What's Happening to Me? Have I Caught the Saab?

"GeorgeyBoy" (georgeyboy)
04/04/2014 at 22:13 • Filed to: None

Seriously, Saab was just that car company I didn't pay much attention to. Yeah, I liked them but I never considered owning one. I recommended a 9-3 to someone because it sounded like a good match. Next thing you know, I'm looking at them and they fit all my needs.

AWD for Michigan, same if not better performance than my LS, and they look beautiful to me.

Their prices are just ridiculous. Almost, too affordable for me. Is this what it feels like to be a Saab fanboy. I'm not sure whats wrong with me.

DISCUSSION (32)

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > GeorgeyBoy
04/04/2014 at 22:16

They are great cars, but be warned! Since they don't make them any more parts can sometimes be expensive. Well cared for examples are reliable, though., from what I know.

Brian Silvestro > GeorgeyBoy
04/04/2014 at 22:16

If I ever find a manual 9-3 TurboX like the one above I swear to god I'll buy it on the spot. They're so cool.

Louros > GeorgeyBoy
04/04/2014 at 22:17

Saabs are trash. If you want AWD and a turbo, buy a goddamn Subaru.

GeorgeyBoy > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
04/04/2014 at 22:19

I figured that much, I wonder the difference in maintenance costs to the comparable Audi or BMW.

Brian Silvestro > Louros
04/04/2014 at 22:21

GeorgeyBoy > Brian Silvestro
04/04/2014 at 22:22

Haven't seen a 2.8 with a manual, not sure if they were offered with it. It's not too much of a turn off for me. The manuals I see are dirt cheap.

Brian Silvestro > GeorgeyBoy
04/04/2014 at 22:23

Great. Now I'm looking at Saabs for sale too. Thanks George.

GeorgeyBoy > Louros
04/04/2014 at 22:24

Subarus are not my cup of tea.

A3R0 > GeorgeyBoy
04/04/2014 at 22:25

I caught the Saabs at an incredibly young age. I would say about 12. Side effects may include people asking why you would ever like a Saab as an enthusiast, Aero love, spending way to much time on saabnet.com, worshipping the Turbo X, and many more.

GeorgeyBoy > A3R0
04/04/2014 at 22:27

I don't think I'm ready for this. I hope I'm just Saab-curious.

GeorgeyBoy > Brian Silvestro
04/04/2014 at 22:29

I'm happy to corrupt.

Brian Silvestro > GeorgeyBoy
04/04/2014 at 22:30

Kinja'd!!!

A3R0 > GeorgeyBoy
04/04/2014 at 22:37

Dude, it's worth it! My dad is an enthusiast and has had everything from old muscle cars to e39 M5's and things of the like, and is just a general enthusiast. He buys and sells cars for (hopefully) a profit every 6 months or so. Another side affect may be talking your dad into buying a 9000 Aero (not a hard task, he had 4 of them) the day it was posted on Saabnet, and having him ending up buying it. After that, never driving it because your still to young to drive, but riding in it. This didn't happen to me... okay yes it did.

GeorgeyBoy > Brian Silvestro
04/04/2014 at 22:37

One of my favorite episodes, so well done. Great now I'm watching Seinfeld clips.

Brian Silvestro > GeorgeyBoy
04/04/2014 at 22:38

Every time you make an appearance I tend to migrate towards Seinfeld for some reason.

GeorgeyBoy > A3R0
04/04/2014 at 22:38

Wish my father liked cars, or me.

Coty > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
04/04/2014 at 22:40

They still make parts, though.

A3R0 > GeorgeyBoy
04/04/2014 at 22:42

Oh yeah, as a young enthusiast I am very lucky to have a father like mine. I have ridden in such special cars, like a Lotus Elise. By the way, If you ever have the opportunity, ride in one! It's such a crazy experience, you are on the road. I looked out the window at a bikers feet.

therevengeofthesaab (really likes pre-2005 hondas right now) > GeorgeyBoy
04/04/2014 at 23:01

You caught the Saab, I got it and a can't go back! Save yourself! Buy a Volvo!

SaabLife, because Gripen > GeorgeyBoy
04/04/2014 at 23:01

I wouldn't worry about parts as much, especially for the 2008+ 9-3 or the 2010+ 9-5.

Saab Parts went under ( now known as Orio ), but now they're under new management and are producing parts again. I'd equate maintenance costs to an S60 or maybe a used 3-Series. I haven't had any major issues and the Saabs I've had were daily drivers.

Embrace your curiosity of of Saab. They're damn nice cars, for the most part.

Kinja'd!!!

GeorgeyBoy > SaabLife, because Gripen
04/04/2014 at 23:11

Thanks for the info. Do you know of any major problems with the 2008+ V6 drivetrain? I think that's all I would consider.

Really beautiful cars for the price.

Mr. Edward Mann-Polandballer > Louros
04/04/2014 at 23:30

screw you

SaabLife, because Gripen > GeorgeyBoy
04/04/2014 at 23:31

I've only heard of minor issues with the XWD trim models, but really nothing with the 2.0T or the 2.8T Aero. Most of the problems I've seen were a result of a lack of proper maintenance and long-term abuse.

Saabs can be pretty fickle, but they can endure a lot. If I were to make a list of things that might go wrong, drivetrain failure would be pretty low on the list, especially when you get to the 2010-2011 year models.

I'm right there with you though, I had a 2008 Aero that I ended up selling a while back. But I think it's time for me to start looking for a 2011. Especially considering what the prices are right now.

Mr. Edward Mann-Polandballer > A3R0
04/04/2014 at 23:31

I caught Saabs at age 5, when I first saw one at the 2005 Detroit Auto Show

Mr. Edward Mann-Polandballer > A3R0
04/04/2014 at 23:33

lucky bastard. All my dad can do is discuss the corporate culture and bureaucracy of GM ;(

SaabLife, because Gripen > Mr. Edward Mann-Polandballer
04/04/2014 at 23:39

Ignore him, he's just a troll.

GeorgeyBoy > SaabLife, because Gripen
04/04/2014 at 23:53

So no major repairs/maintenance like Audis timing belts/water pumps or BMW cooling system overhauls?

I really like the most recent 9-5. I can't justify their price right now, but I hope there are still some nice examples left in a couple years.

SaabLife, because Gripen > GeorgeyBoy
04/05/2014 at 00:32

Compared to my last Saab, my Mercedes has required twice as much maintenance as the 9-3 did. With it I've had radiator issues and some odd electrical problems. Nothing too bad, but the fact that it's a Mercedes meant that any part was clearly going to have a premium price over the Saab. Which I'd guess is the same with an Audi or BMW.

With the Saab you'll just need to have the timing chain checked in the event you hear it rattle. I did once, but the tensioner just needed a little tightening. But for the most part, I had no major overhauls or anything beyond fluid changes.

I might have just been lucky or ran with the right crowd that stayed on top of their cars, but other than some cosmetic bits that I had to replace, mechanically it was a pretty sound car. I bought it with 15,000 miles on it and ran it up to 87,000 miles with pretty smooth sailing. Really it'll just come down to researching the right car and getting it with the right amount of miles on it.

As far as the 9-5 NG goes, love it. I've seen a couple in person and it really is a great car. It's a shame that they were only made for two years, but hopefully there will still be a few fully loaded Aeros on the market for the next few years. Would love to grab one and keep it as a collectors car.

Kinja'd!!!

GeorgeyBoy > SaabLife, because Gripen
04/05/2014 at 00:55

Thanks for the help, I appreciate it.

Hopefully I can get in contact with the seller of the TurboX, I really can't wait to look at it.

A3R0 > Mr. Edward Mann-Polandballer
04/05/2014 at 11:22

I used to hate Saabs until about 10. My dad was bidding on a white 9000 Aero on eBay when I was probably 9 and I was standing there going NO NO NO (then he lost) YESS! What is the first car I find that my dad buys years later? A white 9000 Aero. I definetly like the older Saabs more though. I stop liking them right around when GM bought them actually. 1997 was the last year of the 9000 Aero and 1998 was the last year of the 9000. I wouldn't go much later than that. There's a couple exceptions to this being a Viggen, a Turbo X, and a (preferably Imola Red) 2006-2008 9-3 Aero.

A3R0 > Mr. Edward Mann-Polandballer
04/05/2014 at 11:25

Yes I am. Excuse me while I go wash and wax my Dads '82 Mustang GT so it can go to one of the biggest car and coffee's in the tristate area. Yes, I'll be riding in it all the way there.:P

saabstory | fixes bikes, breaks cars > GeorgeyBoy
04/06/2014 at 11:41

BUY ONE. JOOIIINNNN USSSSSSSSSSS....