I was just doing a search on Autotrader to see if there were any 99s available, (so searched on model 99 and nationally, as opposed to near my postcode) and this came up at North City Saab...
Yes, it's much worse than the press pics of the car suggested. After sort-of defending this car, based on the quality of its underpinnings, I'll have to eat my words. It's shockingly cheap'n'nasty looking ... even basement spec 2.0i Impreza's are better looking than that thing!
I guess it's a combination of import duty, shipping costs, VAT on the shipping, VAT on the car, registration fees, insurance, insurance premium tax, and yes, profit - mostly for HM Govt I expect
I've also defended this car (without yet seeing one) and I have to say I'm a bit disappointed - seems a bit sit up & beg to me, the wheels don't fill the arches like on a scoobie. [expletive deleted] colour though. Interior too plastic? Maybe, but so's a 9-3ss...
Originally posted by Jason (Mr Torque Steer):
[qb]Yes, it's much worse than the press pics of the car suggested. After sort-of defending this car, based on the quality of its underpinnings, I'll have to eat my words. It's shockingly cheap'n'nasty looking ... even basement spec 2.0i Impreza's are better looking than that thing! [/qb][/b]
I'd go and see the car in the flesh myself... I guess the picture was taken by someone who wasn't particularly gifted photography wise - it's a wide angle shot so perspective is all out. I presume that if you looked at the car through normal vision it would look better....
Saw an Aero version on-the-road in Texas recently. In a better colour with the more agressive Aero wheels... it looked quite good!
Certainly could shift and made a lovely noise. Even as the ******* son of a Subaru, it has more character than anything that's come out of Saab Europe recently.
Originally posted by McAero:
[qb]Saw an Aero version on-the-road in Texas recently. In a better colour with the more agressive Aero wheels... it looked quite good!
... [/qb][/b]
I say... I rather like the Nocturne Blue (he says slightly defensively!) , but God the bonnet is a real hash. Leave it to the Scooby. It really doesn't sit well on a Saab!
Better get used to "that front" guys! From the grainy pictures that I've seen of the 9-5 face lift I suspect that it will not look too different from the 9-2, without the bonnet scoop I hope...........!
I test drove a new black Aero, and it really isn't a bad car. Not as much luxury as in my 9-5, but love the way this thing blasts off. Another plus is the huge amount of aftermarket parts that are out there for this vechile since it is the son of a very respected WRX. Won't take much to get well over 300 HP in this baby!!
I get the GM/SAAB connection, but throwing in the Japanese angle, really messes me up. I am already looking at Saturns, and thinking there is Saab tracing there... Now I have to look at Suby and think of a Saab as well?
Never knew that they owned it... guess they were buying everything they could to get their vehicles back to "world class" (bit I picked upo from an add... "30 years ago, we had the highest quality, 20 years ago the lowest, we are back to the highest quality cars made" circa 2003)
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