RE: Saab Convertible Celebrates 25th Anniversary

[NiceCupOfTea]

esvcg said:

NiceCupOfTea said:

esvcg said:

If a buyer had the money to get the bmw 3/merc c/audi a4 and still wanted to not 'run with the crowd' a lexus, infiniti, jaguar, top line subaru, citreon c6 would make a better choice.

All of whom are notable for the lack of a 4 seat convertible in their lineup!

err saab make the most of their sales from 9-3 and 9-5 four door and estates, so although the convertible is important to the range it most certainly is not the cash cow of the range!

If saabs only unique selling point is a fairly old chassis 4 door convertible then they're stuffed!

All good but I thought this thread was about the Saab Convertible?

[henrycrun]

I don't remember ever seeing one topless. Must keep my eyes peeled...

[Astra Dan]

I've always loved Saabs, even before I knew they were GM-owned (so no loyalty issues. I loved my GM900 for it's total anonymity to those not in the know, but really impressive to those who did know.

I know this isn't strictly relevant, but it always annoys me on Saab threads, none the less.
the 1994 to 2002 Saab 900s and 9-3s were Astra based, NOT Cavalier (wider, different rear beam) or Vectra (IRS).

[tombar]

I've got a '99 vert - the light pressure turbo one. Rationally speaking, it has wobbly handling, loads of scuttle shake, a stiff ride, a cramped footwell, has cost me a fair bit on new front uprights and hood hydraulics, and has a rusty rear arch. I spend many journeys waiting for the bulkhead to tear or the (original at 140k) clutch to go bang. But I love it. It has so much character, loads of room, a great hood, and it shifts really well in mid range, a nice interior and heated seats are toasty.

However, I have also noticed that most other 'verts are driven by middle aged women....and I'm not a middle aged woman, not last time I looked anyway ....

[anonymous-user]

Not bad cars at all for the money. My wife has a 2004 2.0t with all the extras/ Owned it for 5 years & it has been faultless (apart from rubbish stereo, worse than c1989 Ford Sierra & uneconomic to upgrade). The prettiest convertible saloon with the roof off IMHO. I'm sure I read somewhere that it is still the best selling convertible saloon. Not as well built as the usual German suspects, but far cheaper & a more forgiving ride on Britains Beirut style road surfaces...

[drivin_me_nuts]

I still have a 900t16 s upon my driveway awaiting restoration. It was by far the best car I've ever owned in terms of reliability, comfort and the sense of occasion it gave. It had a few tweeks along the way that meant it had about 220bhp. Handling wise the scuttle shake was terrible, but it was all part of the charm - as was its extraordinary ability to go round corners far far faster than a car of that type should! The only real competitor at the time if I remember correctly was the E30 and the saab was a far nicer place to be.

[GBB]

sinbaddio said:

108,000 miles in two years in a 93 Aero cabriolet (it was two years old at the time) and it was awesome. It was quick, economical, super reliable, fun and my two young sons who were 3 & 5 had more than ample room in the back. And permanent grins on their faces!

That was why I bought the one I had - biggest space in the back vs BMW or Audi equivalents. Plus cheaper as well. Loved it though not as well built as BMW/Audi equivalents but £5K saving made that worthwhile.

[Rovinghawk]

DCLane said:

torres del paine said:

I loathe these things.
Dreary car always driven at a snails pace by bouffanted middle-aged women.

I've got one - I'll confirm three things:

1. I've not got a bouffant, nor am female,
2. Middle-aged ... yes
3. Snail's pace ... definately not.

Likewise.

RH