The older 9-3's like the Viggen you posted are stout cars. Only downside with them compared to a 9-5 is torque steer and body flex. Fortunately genuinesaab.com makes a bunch of subframe and strut braces that solve that issue. The Viggens definitely look better, and those seats are fucking incredible.Bfowler wrote:figured you would say that! you almost have me convinced....why not a 9-3aero?
how many miles are on yours now? what have you had to do in the way of bushings, cv joints etc?
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/986903836.html ?
The new generation 9-3's are the best handling Saabs yet, though you definitely don't want the 03 since they had a bunch of first year electrical glitches. After that they were quite decent, though the new Ecotec engines are less robust stock than the older Ecopower. A new gen 9-3 Aero might be tricky to afford, and it's tougher to tune than a Viggen beyond the 300HP mark. However, unlike the older 9-3's they can be found with 4th gen Haldex AWD, which KICKS ASS and mechanically distributes 95% of the power to your wheels. If you want Darth Vader's personal Saab, check out the Turbo-X version (probably well beyond your budget but a cool car nonetheless).
On my car (110k miles) I have replaced the stock wallowy base model springs with those off an Aero model, which are 10mm lower and comfortably stiff. The stock Aero springs are way underdamped however, but coupled with Bilstein HDs they handle incredibly well without being annoyingly low or bone jarring. To me, a practical Swedish sedan shouldn't be lowered, but there are many kits available if that's what you prefer. It won't beat anyone at the autocross, especially considering FWD forces the wheels back further than they are placed in your BMW, but it's just right on public roads.
As for bushings, the only ones that suck are the front rear control arm bushings, which are FLUID FILLED. Fortunately you can replace them with Poly and never have to worry about them again... they don't hurt the ride at all either, though I wouldn't recommend poly ARB bushings unless you are making a track car.
I recommend the 9-5 Aero model because it comes stock with better springs, bigger brakes, and a bigger more reliable turbo. It's also specced for fully synthetic fluid, whereas the base models initially got semi-synth. They found out the hard way that with a turbo and 15k mile OCI's, the engine can sludge with the semi-synth. Personally I swap my oil with full synth every 5000km, and it has cleaned my previous owner's neglectful sludge right out. Finally, for the price difference between an Aero and a base model, you will actually end up SAVING MONEY if you consider tuning it. I learned that the hard way, now that my car is at 04 Aero spec (yet still has the crappy seats and no bodykit).
I have been pretty happy with the Saab. I picked a piece of shit because I was too eager to get back in a car after 6 months without one, and it was initially unreliable due to heavy abuse and neglect. I found that most issues are caused by simple, easy to replace parts. It's got a timing chain, so there are no regular big jobs on the engine. Even with the Sedan, if you fold the seats down you can carry an enormous amount of stuff. I ended up moving using just my car to carry everything. The Wagon is even more versatile, and look mean with tint. Most of all, it's just a comfortable car. Heated seats front and back, optional vented front seats, (did I mention how comfortable the seats are), and they just CRUISE on the highway. Passing cars is effortless.
I don't think a Saab would be the "BEST" car you can buy. There are probably faster or better handling cars for the money. Still, depreciation makes them cheap, they are exceedingly comfortable and VERY unique. You would learn to love embarassing cocky BMW drivers as well
BTW how much do you want for your BMW? The E36 has always been my favorite car but they are way too expensive up here. Though I need another car now like I need an asshole in the middle of my forehead...
