 9-5 – and paid what I paid (TO LEASE) my 9-5.
So depressing!
YUP! The dealer I bought my 2011 SportCombi from has fully lodaed 93x models priced at $3000 LESS than what I paid for my loaded 93 (regular) SportCombi 4 months ago.
It feels like having a hand grenade explode in my checking account.
I feel for you Eric, but honestly it is much worse for the dealer as they are eating that discount on every one they sell right now.
Would love to know which ny dealer is offering 50% off on 9-5. have not seen it quite that low and have looked hard.
northshoresaab.com
He had 29 in stock two weeks ago…not so many today! Hurry up!!
Thanks for posting the dealer name up here, it helps to get the word out. I’m sure at those kinds of prices that they won’t last and hurry up is right.
Jason, you cannot even begin to believe how much I miss my Saab. I hope the new owner loves it as much as I did.
Yes he does and it’s well taken care of. I’ve seen it a couple of times for oil changes. Hope you are enjoying your change of scenery.
What, Zippy left the fold?
Yes. Now in UK waiting for my insurance premiums to come down to a sane level so I can return. £900 a year for car insurance is a bit of a joke, IMO.
I shall be back!! I have seen a ton of new 9-5 s for under £20000. Just wish I could afford to buy one.
Mistakes happen in all industries and it has always been the best practice to admit your mistake and move on. It is never ok to just avoid it or to pretend it never happened. Sorry really shouldn’t be a hard word to say and more time should have been spent to be sure that they knew what you were trying to do as far as paying off your trade. I hope you still find what you are looking for.
You are exactly the kind of person I was trying to reach with this post. It made sense for you to purchase new because you can get more car for less or equal payment to a used one. I’m glad you enjoyed the post and you brought up the one point about payments that I had missed, so thank you for bringing it up.
I called a SAAB/GM dealer in Illinois about a 2011 (new) 9.3 XWD they had for sale for $24,500,however I would have to drive to Chicago Illinois to trade-in my Audi and pick up the SAAB. It just doesn’t make good sense to drive that far and lose money on my trade. It’s good deal for that car, sense it was originally a $36,000 car. But it does have the rather old thirsty 210hp engine. The newer engines are direct injection and more fuel efficient.
If you didn’t have a trade, you could always do the deal and ship the car to yourself. Too bad you don’t have a dealer near you that would facilitate the deal for you.
I had a call yesterday from an old friend to discuss his motoring needs.
He is a 78 year old Swede who lives in South France and drives a fully loaded 9-3 1.9 tdi 20,000km each year including one summer return trip to Sweden.
With 112,000 kms on the clock it had a history of problems including the engine cutting out on the autoroute. Even worse, the 120,000 km service would cost around €2,300 with belts and tyres.
The local Volvo dealer has offered him €5000 against a 20,000km ex demonstrator Volvo V70.
What should he do ?
mpprh, first I think they’re trying to rip him off. I wouldn’t pay more than a thousand euro for the 120k km service even at a Saab dealer. An independent would do it probably for 700 incl. a water pump and if the tires make up for an other 500, 2300 eur is way overpriced.
Second, maybe he should consider a 9-3 petrol. With the low milage -and most likely- a lightened right foot there’s a chance he will clog the diesel. Which may cause trouble ones he hits the highway ones a year.
Only Used!!!
in 06 we bought 9-3 from 04 for the half price of new with 24K miles on odometer.few months ago in october when we bought another one 9-3 from 08 this time we spend $19K vs new one for $35k(regular 9-3 with auto trans, moonroof, cold weather package, 17 inch rims and audio bose system). I know prices are high in chicagoland.
I love both SAABs.
Trust me i would like to be able to buy a new one but out of the price range for me……:(
w.
Eric, I’m sure it will be worth it for you in the end and you wouldn’t have been able to find a used car to compare to the 9-3X. 46% off is an almost unheard of discount and this car will last you a long time, good purchase I think. Enjoy.
Too funny, love your friends comment.
Just about any extended warranty company will offer extended warranties. I believe the parts issues are getting better too from what I have seen. Most warranties are around the $2000 range and you can go as high as a 72 month warranty. If you love the car and are getting an incredible deal, I would buy it. Very surprised the service guys would say you are crazy to buy one as I haven’t seen problems with the ones we sold and even my customers who bought before bankruptcy are still some of the happiest customers I have.