If you could do it again?

[BJB]

On Sunday Morning I fell asleep at the wheel of my '06 M45 and ran into an Oak Tree at 60 MPH. Thank God I was in an awesome car, if not, I do not want to think about what would have happened. I am fine... a little soar and very thankful.

I will post some pics of the car soon. Amazingly, there was very little damage past the front of the front doors. In fact, the front doors still worked normally. The car was totalled, so I will have to buy a new car.

So here's the question. If you could do it over again, would you buy another M45? More specifically, if you would buy another M45, would you upgrade in any way? I had a regular M45 with the Journey package and chrome rims. Would you upgrade to the sport? Technology package?

I would love to know what you guys think.

Thanks.

[bamaSAAB]

sorry to hear...glad you're OK!!!! To answer your question, I would buy Nav again...wouldn't have the first time..didn't think I'd ever use it, but I do...got it because it was on the car I wanted. I wouldn't buy the sport...at least without a lengthy trial. I spent a day in a sport.....the seats look the same but are much tighter in width...too narrow for my wide figure. The ride/handling is similar under normal driving conditions..a little rougher on the interstate seams...I may move up to a 45 next time..but the 35 is sufficient...with Nissan probably taking over GM, I may be able to return to a re-invented SAAB...my true love in autos...pre-GM of course...

[TXSJaybird]

BJB,

Very glad to have you alive and posting. Thats some scary stuff.

In regards to your question...I would think we should be asking YOU that very same question

After going thru something like that...do you think the M offered excellent safety (as reported) compared to something else you could have been driving?

Well since you asked...if I had to do it over again, I would have gotten NAV, and stayed away from the sport model. I fell for the looks (again) but day after day of city driving wears on me.

I do want to see the pics, as hard as its gonna be!

[szh]

Oh, man! Ouch.

Glad to hear you are mostly okay!

Z

[BJB]

I hate to hear that about the sport... that was the one upgrade that I was going to make. Here are the pics.

As for my opinion of the safety. I am blown away. As you can see, I hit the tree really, really hard. There was basically no damage past the engine compartment. One interesting thing that did happen was that the trunk button, VSC button and a few other buttons were dislodged from the dashboard and it left empty holes in the dash... weird.

I am pretty sure that a cheaper car or a rear engine car (almost bought a 911) would have ended up much worst.

[BJB]

One more.

[szh]

Ouch!!! That is pretty darn scary.

Z

[BJB]

Can anyone confirm that the seats in a sport are more narrow than the seats in a base?

[bamaSAAB]

I don't think they are actually narrower...just feel that way as the edges are much stiffer...they may be fine for you. I just suggest you drive one for more than a couple minutes...I didn't really notice the difference at the dealership..but I had the car for a couple hours...Really I just need to drop about 50lbs and all would be fine! Don't let my fat a_ _ discourage you. Incidentally most people who ride in my car for the first time think the seats are too hard.....I think they're fine?!?

[TXSJaybird]

Holy crap. Thats hard to look at an M in that state...but it sure looked like it took a beating well. Wow.

Im pretty sure the seats are exactly the same in base and sport models.

BTW, dont let me (or anyone) steer you out of a sport model, if thats your thing and you dont mind a somewhat harsher ride for performance sake, than by all means go for it. I will say that for a sport model, compared to other makes, its not as harsh.

Incidentally, I drove a non sport today, and while I couldnt completely push it to the limits, I got on it, and it didnt feel too much different than the sport. I was pretty surprised...

[elwesso]

I think more/less its the tires, as the sport comes with different (summer performance) tires if memory serves... Maybe not. My point is i think a lot of the difference will the tires as far as harshness.. The Sport has the rear active steer which i like (I have basically the same thing on my 94 Q45t)... Id get the sport again, i didnt think it was harsh at all when i drove one... It was actually a little more PLUSH than I was expecting, then again i have a race car suspension in mine!!!

Either way, your M performed as it should, and while the car is nice, its designed to protect the driver.. you should get another one... I am certainly glad you are still posting with us!!!

[bamaSAAB]

the bolsters are different...they are harder and tighter..to hold you in better...work fine if you're not too wide. If you press the edge of the seat of both models, the difference is obvious...if you are narrow, you'll never notice the difference except in a high G force manuver...then the sport seats keep you in place better...

[TXSJaybird]

the bolsters are different...they are harder and tighter..to hold you in better...work fine if you're not too wide. If you press the edge of the seat of both models, the difference is obvious...if you are narrow, you'll never notice the difference except in a high G force manuver...then the sport seats keep you in place better...

Hot damn, youre right Bama. I tested a M35 non sport, and there is a difference in the side bolsters! Slight, but there.

And here I thought I knew my Ms.....in fact, until yesterday I didnt know there was a MAXIPAD in the first aid kit?!?

[bamaSAAB]

...and enjoy your sport! I need to stick to the wide bodies...that's what first attracted my attention about the M...went to the dealer to look at an FX..couldn't stand sitting on the seat controls...also am not ready to move UP to any SUV..the M fits fine! It reminds me of my beloved Saab 9000's, only fancy and new...after 6 mos, and 12k I like it better everyday.

[TXSJaybird]

Well, as a matter of fact Bama, as of yesterday I am now enjoying a new NON sport. Yup, I traded the beast in for a M35 non sport. I was putting on too much weight for the sport seats j/k

Ive got a kid on the way, a new house, and it was time to make a financial "sacrifice" although it was the easist one I have ever made. Good lease deals are out there now, got in this for hundreds less per month than my last deal (bought, not leased)

The M35 is still one hell of a car. I do miss the sport looks and the mighty V8, but burnouts just wouldnt have been the same with a baby in the back

I will say I am very glad to be rid of the black. I went with the Diamond Graphite, and im looking forward to just weekly carwashes, vs twice a week with my black M (have to keep the car clean for clients)



I also am actually very glad to be in a non sport. Driving into work today was a treat. Not feeling all the bumps and road crannies was awesome. Dont get me wrong, I had some real fun tearing it up with the sport, but after time and much city driving, it just got old.

There is a very noticable difference in the sport vs non sport. Of course, when I was deciding last year, I was among the ranks who said "theres not much difference" sure, maybe on the test drive...but after driving both now, there sure is. I do miss the look of the sweet sport rims though....ahhhhh

Hey, im saving $15 a month on car insurance now too! How many diapers does that buy?

Oh, and to stay on topic and answer the original question....YES, I guess I would buy another M again I just love the M.

[szh]

Your black M45 was awesome, although I can see the attraction to lighter colors ... stays cleaner for sure!

Z