Piston Slap: The Last SAAB = Good Deal?
I got my 2007 9-3 serviced at the Falls Church, VA Saab dealership. My question: They had new (2011) 9-5s for $20,000 off the sticker price. Almost half off. Are they a good deal? Would you buy one?
Sajeev answers:
I initially regretted my delay in answering this Piston Slap email, as the queue is long and unfortunate to a time sensitive matter like leftover Saab inventory. But then I found 167 new SAABS still for sale as of yesterday. Who-hoo! I dodged a bullet while these poor dealers still have laggards on their floorplan.
The question isn’t about buying this Saab, but about buying any Saab: are they ever a good deal? NO!
But that’s not the point…if you actually like Saabs, you don’t mind spending far too much money on these repair/maintenance whores. Or you love them enough to make their repair a personal hobby, complete with all the tools of the trade. Either way, yes, this is the BEST time to buy a new Saab. The prices will be good and you’ll never have this opportunity! Ever again!
You wrote to TTAC because you like Saabs. And you get them serviced at the dealer, which implies you have the money to keep them running properly. So if you want to run a 2011 model into the ground, you might have that opportunity. And who knows, the whole GM-SAAB-China thing is still unfolding, perhaps you will have ample supply of spare parts in the future.
Your last question: would I buy one? I already bought one of the last Ford Rangers back in 2011…so no, I’m gonna enjoy that same feeling but without the nightmarish downsides of Turbo Saab ownership. And yes, there are still 98 new Rangers for sale—two are of the 4-cyl, 5MT variety like mine–if you wish to join me on the dark side. Or bright side. Either way.
Send your queries to sajeev@thetruthaboutcars.com. Spare no details and ask for a speedy resolution if you’re in a hurry.
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"In Houston, I imagine you would be well and truly screwed trying to get one fixed." Yes, it is tumble weeds down here, even when SAAB was fully marketed. But there are 5-6 independent shops who know their SAAB stuff, so we'll make it. In 30k on my 2004 9-3 Aero convertible, my repairs have been a headlight and the top's hydraulic mechanism. I wisely bought the extended warranty. My only remaining challenge is one of my wheels has a slow leak - have to air it up every week. Oh and my passenger door lock hasn't worked with the remote from Day 1. Meanwhile, my car is a blast to drive. I have the 6 speed with the sport suspension, and it flies. I love the look of the 9-4X, and I'm in the market for a small crossover, but not sure if I'd pay $45k for one. 25? Maybe....
Any car that has sat and sat for 2 years is not a true 'new' car anymore. Dry rot and deterioraed fluids. Also, weren't most of these 'new' SAABs sitting in NJ lot next to ocean, and salty sea air? The excuses people make to have own 'something different' are funny. WHy not just buy a newer Buick Regal? What was the big deal about GM SAAB's, other than Swedish name and the silly key in the console?