Topic: Is it worth buying a Saab ?

[Spheric]

I quite like the 2007 Saab 9-3 especially as they've simplified the interior and got rid of the million switches that plagued previous interiors. However as I prefer to purchase rather than lease, I was wondering if anybody has pondered over buying a new vehicle which historically has depreciated quickly and hasn't been the most reliable of vehicles ? To complicate things further, I'm looking at getting the 6 speed manual.

I typically keep vehicles for 3 years and use the remaining equity in my next replacement when I give as part-exchange at the dealership.

Thanks.





 

[haris]

Don't do it, unless you buy a three years old one and then flip it few years later. That's the only way you'll get some money back.
However, I drive an old Saab ('95 turbo) and love it, especially on long trips. It's an amazing km eating machine, faster in 80-120+ than quite a few sports cars.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I think it's a good car, but if you're only keeping it 3 years hope you get a large discount up front. Which may be entirely possible.

[mdxtasy]

If you buy the car outright with no financing, you may have some equity in the car after 3 years, but if you're financing it with no down, you won't have any equity in the positive.

Neat cars, but if you're only keeping it for 3 years, lease it.

[Aquifere]

I quite like the 2007 Saab 9-3 especially as they've simplified the interior and got rid of the million switches that plagued previous interiors. However as I prefer to purchase rather than lease, I was wondering if anybody has pondered over buying a new vehicle which historically has depreciated quickly and hasn't been the most reliable of vehicles ? To complicate things further, I'm looking at getting the 6 speed manual.

I typically keep vehicles for 3 years and use the remaining equity in my next replacement when I give as part-exchange at the dealership.

Thanks.





 

Don't buy a Saab if you plan to keep it for only 3 years.  Depreciation will eat you alive.  Do it only if ran out of ideas on what to do with your hard earned money .  For the same price, you've got other better choices out there.  If SAAB is your only final option, lease it or purchase it and drive it until it feels apart.  Typically, you should find a used one at very good prices that would justify a day or two to get familiarized with this dashboard from hell!
I bought a 2 years old 9-3 at a very good price. 

[2latecrew]

Agree with all above.

There is almost nothing to entice you to buy a new Saab if you will only keep it 3 years.

Just take a look at what 3 year old 9 3s are selling for now.

Lots of them with 80 K or under for 18,000 or less.

You are looking at a at least 37K for a new one plus tax . Not to mention its getting to the end of the Model cycle and in 3 years there should be a brand new 9-3 further killing resale value.If GM decides to come with some friends and family pricing in the next couple years it will kill resale even more.

Add to that trade ins are gonna get you "black book" pricing which will be even worse than private sale and you'll take a BATH. Shell out 40 K now and get a 12 K trade in in 3 years (if that becuse many dealers aren't going to rush to pick up Saab trades)

If you must get a Saab why not get a 2005 for 20-25 K (I checked the trader and there are some out there with only about 40,000Km ) see if you can get an extended warranty .

I think you get the idea. Nice car, its your money but if you want a new car lease or get another brand.

[gottarondo]

I think the point is it's about you, your budget, and how you feel about the car, not about the actual dollars.  It seems to me you already knew that on straight finance, it doesn't make any sense to do what you're considering, or you wouldn't have asked the question here, and it's not surprising that the answers say it's not worth it.  But I just bought a $70 tote bag that my husband would consider a stupid purchase (if I told him about it :-)) while I think it was well worth it - because it makes me feel good. 

If this is the car you love... what is that feeling of "I LOVE this car!" as you walk toward it every day worth to you?  If it's worth 20-25 grand over three years and you can afford it while still feeding your (hypothetical) children and you can't get the feeling any other way, go for it. 

[Spheric]

Big thanks to everyone for the reality check. I guess inside I already knew it would be a mistake to buy a new Saab, but I needed to see it in black and white.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

When they were dooling $14,000 off 9-5's and $7,000 off 9-3's, wasn't a bad idea. You just have to bite when the deals are on. And hard to know when that will be.

[articsteve]

Big thanks to everyone for the reality check. I guess inside I already knew it would be a mistake to buy a new Saab, but I needed to see it in black and white.

Congrats, you just saved yourself mucho heartache.   

[johngenx]

I'd buy the 9-2X, and it would be a keeper.  But, it's a Saabaru...   

[Scaerio]

I think used 9-5 wagons are decent buys, and have OK reliability ratings.  But I'd avoid the 9-3.  Snowy is right, the 9-2x is a keeper.

[gta_driver]

I think used 9-5 wagons are decent buys, and have OK reliability ratings.  But I'd avoid the 9-3.  Snowy is right, the 9-2x is a keeper.

I bought a CPO'ed 9-5 wagon almost a year ago after depreciation had taken its toll. Ended up with a great deal. after putting approximatly 20000 km's on the clock over a year, the 9-5  wagon has proved to be reliable, comfortable, roomy, safe with great fuel economy. I have no regrets other than maybe I should have looked at getting a slightly faster "aero" model 9-5 wagon.

[ghost]

most real Saabs are do not have good reliability. If you want a 9-3, I highly suggest a pre-owned one. Let some bloke absorb the huge depreciation. They are alright. I like the new design. The exterior is better looking than the other euro brands.

[hero-shimmer]

When they were dooling $14,000 off 9-5's and $7,000 off 9-3's, wasn't a bad idea. You just have to bite when the deals are on. And hard to know when that will be.

The 2008 9-3 has a $6000 cash rebate and 72 months 0% financing.Is it worth buying a Saab now,I wonder??
Which dealer is recommended as CArhelp says they cant help with invoicing pricing with Saab/Saturn etc which are supposed to be prix fix!

[gta_driver]

Because of steep depreciation, I would buy a pre-owned one. It makes better financial sense. Depending on where you live Saab is offering 0% financing on CPO vehicles since GM (and most auomakers) are abandoning leasing.

[montrealvue]

I would wait until $10K off MSRP + 0%.  GM killing leasing means they will become VERY hungry by the end of the year.  The death of leasing will have to mean steep discounts if they plan on moving cars.   Many dealers do 75%+ of their sales through leasing.  Killing it will mean those who used to lease will need big incentives to keep a car 4 or 5 years at about the same payment per month.   

[stodge]

I can't believe GM still use the jet fighter angle in commercials.