10th Jul 2011, 12:59
You're right in suggesting that I worry about Saab going bankrupt. When I bought the new 9-5, I had no idea that Saab had stopped production on April 6th. This news did not reach the mainstream US news services. I only found out two weeks after I purchased the car. It's looking darker and darker for Saab right now, and I feel I'll have an albatross sitting in my garage very soon.
10th Aug 2012, 13:58
The resale is great when buying, but poor when selling. If you plan on driving the car until it dies, then it's a great deal. Also the parts will always be around, so that's not an issue... just don't buy them from the dealer and you're safe. They tried to charge me $450 for a light bulb... wow... Aftermarket here I come!!
18th Jul 2019, 22:07
It's a "collector's item"?
The current market values for used Saabs, including the final 9-5 models, would seem to indicate otherwise.
19th Jul 2019, 22:09
Value/collector status can be subjective. A Saab enthusiast may pay lots more for a good condition car they know is getting rare, and keep it good to maintain value in future to sell to other Saab enthusiasts, and make at least his money if not more money back (though generally all cars are depreciating for most of their life).
You just need the right buyer; as with anything in life, there is a market.
21st Jul 2019, 23:29
You are taking a chance with that view. Lack of appeal is often what makes a nameplate disappear. It’s not a GTO as an example. It’s a Saab.
22nd Jul 2019, 19:55
The 2004-2006 version of the GTO is a perfect example of a nameplate that disappeared due to lack of appeal!
23rd Jul 2019, 17:17
Up til 1972 the GTO was great. Some got it down great. Others today look like potatoes, ice cube shapes. Happy face or sad grilles. And cup holders. What might look great in a wind tunnel or for more shoulder and foot room nowadays, leave much to be desired. Cars like the Aztek or imports like the Prius are prime examples. My family would rather pay more for a nice car and added fuel costs. I wouldn’t even wax one.
25th Jul 2019, 15:34
Been there and heard that before.
"After 1972 it was a bleak time for performance due to emissions and pollution devices and 5 mph bumpers ruined the look of everything". Ho hum.
Thing about it is, there were still a lot of radical looking body styles throughout that whole decade and Pontiac was still using their 455 V8 under the hoods of many models, which actually had more net horsepower than what was written on paper.
26th Jul 2019, 02:15
I agree, I liked the Trans Am and Can Am. But not the 455 of old. However 1970 was the ultimate horsepower; even 1971 felt pressure from car insurance companies. Your mid 70s 455 had 250 HP Nearly 100 HP less. 1970 was a year that muscle cars were at their absolute performance peak. Fast forward to 2000 and newer for some amazing horsepower again, both domestic and many imports. So the present is very bright. None of this has any bearing or likely any interest to Saab owners. So in all fairness, let them have the floor.
26th Jul 2019, 23:21
It's a SAAB review, after all. The GM cars being discussed are of little or no relevance to most of the world outside North America, where they were never sold.
27th Jul 2019, 16:03
Well, 15:34 is pretty harmless. Only calling out the same pre 1972 muscle car era comment that is seen quite often.
27th Jul 2019, 17:13
Completely false. You can ship or import a vehicle to the USA if it meets the guidelines and is eligible. It may need to conform to federal safety and emission standards. America vintage cars and classics are disappearing and shipped by brokers you can enlist for your behalf. So buy a 911, drive the Autobahn and ship. Or ship a new car like a Corvette overseas. It’s done everyday. Go on the internet and see how it’s done. There’s rules and restrictions, and if met you can do so.
6th Jun 2011, 11:50
To 20th May 2011, 05:13.
The new 9-5 ain't a Vectra at all. It shares its platform with the Opel Insigna. Just like a Audi shares its platform with a VW, and nobody cares...