After closer scrutiny I actually like the Saab 9-5
#16
Lexus Fanatic
You and I both know, though, that Hyundai/Kia depreciation is probably more than their quality level and attractiveness actually merits. Because of their old (1990's) outdated reputation for being lemons, many potential used-car buyers, still living in the past, are afraid to invest in them, driving down their value.
With Saab, it's not necessarily the same problem.......people just aren't buying them in large numbers as NEW cars, so there aren't that many used ones on the market.
With Saab, it's not necessarily the same problem.......people just aren't buying them in large numbers as NEW cars, so there aren't that many used ones on the market.
#17
Most (actual) premium car buyers (including me) will not select a Saab when dropping chunks of car money due to mediocre design(s), performance, technology, styling, resale value combined with the poor reliability/quality. As I mentioned earlier, my money's not touching it.
I do find the recent versions to be somewhat interesting from an enthusiasts standpoint only.
#18
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Yes, I'm aware of the reliability problems past and present, certainly not impressive. I won't be waiting to see how the reliability pans out.
Most (actual) premium car buyers (including me) will not select a Saab when dropping chunks of car money due to mediocre design(s), performance, technology, styling, resale value combined with the poor reliability/quality. As I mentioned earlier, my money's not touching it.
I do find the recent versions to be somewhat interesting from an enthusiasts standpoint only.
Most (actual) premium car buyers (including me) will not select a Saab when dropping chunks of car money due to mediocre design(s), performance, technology, styling, resale value combined with the poor reliability/quality. As I mentioned earlier, my money's not touching it.
I do find the recent versions to be somewhat interesting from an enthusiasts standpoint only.
#19
You and I both know, though, that Hyundai/Kia depreciation is probably more than their quality level and attractiveness actually merits. Because of their old (1990's) outdated reputation for being lemons, many potential used-car buyers, still living in the past, are afraid to invest in them, driving down their value.
With Saab, it's not necessarily the same problem.......people just aren't buying them in large numbers as NEW cars, so there aren't that many used ones on the market.
With Saab, it's not necessarily the same problem.......people just aren't buying them in large numbers as NEW cars, so there aren't that many used ones on the market.
As for the Saab, I like it as compared to other Saabs. As compared to other cars, not so much; and that interior is just atrocious.
#20
Lexus Fanatic
#21
But my point with my above post was that regular premium car buyers (even if they have more disposable income on average) often are educated and careful with money and are unwilling to pay premium car prices for marginal so called premium cars such as Saabs. The non-monetary reasons I listed above plus the financially-oriented reasons (poor reliability/poor quality/poor resale value/so-so customer service/dwindling dealer network) are important to these buyers.
Last edited by IS-SV; 08-27-10 at 01:37 PM.
#23
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I know of one person personally that bought a new Saab in maybe 10-15 years.
#24
I liked the look of the old Saabs and the last gen 9-5 looks pretty good with some mods. This one doesn't quite do it for me, they have their characteristic front but the back seems misplaced from prior styling.
#25
The reality is that premium car buyers who are careful with money shop at dealerships other than Saab.
#26
Lexus Fanatic
While I don't want to see ANOTHER auto company to fail I don't see many buying this. For one its not class leading in anything and two the competition is too good and three there is no confidence in the brand.
I know of one person personally that bought a new Saab in maybe 10-15 years.
I know of one person personally that bought a new Saab in maybe 10-15 years.
#27
Only a couple of Saab dealerships near center of import-rich Silicon Valley to support declining interest in these cars.
I know exactly zero people that currently own a Saab.
I know exactly zero people that currently own a Saab.
#28
Lexus Champion
I just remembered, there is a small Saab only dealership not too from me (Flikkema Saab). It's been there for years and I don't know how they stay in business with just one brand like that.
Last edited by LexBob2; 08-29-10 at 10:03 AM.
#29
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Same here in cars-of-all-types rich Chicago. The nearest dealer to me is a combo Cadillac-Buick-GMC-Saab store.
I just remembered, there is a small Saab only dealership not too from me (Flikkema Saab). It's been there for years and I don't know how they stay in business with just one brand like that.
I just remembered, there is a small Saab only dealership not too from me (Flikkema Saab). It's been there for years and I don't know how they stay in business with just one brand like that.
#30
That's about as unflattering as lighting and angle can possibly get for a car interior shot.
With that said I'm not sure what to think. I like the gauge cluster and steering wheel and seats. The center stack is a little too industrial for me. I guess it's the 'fighter jet' thing. The same thing I don't like about the Nissan GT-R's center stack.
Exterior is unique and decent looking but almost looks a little like the designers were somewhat emulating Chrysler's 'classic gangster' design, but in Euro interpretation.
For 50 grand I'd give it a test drive but I'm pretty sure my money would be heading elsewhere.
Speaking of Saab.. the last remaining Saturn dealer in the Memphis area is talking about taking them up as a brand and selling Saab exclusively from their location since there aren't any dedicated Saab dealers around here. We have one but it also sells Caddy and it's not really in the city anyway.
I *think* that might enable them to continue to do GM warranty work on Saturn vehicles even though Saab isn't really GM now.
With that said I'm not sure what to think. I like the gauge cluster and steering wheel and seats. The center stack is a little too industrial for me. I guess it's the 'fighter jet' thing. The same thing I don't like about the Nissan GT-R's center stack.
Exterior is unique and decent looking but almost looks a little like the designers were somewhat emulating Chrysler's 'classic gangster' design, but in Euro interpretation.
For 50 grand I'd give it a test drive but I'm pretty sure my money would be heading elsewhere.
Speaking of Saab.. the last remaining Saturn dealer in the Memphis area is talking about taking them up as a brand and selling Saab exclusively from their location since there aren't any dedicated Saab dealers around here. We have one but it also sells Caddy and it's not really in the city anyway.
I *think* that might enable them to continue to do GM warranty work on Saturn vehicles even though Saab isn't really GM now.