RE: The Saab Saga: It's over
Discussion
I had a 2006 9-3 Aero convertible, apart from the build quality being a little plasticky I really liked that car alot for what it was.
Not nice for the factory people at christmas either. I was only saying to my wife yesterday as we passed our local Saab dealer that I could only se one Saab on the forecourt amongst all of the Mitsubishi's that they recently took the franchise on for.
My comment was that i bet they ditch Saab with the next couple of months, looks like it will be much sooner.
Not nice for the factory people at christmas either. I was only saying to my wife yesterday as we passed our local Saab dealer that I could only se one Saab on the forecourt amongst all of the Mitsubishi's that they recently took the franchise on for.
My comment was that i bet they ditch Saab with the next couple of months, looks like it will be much sooner.
I think most people that talk about Saab today only must have experienced ,post GM when they talk of poor build quality and plastics etc.
Pre GM was like a completely different brand.
Quentin Wilson once said "The Saab 900, built like a Merc, safe as a Volvo, and, so much cooler, than a BMW"
"The sort of build quality that would give a British shop steward a heart attack"
Pre GM was like a completely different brand.
Quentin Wilson once said "The Saab 900, built like a Merc, safe as a Volvo, and, so much cooler, than a BMW"
"The sort of build quality that would give a British shop steward a heart attack"
Edited by ads1377 on Tuesday 20th December 21:16
ess said:
Always admired the care which went into Saab styling; totally unique.
Finally gave in to a 2002 9-3 2.0T in 2009.
Sold shortly after in 2010.
Unfortunately it really was style over substance.
Have not driven the latest 9-5.
But christ is that one of the most beautiful saloons available.
That is a lovely looking car! Those alloys are brilliant! Pity it didn't work out for you, but different cars for different people i guess!Finally gave in to a 2002 9-3 2.0T in 2009.
Sold shortly after in 2010.
Unfortunately it really was style over substance.
Have not driven the latest 9-5.
But christ is that one of the most beautiful saloons available.
samsoon19 said:
ess said:
Always admired the care which went into Saab styling; totally unique.
Finally gave in to a 2002 9-3 2.0T in 2009.
Sold shortly after in 2010.
Unfortunately it really was style over substance.
Have not driven the latest 9-5.
But christ is that one of the most beautiful saloons available.
That is a lovely looking car! Those alloys are brilliant! Pity it didn't work out for you, but different cars for different people i guess!Finally gave in to a 2002 9-3 2.0T in 2009.
Sold shortly after in 2010.
Unfortunately it really was style over substance.
Have not driven the latest 9-5.
But christ is that one of the most beautiful saloons available.
Pistachio said:
samsoon19 said:
ess said:
Always admired the care which went into Saab styling; totally unique.
Finally gave in to a 2002 9-3 2.0T in 2009.
Sold shortly after in 2010.
Unfortunately it really was style over substance.
Have not driven the latest 9-5.
But christ is that one of the most beautiful saloons available.
That is a lovely looking car! Those alloys are brilliant! Pity it didn't work out for you, but different cars for different people i guess!Finally gave in to a 2002 9-3 2.0T in 2009.
Sold shortly after in 2010.
Unfortunately it really was style over substance.
Have not driven the latest 9-5.
But christ is that one of the most beautiful saloons available.
Loved the car and probs the best car i've had so far.
Okay the handling wasnt great but it was huge fun trying to get the best out of it.
The problem with SAAB's now was the 93 was dull. My old 2000 93 was soo much faster than the BM's and Audi's in the same price bracket and it had the toys thrown in too. The newer 93 was slow and that wonderful dash of the previous model destroyed by dull cheap plasic.
I couldnt wait to get back in mine after test driving it at the launch.
The new 95 looks fantastic and i admire anyone who brought one.
But the fact is its an Insignia in a pretty dress and makes me wondeer why they priced it soo high compaired with the vauxhall.
Even the steering wheels are the same but with a different badge!
My Insignia build quality is sh!t so why would anyone pay extra for it?
Shame its gone......but not forgotten!
sparkster8 said:
Madmatt74 said:
RIP SAAB. Loved my 2000 93 2.0 LPT SE Coupe and always wanted another one.
If the chinese want the tech can they not just buy the car and strip it?
Or isnt there a company in France that does it and provides the info at a cost?
I had a Rover and there gone.
Replaced for a SAAB who are gone too!
That was replaced with a Vauxhall so i suspect they will be next!
If this was to continue it wouldnt be a bad thing as my next company car is a s
tty Peugoet! 
Couldn't you have gone for a Peugeot first? Followed by a Kia perhaps and then a Vauxhall and left Saab and Rover alone as I always liked them !If the chinese want the tech can they not just buy the car and strip it?
Or isnt there a company in France that does it and provides the info at a cost?
I had a Rover and there gone.
Replaced for a SAAB who are gone too!
That was replaced with a Vauxhall so i suspect they will be next!
If this was to continue it wouldnt be a bad thing as my next company car is a s
tty Peugoet! Unfortunatley i dont get a choice with the next car (Pug)
Sh!t the stepdad has a TVR!!!
Right thats it, Only french cars for the family from now on!!!!
williamp said:
I am struggling to think of any "saab innovations" which have been really useful. That button to kill the interior lights? The handbrake key thing??
Sticking to a 2 stroke engine when everyone else had gone to 4 stroke.
Seriosuly, what innovations?
The 'handbrake key thing' served two purposes; firstly, it was a security feature as it locked the car into reverse gear which meant that it was near enough impossible to nick and secondly it was a safety feature, as in the event of a front end crash you didn't lose your kneecaps. The night panel function is great for tired eyes on long night time drives. How about headlamp wash wipe in 1970, cabin pollen filters in 1978, ABS on front wheel drive cars in 1987 I could go on, but Saab did have some genuinely useful innovations. Sticking to a 2 stroke engine when everyone else had gone to 4 stroke.
Seriosuly, what innovations?
I've had three saab's a 900 Turbo 16s, 95 saloon and my current car is a 95 Aero Estate. Whilst all three have foibles they have proved to be pretty tough, reasonably reliable but comfortable, fast and fun. Whilst BM's Audi's et al are better built they are pretty anonymous and are as exciting as white goods.
Saab's are left field cars for left field people.
Edited by ralphred1965 on Wednesday 21st December 13:33
It's interesting that for many years Saab insisted that blown four pots were adequate for luxury cars when the opposition provided sixes - and unfortunate that Saab bows out just as the rest of the industry joins their point of view.
(Not convinced personally, though I guess luxury cars with so much sound insulation that you can't really hear them are the best place for them)
(Not convinced personally, though I guess luxury cars with so much sound insulation that you can't really hear them are the best place for them)
otolith said:
It's interesting that for many years Saab insisted that blown four pots were adequate for luxury cars when the opposition provided sixes - and unfortunate that Saab bows out just as the rest of the industry joins their point of view.
(Not convinced personally, though I guess luxury cars with so much sound insulation that you can't really hear them are the best place for them)
Thing is, they arrived at that conclusion during the 1973 oil crisis, realising that you could get six-cylinder power from four with a turbo.(Not convinced personally, though I guess luxury cars with so much sound insulation that you can't really hear them are the best place for them)
Without their research in this field, this recipe won't work as effectively.
Quite. I'm not a big fan of turbocharging, four cylinder engines or front wheel drive, but I must admit that the 9-5 we've just bought is an effective solution to getting from A-B in comfort and with the minimum hassle. There's enough insulation from sound and vibration that you can barely hear or feel the thing and it's massively spacious. It's a very rational architecture. It just isn't really fun.
traffman said:
This months Lurker award to......... congrats.
me lurking ?? or the car lol cars been great,it can be parked up for 6 months and fires on the button,well not immeadiatly as i turn it over with the HT lead out to get the oil round first,but must admit,she's a handfull on twisty roads if im playing,i'm surprised the front tyres last as long as they have lol.We've just completed our first big trip in the 9-5 - Wiltshire to Manchester to Blackpool yesterday and then Blackpool to Wiltshire today. It really is a hugely comfortable mile-muncher. Did large chunks of it with the passenger asleep. It was my turn in the passenger seat from Birmingham to Cirencester. Reclined, swab tilted back, heating on, I was unconscious in minutes. It's more comfortable than my sofa.
I suppose "sporty" is what sells luxury cars, which is idiotic. The Rover 75 was comfortable and relaxing too.
I suppose "sporty" is what sells luxury cars, which is idiotic. The Rover 75 was comfortable and relaxing too.
gym said:
HI DOES VOLVO CARS NOT BELONG TO THE CHINESE AFTER FORD SOLD IT OFF? SO WHY IS GM SO AFRAID.
Oh dear, another one who hasn't been bothered to read any of the preceding posts! Just in case anyone else has missed it:
1) GM are getting a decent amount of cash from a Chinese firm building GM cars in China under licence
2) Said Chinese firm might get cheesed off paying for this exclusive deal when another Chinese firm buys it via SAAB
3) GM are protecting their interests and that of their partner firm
Whether you think that SAAB has anything worthwhile to give is a matter of opinion, Youngman-Lotus-Pangda might decide to buy up a few 95s and photocopy them but at least GM won't have been seen to condone it.
FWIW I still fancy a Saab, has anyone seen any good blowout deals? Advertised prices seem firm, would a visit to the dealers force their hand?
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