Kyle - Up earlier than usual I just re-read through this entire thread. The impression I get is that you really like the 9-3 and simply wanted some confirmation about them you're not getting.

You need to realize we are a bunch who love punchy fun cars like Minis. If we aspire to bigger $ cars that's also what most of us would like. That's to say you are asking a prejudiced group. If you consulted a Lumina owners site (gawd help you ) they'd probably say 9-3s are too quirky and sporty.

Clearly you really like em. If so, maybe it would be a great car for you. More power to you. It isn't as if they are bad cars, but just designed for different needs/wishes than Minis etc.

You should go where your passion takes you. All I would ask is that you at least try out a MC/MCS first. Again, I own both a 900 and a plain Mini. I prefer the Mini even on long trips. But we'll still be your friend if you go Saab.:smile: :smile: :smile:

- Dr. Phil*

*alter ego since I can't stand under-informed advice spewers like I've just been.

 

inioway is right. We're not the emblem chasing type...well, at least Im not.

That emblem better prove to us that it's worth the price during the test drive...otherwise we go elsewhere.

but yah, we'll still talk to ya even if you went with the 9-3. j/k j/k

 

and what if I bought an S40?...LOL

 

I can't speak for kenchan or others, but I would still respect you in the morning.

 

Kyle, test-drive as many different marques as you can before you make this very important choice. Have fun doing it, too! Let us know your favorite!


Clover

 

I am finally beginning to like the appearance of the Saab, but I understand the marque is in trouble. Sharing a platform with other GM products might defray costs, but it is no longer the individualistic car I used to hate. My friend still drives his 16 year old Saab so it must be durable.

I believe Saab has been comfortably ensconced in the Volvo/Saab/Subaru clique if that is considered prestigious company. I recall when most of my friends bought either Volvo or Saab, but now the less rigid ones have opted for Subaru. However Toyota's Prius has made people question their automotive smugness and has upset otherwise predictable conversations held over grilling veggies.

Perhaps the prestige of an automotive marque can no longer be counted upon to last as long as the vehicle itself. You ought to buy a car because you like it and not for what it represents. In that I tend to agree with others on NAM. Test drive everything and share your experiences. I am especially interested in a MINI driver's impressions of the Scion Xa and Lotus Elise. Thanks.

Best wishes.

 

I haven't test driven one yet, so I wouldn't know. :smile:
I was never a volvo-type..this is strictly based on asthetic reasons.
I only test drive cars that are/were candidates for me to buy.

come to think of it, if you can find a slighly used I30 or I35, you might
actually like it better than the 9-3Aero. Although it might not have the
nice styling as the 9-3Aero, the I30 is a nicer overall commuter type car
with a punchy low-torque V6, nice leather interior, plenty room inside,
and large trunk to haul your suitcases, golf clubs, etc. Handling is actually
quite responsive and damped on Tokico struts.

 

My brother replaced his Saab 9-3 with a MINI S. Loves the MINI. Once upon a time I was a Saab driver before they were discovered by the left of center MB crowd. I had 2 early Saab's -- a '71 95 (wagon) and a '77 99. The 95 was probably one of the best cars I've ever owned. Got great gas mileage, was very reliable, would go off road like a biiy goat, and was very rare and different. My 99 model was, without doubt, the very worst car I ever owned. At no time did everything on the car work; there was always something that needed to be repaired or replaced. Finally it committed suicide by setting itself on fire. Really, it did. Middle of a very hot night heading south from San Francisco on I-5. Flames belching from under the hood. Very dramatic and very scary as the surrounding brush was an August tinder waiting to ignite. A very eccentric experience.
Now that Saab rests comfortably in the loving bosom of General Motors you can be assured that it is on a high speed race to mediocrity. If I were you, I'd take a big pass on a Saab. There is a reason their resale value sucks.

 

I think I'll have to pass on the warmed over last generation Maxima...lol

Nice car, not my style at all. I could possibly see myself in a G35 or 350Z, both of which I haven't seriously considered, but maybe I should.

 

oh well.

So, did you ever get a chance to test drive the MCS?

 

No, not yet. The only cars I've driven are the S40 and the 9-3.

Have you had any experience with the 350Z? I'm starting to become mildly interested in that as well. It has the flashy looks and unique feel that I look for in a car.

 

yeh, 350Z's are sporty coupes with plenty of torque, but not a sports
car. might do it for you if you don't need the rear seats or not much
trunk space (rear strut bar in the way for most luggage). I was never a
big fan of the 350Z's styling.

If you get a lot of snow, not a good all year car unless you get
snow tires. :smile: