vbranis
vbranis
vbranis

User name checks out.

Parts are still surprisingly plentiful thanks to Orio which took over the Saab Parts division. Many new parts are still being produced for the 99-09 9-5s (the NG 9-5 is more a problem). Common problems around/over 100K include alternator, throttle body, DIC, engine mounts, subframe bushings, and possibly transmission v

Easier to get in and out of a wagon, I’m 5'11 and always scuff my pant legs when climbing out of SUVs. Also far easier to lift heavy objects into a low wagon floor.

SUVs actually make me less confident thanks to their shitty dynamics, wide turning radius and poor visibility. Add in difficulty of ingress/egress and bus-like upright seating position, and you’ll never catch me dead in an SUV, unless I actually go off-roading. My 9-5 wagon has 72 cu.ft. of cargo space (which is more

Honestly, receiving a car as a gift would almost surely be a disappointment. It would probably be spec’d wrong, plus half the fun is searching for one with the right options. Hell, I’d probably file for divorce if I saw a silver RX350 with a red bow sitting unannounced in my driveway.

I think this is an utterly pointless truck that I want to hate, but I just... can’t. I guess I’ve reached the point when I’m glad to see any performace vehicle that’s not a stupid-ass crossover.

I'm still buying Saabs so I feel your pain.

Typical. They bring like a maximum of 2 examples to each dealer and bury them in the back corner of the lot, and then wonder why they don’t sell. It’s like they don’t want you to buy them...

Yes! A limited access “fast lane” would be better than carpool. Hell, I wouldn’t even mind paying a small fee for the privilege.

My mom has a base 4 cyl. Macan that I’ve driven quite a bit. Nothing special besides a Porsche badge. Basically a somewhat better-handling and improved Q5. I’d take a good 535xi wagon, S4 Avant, V60 Polestar or CTS-V all day, every day over this for less money. Even with the 6 cyl., it's still a CP.

Not exactly meek or prudent, but hey, it works.

Is this quicker than an automatic E92 M3?

First production car with the now-ubiquitous ventilated seats was not a Benz, Rolls, Bentley, BMW, Cadillac, or any other brand that you might think.

The Jag XF Sportbrake offers 380 hp for a more digestible $75K-ish. However, its existence is mythical, there are only a few unconfirmed sightings in the wild.

You can just stand next to any major road in LA, Newport Beach and Palm Springs (where I live) and see a virtual car show, especially on the weekends. Everything from pre-war to muscle to modern Euro classics to supercars. I guess a $100K car is nothing compared to housing costs!

I agree. I think as cars keep getting safer at speed (better brakes, handling, etc), speed limits should be raised accordingly. 70 mph on the freeway through the empty CA desert is downright silly in a modern car, everyone drives 80-90 anyway.

Also probably makes a good deal more power than stock on E85. I’m running an E85 converted Saab 9-5 wagon myself, miles better than the 91 crap we get in CA.

True. I also want to add that cars have gotten better and more reliable, so buying used isn’t such a gamble as it used to be. Younger people have caught on to this, while the elderly are still stuck with the notion that cars are junk after a few years and 100K miles.

Sure, I can understand, but I love to tinker and live in the CA desert so no rust issues. The inevitable repairs and maintenance are still cheaper than monthly payments for a $50K car

Attractive crossover is an oxymoron.