Where are the alternatives to Saab?
Saab drivers are very loyal to their brand. However, more than 8 years without a new car naturally leave their mark. The Saab is increasingly becoming a second car and a hobby. The question arises as to which brands Saab drivers switch to if they do.
The first wave of emigration already started 2011 and 2012. Not in the direction of Volvo, as you might think. The company car drivers switched to Audi and BMW and only a few to the Gothenburg brand. In the meantime, some 3 leasing cycles have passed, and the question arises as to who drives only Saab from our readers, who does not, and what other brands are preferred.
No trend can be derived from discussions with former Saab drivers. You are still connected to the small brand from Trollhättan and read the blog. But the vehicles they drive are very different. One drives a Skoda, the other a Korean hybrid, and yet another has fulfilled a long-cherished dream with a 911.
Then there are the returnees. After a longer Saab break, it goes on, and another vehicle pulls the griffin into the carport at home. Mainly because it now fits into life. Because you changed jobs, got a company car, or because you retired.
For the first time, our survey is a little more extensive. Because visitors who no longer have anything to do with Saab or are only now interested in the brand also read the blog. We would like to get to know the readers even better so that we can better classify their automotive preferences. For this reason, the survey consists of several parts, in some cases multiple answers are possible.
Saab drive exclusive, or not?
The readers on the Saabblog are a colorful cross-section of society. Young and older fans, academics, retirees, freelancers and students gather here. Some drive Saab out of deep conviction, and they only drive Saab. The others only drive their Saab when the weather is nice, often with seasonal approval. With another group, Saab is already a thing of the past, but the bond with the brand is still there. And then there are the readers who are simply interested in cars from Trollhättan without owning one.
Saab drive exclusively. Or not?
- I drive Saab. And only Saab! (49% 315 Votes)
- Saab and another make. (37% 240 Votes)
- At the moment I'm not driving Saab anymore. (9% 61 Votes)
- I would like to drive Saab. (5% 32 Votes)
Total Voters: 648
What are the alternatives to Saab?
What drives you as an alternative, if for some reason no more Saab drives? Because you have a company car, the employer does not accept an older car in the fleet? Because the Saab does not fit in the life situation at the moment. Which brand can replace a Saab, where is the trend going?
Is it the Gothenburg brand that could possibly replace a Saab? Or instead of Volvo but rather a German premium make? Are French cars an alternative or can Asian brands score points? The manufacturers attract with generous trade-ins, discounts, financing and leasing offers. Maximum 2 answers are possible. We are curious!
Alternatives to Saab? Which make do Saab drivers prefer?
- Volvo (32% 276 Votes)
- Other brand (13% 110 Votes)
- BMW (8% 67 Votes)
- Japanese manufacturer (7% 60 Votes)
- Mercedes (5% 48 Votes)
- Audi (5% 44 Votes)
- Tesla (4% 36 Votes)
- Citroen (4% 36 Votes)
- Skoda (4% 34 Votes)
- VW (3% 28 Votes)
- Peugeot (3% 27 Votes)
- Opel (3% 26 Votes)
- Korean manufacturer (3% 24 Votes)
- Porsche (2% 16 Votes)
- Ford (1% 10 Votes)
- Renault (1% 10 Votes)
- Seat (1% 9 Votes)
- Mini (1% 7 Votes)
- Smart (1% 6 Votes)
Total Voters: 620
Interesting alternatives to Saab-Phylosophy at that time, to enable people to live up to their safety and longevity without offering senselessly wanted commerce, are practically non-existent today! Starting from the active and passive securities that almost no other car brand has used so intensively and even mostly made use of in advance, at least in the period from 70ern to late 90ers, nobody will be able to offer or replace so generously.
These times are over, today we are increasingly suffering from the disposable society, and also in the automotive sector! Saab was strange and unique, usually always a nose ahead, not only ahead of the competition, but also against new and later introduced laws! Certainly, these examples know the older Saab drivers among us, it began a gradual year-long intensive vehicle development from model 99 to 9000, in some cases even to 9.5NG, although during the last Saab production years the parent company GM again and again slowed many things, too always the reasons were, most probably probably austerity measures, otherwise 9.3 + 9.5er would have improved in terms of quality and safety. Not to mention that Saab research was already doing research on electro-powered engines, but this topic was unripened at that time and intended only for specific purposes, such as those for a few electric-powered mail vehicles intended for parcel delivery; logically, this development was left in the drawer.
Not to be forgotten on this topic, the Swedish state at that time had a certain “political-financial” influence on the industry; cannot be compared with the past diesel scandal! The generation at that time also had different needs, as the market was generally still small compared to today's conditions and the vehicle market varied from country to country. The vehicle was still treated as a luxury item, so all sorts of differences among the “few” automobiles were clearly visible. Today, a modern car, whether large or small, is a normal means of transport and for most of us it is almost identificationless; i.e. we are getting closer and closer to “car sharing”. The demands are probably higher, but less and less differentiated, so that it is treated and used as an unnoticed fashion consumer item as long as it is possible or as long as men and women are not bored with the object of desire, because leasing is a given today. As a result, a vehicle is less and less viewed as valuable property.
Interesting observation in my family, who have been driving Saab for 50 years, just as I have been driving Saab for 40 years, including working with Saab for a few years during the 80s, the relationship to the old Saab's is very strong, even if little is said about it today will, but only with great effort we say goodbye to our Saab's, if it absolutely has to be. We are also laboriously influenced or even persuaded by a new product as an alternative. This was already noticeable when the 902 / 9.3 + 9.5 models were introduced, which fundamentally changed the Saab passion. The only interesting topic in the last 15 years has been the introduction of E85 engines, which has led us to keep an eye out for an even more modern Saab. But from a political point of view, these BP versions probably no longer have a future, since nothing was funded lately, or there is even talk of dismantling the E85 offer!
Since today I no longer need a vehicle as a means of transport, and thus do not travel many miles, ie mostly only for private use, the brand alternative, after the disappearance of our peculiar and self-exploring Swedish car brand, actually never made aware, or Thanks to a collection of well-preserved old tu-16s models such as 901er and 9k, where the really sparkling Saab driving experience still comes alive in the day or at best for the modern environmentally friendly everyday life, where with us for a long time only BioPower engines were used, although these models do not embody an extremely big Saab philosophy! This is as long as E85 is offered, but luckily they also work with gasoline.
Diesel was never an issue at Saab, as it was not originally Saab technology unless GM was in charge. This served only as a sales strategy to keep sales in the various countries stable, as the price differences between gasoline and diesel were artificially influenced by market conditions and the consumption values were usually much more interesting in terms of price.
For me there is no fair Saab alternative for a passionate Saabist, only a “workhorse” in the style of the Land-Rover Defender V8, although this is not a long-haul vehicle and will therefore never replace the Saab!
GI.PI.
very interesting to see the many different opinions and solutions
BUT: what was Saab really really like? extremely independent to sometimes bizarre, very fast (and sometimes very comfortable), very stylish (not necessarily classically “beautiful” but just a real personality), and rarely.
All the bread and butter nonsense of the later phases and the watering down by this great German brand, which fortunately is hardly mentioned, have nothing to do with real Saab anymore ...
So I don't quite understand the enthusiasm - and certainly not the association with Saab - for Asian bread-and-butter cars (regardless of their excellent everyday value) and for the still so-called premium models (basically dead boring, overpriced boring cars ) of a large European country.
If one takes the emotionality and originality as the most central points of the Saab myth, then a worthy successor (if that's what it takes) must fulfill these same conditions. Therefore, in my view, only brands such as Alfa Romeo or Jaguar come into question.
At Alfa Romeo, the central points such as emotionality, sportiness, independence, design etc. are absolutely met. Really great and (after a long dry spell again) a lot of fun (just like with Saab). This is also the case with Jaguar, but I allow myself the snobbery to restrict it here essentially to the old, “real” Jaguar phase, i.e. the design language of the XJ models or older (with these beautiful round double lights and curved lines ); maybe something really good will come here again ...
Otherwise: Saab's are still fully suitable for everyday use, so keep having fun 😉
PS:
had many different 900er convertibles series I and II, 9000 and 9-5; Currently I drive a 900 Convertible Series I, more follow again.
For me the direct Saab successors were Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, Alfa Romeo 4c and for the sweet femininity a Jaguar X-Type (3.0), all very different, but wonderful cars!
Cheers & ciao ciao
Here is my Saab story: It started in 2000 with a green deer 9-3 which I then exchanged for a 2004-9 3t convertible in 1.8 (also with deer tuning - in lime yellow). I still drive this wonderful car today. In addition, from 2009 my wife had a 9-5 Aero (99er Jahrgajg) which unfortunately had to be shut down in 2015 because the rust prevention of the first 9-5 was not yet optimal. As a replacement, we were then able to import a 9-3X from Germany to Switzerland.
Alternative to these Saab's? I have to think for a long time; hopefully the question will never have to be asked. Maybe Alfa? Jaguar? Hardly an EV; at most a plug in hybrid; at most hydrogen, if the technology is affordable. But for the first time keep the Saabs as long as possible….
My comment “Exactly!” was intended as a direct answer to Herbert Hürsch's.
After more than 2 decades with Saab 9000 (2.0 Turbo and Aero) 2015 replaced the Aero as an everyday car for me (even if it is still logged out in the garage). I drove Saab because it was eco-friendly, safe cars. In addition, in the case of the 9000 Turbos still powerful, spacious and practical. In the summer 2013 I had the opportunity to test drive a Model S. From then on, it was actually clear what the replacement would have to look like, which embodies exactly the values that once stood for Saab. At the end of 2014 the four wheel drive models were presented and since June 2015 I drive one as S85D. Today I would probably buy a model 3 (unfortunately without the practical hatchback). Over 4 years and well 75.000 km drove the model S with approx. 200Wh / km, thus from the energy content with 2l gasoline / 100km. Despite more than 2t and the good double performance compared to the 9000 Aero. Regardless of the brand, a gas burner would not come to my house.
INFRASTRUCTURE
I'm just from Sweden. I saw a lot of Tesla there. But hardly any charging stations and certainly not at the holiday homes. I could not have made my trip with an EV. For that reason alone, no EV comes so quickly into my house, because the holiday in BioPower was fantastic.
I drove the 2.400 Km on site with E85 and emitted less fossil CO2 per kilometer than a Tesla in the German power mix. The drive home was relaxed and speedy and yet I was only at home at 3 in the morning. A charge on the road is a horror performance for me.
The infrastructure for this I saw during a short pause break on the brand new rest area Deminer Land at the A20. There were a transformer house, several huge control cabinets and 5 unused charging stations. I, too, was grateful I did not need them, left them on the left and just went home.
During the relaxed drive on empty roads I pondered on how many charging stations, transformers and control cabinets it would need everywhere in addition to supply and power generation (at home, at the cottage and on the road), to allow an EV the same mobility, for burners without loading times and longer compulsory breaks are so completely natural.
The space required, the effort and the use of resources for an electromobile infra- and charging structure are also part of the overall balance sheet and the environmental and mobility debate. A few gas stations here and there are measured against a fly and the 200Wh / Km are unfortunately only half the truth.
The ecological zero tariff provide certainly not burners - and be it with biofuel.
But certainly not EVs either. So much honesty has to be ...
In the 4 years I was traveling from Nordkapp to southern Germany. On the way, the loading works smoothly on the supercharger network, you have to plan anyway from time to time a stop to eat or for a coffee. At the house can be loaded with a reduced line to Schuko, home is a box in the garage and in the carport. Zero time to connect / disconnect, charging happens automatically at night, when otherwise little power is needed. No German electricity mix is loaded, but electricity from water / wind power. By the way, half the roof of the garage with photovoltaic power supplies power for loose 10-15.000km per year.
That doesn't sound too bad at all, I have to admit ...
But our cottage had no Schukodose outside. Also, I already had remote cottages without electricity. This is incredibly comfortable and relaxing. Their ecological footprint should also be sensationally small and flat.
The photovoltaic on the garage does not deliver at night, the green electricity mix exists only as Ökotarif on the paper and from the can still comes the dt. Electricity mix. Incidentally, the photovoltaic has a CO2 balance and that is by the factor 10 worse than that of wind energy.
For a coffee in an ecologically “correct” plastic cup, I don't take any breaks on the way home in the dead of night. Motorway rest areas are rarely worth a stay and why do I have the Saab cup holder and a Stanley thermos?
Exactly! Then there is the great German electricity mix you mentioned, consisting of coal-fired power plants, gas, nuclear power, etc. And the rare earths. And that anyway only the people with the very largest CO2 “footprint” can afford a (such a huge) Tesla and an EV for their oh-so-pure environmental conscience: namely the homeowners. As residents of an apartment building without a garage (with the much better footprint, i.e. much lower emissions per nose), the vast majority of the population has no way of charging and owning an EV anyway. And the wear and tear of the batteries, the energy consumption during production, etc. (with the Tesla better than with the other manufacturers because of the desert solar energy) tarnishes the balance considerably!
As Tom wrote so beautifully on the blog: The most environmentally friendly car is one that has already been produced! In this sense, I drive my 2011 Saabs with a clear conscience: the E85 convertible, which would hardly emit fossil CO2 if the crazy - and only oriented towards the automobile lobby and the current, factual argument-resistant hysteria - had not abolished the E85 German policy. And the 160 TTiD SportCombi, which consumes very little and has a much better CO2 balance than diesel anyway.
I would be for a fundamentally new and free, purposeful rethinking. As you have suggested, electrical energy could be used very well as immobile, ie for the heating of our homes. There are no memory problems. In addition, solar panels on all roofs (even the large Art Nouveau apartment buildings all have huge roofs that you do not even see from the street), use volcanic rock as storage (is being tested in HH). Re-introducing E85 for mobile energy needs, using large-scale agricultural and forestry cases for equipping petrol engines for 1000 Euro in France, driving on the old burners instead of scrapping intact cars at the expense of the climate and building millions of new ones , and in the new vehicles in addition to EV increasingly put on hybrid!
PS Nice to have you back! I missed your comments - and I envy you your trip to Sweden! Unfortunately, I haven't made it this year.
Thank you for the compliment.
Regarding TTiD and the E85, one could add that the CO2 balance of diesel would be even better with bio-diesel. We've had it before and unfortunately it shares the fate of E85 in D ...
Kära Hälsningar
In this respect, I also landed on BioPower, as in Sweden the supply of E85 was better developed than in the rest of Europe, although probably there is no long-term future due to lack of E-85 demand; On the one hand, unfortunately, the Saab research has been missing since 2011, otherwise it would certainly have been able to look better all over Europe. In addition, there are still enough E85 gas stations in Germany + Switzerland, so that on my part mostly only E85 is fueled.
Really? Where else can you find E85 gas stations in D? I could not find a single one more and would therefore be very grateful for any hint! 🙂 And what does the liter in CH cost? I researched online and think that there should still be E85 at Agrola in (German) Switzerland. Since I will go there soon, I would be very interested!
Thank you and have a nice Sunday!
PS: In France it is very good to refuel E85. There, the network is currently being greatly expanded, retrofitted the cars and the liter is between 60 and 80 cent! 🙂
Kia E-Niro
It makes me crazy every time I see people torturing themselves to work and sending their money to China. Volvo would never come as an alternative for me, something I would not even touch if it would be given to me and put on the doorstep, with a monthly bonus of 1000 € a month on top.
Subaru is very likeable, Mazda has already been appreciated, PSA also does a lot of things well and beautifully. Otherwise, I would try to escape the loss of value with a stylish classic car that is suitable for everyday use... such as a C107 from the Imperial Starfleet, the R129, which is currently at an all-time low, or from Saab with a 99 or our all-time favorite 900.
My Saab story started in 2006 when I treated my first vehicle (Saab 9-3 Sedan, 1.8t, 2004).
There followed many trips and was always reliable.
- After the wedding in 2015 there was a BMW X5 (E70, 2012) addition.
We still ride that today, but my heart and joy have always been the Saab.
- In 2017 I bought an additional Saab 1.9 ttid (2008 because I'm curious about the technology and 180DieselPS).
Vehicle runs very well, but is more of a tractor compared to the gasoline engine ...
- At the beginning of July 2019 I parted with my carefree 1.8t Saab with a heavy heart with 260km.
Why? because we do not need 3 cars.
- Today: my heart is crying, I miss the gasoline engine!
BMW stays (for the sake of the woman), the 1.9ttid station wagon is sold, but a Saab 2.0t convertible will follow from 2008 ... sometime in the next 8 months!
Which vehicle will I personally move for the next 10 years?
Of course it will be a Saab ... whatever, the main thing is a gasoline engine.
Why? Every other car (and I've tried many brands, including business) does not make me happy, even if it seems more modern or advanced.
Regards
Serge
Also from my side a contribution to my previous “Saab career”:
- Uninterrupted Saab since 1980 until today: 2 x Saab 96, 3 x Saab 900 I (GLi and i, each> 550.000 km)
- once a "third-party product" (next to one of the three 900s at that time): Citroen Xantia (signed off with 490.000 km, extremely reliable if the timing belt is changed regularly and the green hydraulic fluid is changed every two years)
- Currently: 2 x Saab 9-5 I: station wagon with 335.000 km (season registration) / 4-door with 230.000 km / 900 I convertible, built in 90 with 23.000 km / Saab 96, built in 1979, 69.000 km
New vehicles are out of the question for me (aggressive, boring unit styling, especially the German ABM cars, too many annoying bullshit and assistance systems, etc.).
Used vehicles: besides Saab only Lancia (Thesis), Citroen (C5 / C6) or - very far back in the past - Panhard PL 17/24.
Regards,
Uli
Great written Uli! I see the same with the new cars.
And that with the Panhard is already a real treat. Such a PL17 I would record immediately! By the way, the PL17 won 1961 the Rally Monte Carlo, even before the Saab!)
I am similar to you and Hans S.
That's why I didn't take part in the survey, couldn't take part ...
I broke off the search for alternative new cars a few years ago and came to the conclusion that I would prefer to pursue my automotive future with my inventory, other SAABs and “used cars” from other brands.
Such a category (delicious baby, young and old-timers of all men's countries as a Saab new car alternative) does not offer the survey. But for me that is exactly the sexiest alternative and apparently I'm not alone with it. That's nice to know.
Can only attach me!
Have saab discovered only last year for me and decided that will not be the last, even if the 9-5 2.2tid sc of 2002 I have not been treated very carefully by the previous owner and I still have a new bmw in the garage.
I have never been so comfortable and relaxed in a car as in the saab. I'll probably get a 9-5 NG and a 9-3 convertible at some point. The only problem is my 30tkm I drive in the year and I'm curious how long the 9-5 still holds out.
Where does the described 9-5 2.2 TiD come from? (there aren't that many anymore)
In my opinion, this engine is the most durable unit in the 9-5. If the trappings are right, then he always goes on lively, very solid and relaxed. Even quite easy with 30.000km a year - what should happen to the engine? 😉
I now drive my 9-5 Aero sports suit on season plates .. and am now on an Opel Ampera 2012 landed as an everyday vehicle. And I have to admit, the Ampera convinces all along the line!
We are currently only Saabs in use and hopefully will remain so for a long time, we still want a convertible and a 9-5NG. The numerous reports here could also be an 9000 in question.
What I think of the alternatives to Saab say I say so, I guess the car Saab but also the whole thing around, the greetings fans (unfortunately not everyone greets), the meetings, the Saabblog and the special in the Saab workshops, all this is you probably find in hardly any other brand. Anyone who decided on a Saab then and now has also bought something very individual and rare. It has something on a large parking lot or even in the district to be the only one who has this model.
If I had to choose an alternative, I would resort to something again, which is not that often. I think VAG cars are not bad, some of them are also pretty, like an Arteon or very practical Superb or Kodiaq, but still boring and can be seen on almost every street corner.
I also like the French, Talisman and 508 are beautiful cars, but with the 508 I could never get used to this strange cockpit when coming from Saab.
Japanese cars are all very good, as there would be a lot I would like, because there are Lexus, Infiniti and Subaru with which I could make friends.
Alfa and Jaguar would still be an option
Tesla would be a bit difficult, because I would like to invite home. But a model S100D I could imagine.
And last but not least Volvo would be a very interesting alternative.
And although I'm still one of the younger readers, I too could imagine an SUV, preferably Saab. A smaller 9-4X with everything that makes Saab would be a dream.
I had a Saab sports suit in noctunblau 1.9TTiD Vector equipment and much more than company car BJ 2009.
Unfortunately, the upcoming change 3 years later Saab was no longer there and I had to look for the long-planned trip to Nordkapp an alternative. Since the selection is limited to German brands and daughters, it was an A4 Allroad station wagon. The Nordkap he has done and except for the various software commands he drove quite well, but the consumption was much higher (according to list identical to the Saab) and the car had no soul.
Then came the diesel scandal (the Audi EA189 engine was fully affected) so it was supposed to be something different. Unfortunately, the selection of German brands is quite limited, and none of them are innovative in the drive concept. That's how it is, a Skoda RS sports station wagon with 180 HP diesel and manual transmission. I also know a car from the fraud company, but Skoda is a very old brand and has been known to me since childhood and has an S at the beginning of its name 🙂 I am very satisfied, the car fits like a glove (like my Saab) and manages to put on a grin to conjure up my face (like my Saab). Unfortunately Skoda is complete. Depending on VW, the successor models have become worse (voice control, optics, etc.). Since the WLTP test, VW has also prevented Skoda from supplying various manual switches and petrol engines. So I have to see what the alternative is now.
Volvo is since the sale by Ford, unfortunately, no German mark more, hand switch and about 180PS performance is now looking like the needle in a haystack and independently is anyway nothing in the German mainstream.
Very interesting I would find one of the Hyundai models with hybrid or hydrogen drive, because a pure electric vehicle makes no sense on my routes. Above all, his production is not exactly clean, let alone the generation of electricity.
As long as in Dtl. If coal is used to generate electricity, CO2 emissions will not decrease. Only if you let the power generators sheet metal like GB, but that will probably not work ...
2 SAAB, 1 Volvo
Actually, I first came to the brand SAAB through Volvo. The Volvo is still in use as an everyday Swede and the SAABs no longer need to fear road salt.
But at Volvo spare parts and software prices are already partly steep. The repairs at the 900ers were there (so far) always cheaper, if only because the software is completely eliminated 🙂
That's always an exciting question with the alternatives. After my everyday 9-5 was flat, I too was faced with the question. I could have bought one again, but needed a four-wheel drive horse for little money. So SAAB was out and a Hyundai Terracan was in the running. Comfortable, well equipped, pulls away three and a half tons and the best thing: if you drive with the low beam and then switch off the engine and pull out the ignition key ... .. all lights go out, including the parking lights. I'm always happy about that, because it's a little SAAB feeling for me. I think it's a great car and I've never regretted buying it. So the alternatives are enough for me and all the 900s and 9000s are moved alongside.
On the subject of Volvo: I have not been so keen on Volvo for a long time (and do not need it), but had some time ago the opportunity in a 2 years old V70 diesel ride and can not deny that I was very impressed.
And I don't find Mazda uninteresting, precisely because they don't follow the mainstream ...
Currently 5 Saab, four of them as everyday life, the 96er as Oldie. These are joined by two Lancia (of course, these are no more everyday cars). My partner still has a Suzuki SX4 4WD, a vehicle that impresses with a very good price / performance ratio. It is in our eighth year and there is nothing to mekern!
I have just returned from my violent tour of the North Cape, totally 9395 km, with the 9-3 convertible built in 2004. The car just went from good to good, everything accepted without complaint and survived absolutely without any problems!
In Norway and Sweden, the big, new station wagons from Volvo are something of hipp, you can see the V90 enmasse. Are great cars, look good, are also very large (and enormously expensive). In Norway, especially Oslo and Trondheim, tons of Tesla. That's a real prestige car there.
I will occasionally write a report on my extended Nordland tour and provide the saabblog.
Hello, I'm really looking forward to the report on the “tour of violence” including the Saab Festival in Trollhättan - the visit was part of it, right? (Is there actually a blog report coming? I'm looking forward to it ...) Over 9.000 km in one tour, that sounds really huge! And no wonder that the beautiful convertible goes along without complaint, I've never had anything to complain about mine. Beautiful and extremely reliable!
Incidentally, I find Norwegian energy policy pretty bigoted: playing a pioneering role as a climate protector, promoting electric cars and demonizing combustion engines - all of this can of course be afforded very well because of the wealth earned with crude oil and natural gas (which is still ongoing)!
Yes, the Saab Festival was at the origin of the journey. From there then the entire Atlantic route in Norway, incl. A few days Lofoten. Simply gorgeous!
Report follows.
Thanks Hans! We're really glad!
Moin, Hans!
Thank you and in anticipation ...
VG from Northern Germany!
Hello, everyday Saab 9-3 || , 1,8 gasoline combi 2005. Super reliable worker. TOI Toi Toi !
With seasonal license. Saab 9-3 || , 2.8 Turbo, Kombi Aero, Hirsch Kombi 2005. Sometimes workers, but mostly pure fun! Also toi, toi, toi!
It's only a minimal survey, I would have expected more questions, for example why 2 brands are kept ...? In my case, Saab was no longer permitted as a company car; When I bought my first Volvo on business, I said to the Volvo saleswoman: “For a Saab lover, Volvo is the least possible evil” - the lady almost fell off her chair.
Now I have the 2. Volvo official car (V 40 D 4) and must confess: never before I drove a better diesel.
Oh yes: Jaguar could have been specified as an alternative brand ...
So PLEASE: re-evaluate with more in-depth questions, if possible!
Such surveys are always an attempt. Do readers like this form, how far do they go with their answers and are they interested in the subject at all? Also, I still learn to add, after 8 years blog, every day. The topic will find its deepening and perhaps one or the other consequence.
In addition to my 9-5 NG with now 195.000 km on the beautiful hump (still very attractive, fast and reliable), I drive a 900 convertible 1991 and a 96 V4 1968 (almost restored). In the last 14 months I have (unfortunately) sold 4 great Saab, also to keep the peace at home. Now I was offered an 9000 CSE Turbo, almost in the new
condition, with 21 km. Not exactly cheap, but again cheap because of the unique condition and the opportunity. Now comes my dilemma: putting it away and conserving it is not possible for me, I have to drive such a car regularly and because of its performance and pleasure, I would also use it for business. That would mean approx. 000 km per year, in addition to the 20.000-9 NG, and to relieve this. Is it now a sacrilege to turn such a collector's item into an everyday car with inevitable signs of use or is it right in terms of the subject and attitude to actively use it?
What does the blog and the readers value?
Good question. In the past I would have said: Put it away and move moderately. But times change - and so do my opinions. I would register it and drive it regardless of the mileage.
Almost three years ago I bought a 2001er 9-5 combi 2,3 liter for my everyday 2007er 9-3 diesel combi diesel so that I could enjoy Saab driving for as long as possible. The diesel should be spared, but by the diesel debate, the diesel is now driven in everyday life. He is also used to pull horse trailer.
The only alternative to my Saabs I see only a third Saab to buy.
@ Tom, I would love to find the Saab with the highest mileage.
9000 CSE Turbo with 21000 km? Too bad to put away. Driving, driving, driving and enjoying.
Hello Helmut
Moving the 9000 with the extremely low mileage in everyday life is in view of the position of the 9000 in the community (although it is highly valued as a “workhorse”, but is unfortunately never as loved as a 901) plus the extreme rarity of a 9000 with such low mileage a sacrilege! Of course, a SAAB belongs on the road ... even the 20 km per year are not a real problem.
Approach: Why not use the 9000 as an everyday car in the salt-free months? And leave the winter months to the 9-5 NG? The life expectancy of the 9000 would be stretched almost infinitely with this approach ...
By the way, I'm a huge 9000 fan and have been driving the model for 17 years.
Keep Saabing
Good idea! I would do the same: drive a lot and enjoy it, but maybe not in the “salty” months.
I would find it hard to drive so many kilometers now, if the car has been moved only 21 000km so far, the car would rather pick up for special rides, Especially considering that there are only so few 9000er, he gets through the new condition even more exclusive. If possible, get a cheap diesel Saab and drive the kilometer with this. Diesel Saabs are also fun.
Cars belong on the street, even special ones. Whether it has to be 20t is another question, but it is sacrilege not to move great cars! Aslo, go for it!
MUSEUM
9000s are already preserved in the Saab Car Museum in THN and will be preserved for posterity ...
As a private person you are more responsible for the presence on the street - for making yourself and your fellow human beings happy in everyday life. I get a lot of thumbs up and see ecstatic faces when I'm out and about with my 49 year old Volvo 164E in everyday life.
On 2.400 Km in Sweden, I have not seen any more this year and with the 9000 it was hardly better. 3 or 4 it was in total and I was very saddened.
My 164 has now run almost 460.000 km according to the speedometer and will continue to be driven. I would do the same with a 9000. The road (preferably long stretches) is its natural habitat. So drive, be happy and please others with it. Just have no scruples ...
I had to hand over my Saab (Company Car) from 3 1 / 4 years ago. Unfortunately I have no space and can afford me no second car. At the time I thought a lot and looked. VW Group (Skoda, Seat, VW) are quickly eliminated with me. Bad advice no interest in advice. Mazda (CX-3) and Ford (C-Max) have also failed at the dealership. I'll never forget the young salesman's face, why do not I buy the car? But there's just a bit more to it than talking to the girlfriend on the phone. Finally, I ended up in a Hyundai branch (small cottages). The Tucson had liked the look and look there. Without appointment, of course I can look at the car, test drive, no problem without appointment. That convinced me.
I cry after my Saab on some points, were just trivial things, but they were really great. But I got used to my Tucson meanwhile. Only occasionally do I think, too bad, my Saab did that more or less alone. But since the workshop plays an important role, I am satisfied. They are almost as good as my Saab workshop in Bad Tölz.
Hey there!
I drive my 9-3 II Cabriolet (YOM 2008) daily. It is my only car. Meanwhile, thoughts come up, whether I send him not in partial retirement. 😉 Right now I'm thinking more about a Stromer and I'm looking forward to the IAA and the presentation of the VW ID 3. I do not think I'll buy a gas burner.
The SAAB remains the pleasure car.
Greetings from Bad Salzdetfurth
Uli
My story about the Saab driver is a long love that I was not allowed to live out for professional reasons. At the beginning of the 1980s, I was a highflyer at Daimler-Benz. Of course it was not exactly opportune, if not frowned upon, to drive something other than the then really good cars with the star. And I had it as a business vehicle in all variants and shades. And my girlfriend and today's wife drove him in the shape of our private 190 D 2.5.
After reorienting myself in the middle of the 1990 years and hiring DAF Trucks for the parent company Paccar, my personal car world became more spacious. And again it was not a Saab but a VW Passat, followed by another such. Saab never let me go anyway. And as in my days at the Daimler, where I spent many happy moments at the Geneva Motor Show on the Saab stand, I turned my head every time a Saab convertible came along again.
After many automobile turmoil, then turned the tide for good two years ago and I have a Saab 9-3 convertible model year 2002 indulged. He came from a clearance sale of a garage in Winterthur. They had to quickly get rid of many cars, because the landlord had terminated their premises and the new garage and parking space was only half that size. I had bought a car with a large maintenance jam, as it turned out later. Gradually, the garage Buser in Augst fixed all things that had to be fixed and I organized the overhaul of the steering gear at the specialist improved.ch itself, which I can only recommend, because a new Max Buser could not raise more.
I also drive my Saab professionally and he makes my job much easier, because when people see me rolling in, he always puts a smile on their face. And if any of you in the railway industry should work, then he knows what that means.
My oldest son, who took over the company a few years ago, is not very fond of the Saab. So he has as a reserve and to pull the trailer, which we regularly need a Hyundai Santa Fé with 2.2 liter diesel engine purchased. With that, I also drive from time to time. I had also regularly drove a Hyundai i30 diesel in front of the Saab. Without envy I can say that today Hyundai is the car brand, which was Mercedes-Benz to the W123 and W126 times and partly to the W124 times.
At some point, my Saab convertible gets company from an 9000er. I know that all of a sudden I'm going to get in the right car. And if I retire at the end of the year, this will probably be the case. The Saab gods will be gracious to me and I will continue to drive only Saab.
Any vehicle can be an alternative to Saab. You just have to get involved and not think dogmatically. Ultimately, a Saab is “just” a pile of sheet metal with wheels on it. A Saab can do certain things better than others, but others can do certain things better than Saab. I don't drive my Saabs because it says Saab on the front and back, but because I like them. If I stood by my 901 Volvo or Peugeot, I wouldn't care either.
The last time I looked at Mazda was. Sometimes technically different ways, a little different from the others, some quirky decisions - a touch of Trollhättan ...
Mazda is holding a very exciting course at the moment, as things are developing contrary to the mainstream. The brand is currently very interesting!
I fully agree - among the current manufacturers, Mazda seems to me to be the car brand that is most likely to go its own way, has character, and seems sincere. For me, Volvo is too detached from the actual virtues, Subaru is too arbitrary for me, viewed deeper, Jaguar has also become inauthentic in my opinion ... there is not much left in smaller brands.
In addition to all the SAAB I drive a reasonably reliable Opel Omega B Caravan, which pleases me with his simple mind and very relaxed.
I still drive a Saab. My 9-5 Aero from 2004 is the perfect travel machine! Last year I did around 8000 km during my parental leave, just on vacation and before that I did almost 3500 km the week before! (everything with lpg :) The car is only driven once every two weeks. I only ride my bike in the city.
For me, the only alternative is Subaru. Too bad it did not make it on the list.
I drive SAAB 93 convertible and it will stay that way. However, I bought a Lexus as a company car. The design language I find not aggressive but failed and the hybrid drives wonderfully.
At the moment there are 4 SAABs, 3 of my own and my beauties. No matter which car I sit in, from Alfa to Volvo, I don't feel that well in any of them. I can then live well with Opel, Renault or “Whatever” (like before my SAAB fever) and keep my sandwiches alive for as long as possible with the money saved.
LEXUS ??
Unfortunately, the brand ´LEXUS´ is missing from your alternative list to Saab! For me personally, the LexusGS 450h is interesting! It is an older model ... I was allowed to test it for 2 days a few years ago. The vehicle fully convinced me ... the specified consumption values are also absolutely realistic. I had a cumulative consumption of 2 liters in the 7,9 days, which is considerable with a vehicle weight of 1850 kilos. However, these vehicles are so popular that it is almost a 6'er in the lottery to get a car in top condition and portable mileage.
ps: I am less enthusiastic about the current models from Lexus ... this aggressive design is not my thing!
/ keep it up ... there is always something new to discover on the saabblog !!
LEXUS ?? Addendum !! I've been driving Saab for about 30 years (´´900 8-valve 145 PS´´ 900 Tu 16s Coupe´´ 9000 CD 2.3´´ 900 II 2.0 Tu Coupe´´ 9-5 I 2.3 Ecopower´´) and currently for approx. 6 1/2 years ago a 9-5 Aero 2.3 Tu Sport-Kombi with 306.000 km “// You can see from this list how difficult it would be for me to switch to another brand! But until then it will probably be a few more years! Next up is the 9-5 NG ... on the wish list in the Saab vehicle list.
In 39 years 27 Saab driven (company / family). Everything except the sonnet was there.
Then Volvo XC 60. Great car nothing to moan, heart elsewhere. Now in retirement. Little Japanese
because mainly short distances. Great car, heart somewhere else. Maybe it will be something again
with a Saab.
Interestingly strong VOLVO faction here. Would not that be an additional topic for the blog and would not Tom at least once for discussion?
Volvo is clearly leading at the moment ... A real surprise. I also see the brand as a possible addition, because from a Swedish point of view, what belongs together would grow together.
The Volvo affinity of some readers seems very strong if you follow the survey. The Saab - Volvo topic was discussed a few years ago. At that time, we decided against it for good reason.
interesting survey; I / we have 6 Saab`s and drive all. I actually have problems even to imagine an alternative, except such old love to Maserati (everyday use but rather not-the older years of construction);
I hope at least 1-3 Saab's until ...? to be able to keep alive. I see a big problem with politics, how much longer we can….
We only drive Saabs, still. 9.3 Cabrio, 9.5 Estate, 9.5 NG Unfortunately, despite regular care, the vehicles are getting old. Unfortunately, there is no alternative in sight.
Volvo
I would have called Alfa Romeo, but the current product range of AR (no estate, but ugly SUV) and the poor future prospects (in the direction of electric comes from AR nothing), AR probably to a dead end.
Interesting idea, such a survey! However, I understood the second question to mean that you only tick something if you are already driving a different brand - in addition to or instead of the Saab. So not what you could theoretically imagine if you had to. As a result, as a convinced driver of two Saabs (nothing else comes into my garage!) I didn't tick anything on the second question. Or have I misunderstood that? Since the voting numbers for the second question are about exactly as high as for the first, but where about 60 percent say they only drive Saab, I have probably misunderstood that ... (??)
With response 2 the naming of up to 2 makes is possible. Shown is the number of votes cast, not the voters. Hence the difference.
All right - that was my mistake! Thanks for the information! 🙂
I have been driving Saab exclusively since 1987 (returning from the USA) (2x9000CD; 3 × 9-5 Hirsch Troll; since 2011 9-3 Aero Hirsch), and in early summer I also do short trips with a 900 L (1978, 60,000 km) and during the summer months a 900 convertible (1991, 160000 km).
Alternatively, today I could imagine a Tesla Model 3 next to a Jaguar XE.
Jaguar is an individual brand that I consider an alternative….
Jaguar's top end attitude, stops many pre-SAAB drivers considering them
Also, where is that driveability, that does not require a massive V8 ……….
Hello Tom, is it your intention that you did not plan on Volvo as an option?
Of course not, even if you could accept it. Little mishap in the form, Volvo is now visible.
30 years I drive only Saab and I hope it stays like that for a while. Currently I am expanding my fleet to distribute the Km on as many Saabs as possible. Currently a 9-5 NG 2.0 Turbo, in summer the 902 Turbo Convertible, a second convertible for my wife is in the works. Next spring, the 9000 CC 2.3 Turbo is finally ready and comes back on the road. So I hope to continue driving the Saab Feeling for the next few years.
Yes, difficult. Lovers Saab I have three, even the then 2005 newly purchased 9-3 SC may sunbathe for a long time already in the status.
When the 2008 Saab 9-3 SC business car went out of lease there were no new ones. Successor was then a Volvo V60, then (by employer change) a BMW 3er GT, after switching back a Volvo XC60. Then a Land Rover Discovery Sport, now a Subaru XV is coming soon (after the kids are out of the house, which is smaller).
Seems like nothing has excited me permanently since Saab no longer exists ... ...
And somehow breaks the survey format 😉