Unfortunately, I made the mistake of test-driving a bright red 2005 Saab 9-3 yesterday and loved it, even though it was the less powerful base model Linear with the crap sound system and light pressure turbo. I also d!ck around at the Saab dealer the day before and played with some newer 9-3s just to get a feel for the clutch and shifter.
SO... here's my dilemma. I have a serious itch for yet another Saab, a 2003-2005 9-3 sedan.
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ARGUMENTS IN FAVOR OF KEEPING VOLVO:
Cool pop-up navigation display capable of playing iPod video if I decide to be irresponsible and purchase an input adapter.
Truly OUTSTANDING Dolby Pro-Logic sound system
A mountain of torque, responsive turbo
Smooth and comfortable ride
Really outstanding seats
Seriously good fun to romp on. I-5 turbo makes a beautiful sound.
SMELLS AWESOME INSIDE
ONE OWNER. I think it was a Jewish lady based on the name, and she took excellent care of it.
ARGUMENTS AGAINST KEEPING VOLVO:
Heavy clutch
Notchy, heavy shifter
Not enough communication from suspension or tires
Steering is accurate in routine driving but needs more feedback
Suspension isn't as tight as it ought to be (fixable)
A bit too "adult"
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ARGUMENTS IN FAVOR OF BUYING A SAAB 9-3 ARC/VECTOR/AERO:
Snickety shifter feels just like a Mazda
Light and easy clutch
Responsive chassis, built on GM Epsilon platform. The whole car feels light and eager to play.
Neat looking interior with option of white leather and door panels and BUTTONS GALORE (I'm 12)
Lots of discounts through Saab Club North America, of which I am a dues-paying member
Very little torque steer
Possibility of another road trip
ARGUMENTS AGAINST BUYING A SAAB 9-3:
Waste of another $450 in taxes, inspection fees, and registration
Some GM-ness all around
More things to fix on another used car
Interior and overall build quality not as good as Volvo
Audio system inferior to Volvo
No navigation
Seats not quite as supportive as the Volvo
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TIED:
Snow traction
Fuel economy
Resale value (poor for both, not much further down to go)
Maintenance costs (somewhat high for both)
Styling
Serviceable by my regular all-Swedish mechanic, which includes free pickup and delivery.
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WILDCARD: Lincoln LS
RWD
A bit short on power, Duratec V6 is overwhelmed
Clutch feels heavy
Shift pattern is odd, reverse is to the left of first gear
A bit heavy, but within reason considering the size of the car
Shifts reasonably well with short throws
Gobs of comfort
Outstanding platform
Excellent steering and handling
Very difficult to find with the right price and condition
Sound system is completely forgettable
No nav
Big American sedan + manual transmission = Awesome
Interior is well made with high quality leather and beautiful wood trim, but it smells like a Mercury Sable :/
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CHINESE FOOD
MSG is bad
Too much salt
Good value for money
Broccoli beef sometimes includes broccoli that isnt fully cooked
Sweet and sour chicken is occasionally too sweet without enough sour
Feels good, man
