Posted on 10/13/2010 3:17:35 PM PDT by WesternCulture
Admittedly, I'm biased.
One of the prime reasons why I wish SAAB to survive is the fact that I'm Swedish.
Sweden and SAAB is one.
I have travelled, slept and ate in small SAABs.
As our country grew richer and richer, SAABs more and more got associated with pioneering turbo engineering and yuppie lifestyles.
However, unlike Volvo, SAAB never became a car for the vast masses over here in Europe. Perhaps in London, but not among the middle class in the Paradise of Sweden.
Perhaps because SAAB is very much of an individualist's vehicle and the average Swede isn't much of an individualist.
I guess I'm pretty much of a Swede. I abide the law and although I like America, I don't think we should employ their gun laws.
But, I also shed a tear when the historical mark of Oldsmobile recently was put to sleep.
Not only because I love USA, but also because I love cars.
Anyhow, Welcome back, SAAB!
Individualism and creativity is still needed!
“Who owns Saab now? I know Koneigsegg was trying to buy it. I heard Porsche has part ownership. I think VAG (Volkswagen Audi Group) woul dbe a good owner or part owner because they are smart and have boat loads of money thanks in part to Dr. Piech.”
- Today, Dutch Spyker owns SAAB.
Let’s give ‘em a chance.
The Dutch are very good at business ventures.
They really were some offbeat cars - the design engineers must have had a strong background in aviation. I can see how they might have mechanical problems, not because of flaws in the design but because most mechanics would be lost trying to figure them out.
“I agree, US gun laws are too restrictive and overreaching”
- Buy me a bottle of American whiskey and I might rethink.
He's a Swede showing some national pride.He's an occasional poster here and is a really good guy so,IMO,there should be no problem.
There was some really offbeat design stuff particularly on my first one -- it was as if a bunch of engineers who had never seen a car before were dropped in the middle of a field and told to design one. Things like the trademark ignition key on the floor, parking brakes that operated on the front wheels and a clutch that could be replaced without removing either the engine or transmission. I do miss it. Sometimes.
I will never buy a GM..... An Obama car will never be in my garage.
However, I understand that GM recently sold Saab to Spyker making it a Sweedish company once again. I’ve read that the 9-2 and 9-7 are gone from the lineup so no Saab cars are currently made in the US.
So, if Saab can get past the stench of being built on a GM foundation, it might do well and I might learn to like it.
I will never buy a vehicle made by Obama motors and I will never buy a car made by union hands.
Looking at the video, it looks very nice, so I’ll be watching for it.
You said, “ ...... although I like America, I don’t think we should employ their gun laws.” LOL... Does this mean that the Swedes should not be trusted with the responsibilities of gun ownership? I am kinda fond of our Second Amendment.
I love my 2000 9-3 convertible; purchased in 2007 for $9,500. I had no idea that it would have cost close to 40K new.
Now in Colorado, I can accelerate from 40 to 80 climbing a mountain pass, almost instantly. I still get 28 MPG. I plan to drive it to the top on Mt. Evans, 14,280 feet next season.
The convertible has a hard cover that fits over the drop top, so it looks clean with the top down. You would have to go with BMW or Mercedes in 2000 to get similar at much higher cost.
A SAAB with the Two Stroke or V-4 were very easy to maintain, and parts were not pricey.
The Best SAAB ever was the 97 AKA Sonnet.
I owned 97’s, 96’s and 95’s. The corn poppers are great fun with thier blue trail of smoke.
It really sounds like you're talking about Citroën.
≤}B^)
“- Does this mean that the Swedes should not be trusted with the responsibilities of gun ownership?”
- My opinion is that Sweden isn’t ready for the kind of gun laws you have in America.
The only reason I can see why we should be handing out guns to everyone is that we would be fighting the Russians.
Until such a situation emerges, Swedish drug addicts could stab each other with knives instead.
My only Saab experience: a neighbor had one back in the mid ‘70’s. He called it “The Sorry Saab”. Our Volvo wasn’t any better. My dad called it the “health car”, so I asked him why. He said it built up his muscles pushing the dead thing.
I have a ten year old Saab convertible for summer driving. It has over 125K on the clock.
Do you see very many high mileage Saabs in your shop? The engines are allegedly good for well over 200K. We’ll see. Might get a little pre-emptive work done on it- replace the timing chain.
“My only Saab experience: a neighbor had one back in the mid ‘70’s. He called it “The Sorry Saab”. Our Volvo wasn’t any better. My dad called it the “health car”, so I asked him why. He said it built up his muscles pushing the dead thing.”
- Give Swedish cars just another chance, won’t you:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-YKzCsgE5I
(The 910 hp Koenigsegg Agera)
Im on my second 9-5. The beauty is that they have no resale value and you can buy second hand for a steal. This one is a 2006 which was over 40K sticker. Picked it up in 08 with only 20K miles for 21K...about 50% off. And they certified it w full warranty to 6 years or 100K miles. I rent alot of cars and there isn’t a rental out there that handles like this. I’m guessing only the high end German and Japanese can match the handling. Rented a Corvette once when they offered it for a small up charge and could not believe that I could be so unimpressed. Great handling and good power. My first was a mechanics dream but this one is shop free for 3 years now.
I was only teasing you.
Do you folks ship all of the ugly girls to Russia? Maybe you guys just don’t allow the ugly ones to come to the states. In either case... thanks! ;>)
I have never seen a Swedish gal that wasn’t gorgeous.
“It really sounds like you’re talking about Citroën. “
Naw...THOSE engineers were just told to design whatever the hell came to them after drinking two bottles of wine each.
The 9-4X is being assembled in Mexico initially but will eventually be built in Sweden, or at least the follow on to the 9-4X will be.
Saab is developing the next generation 9-3 to debut in 2013 and is doing initial planning on a 9-1 or 9-2 that will be a competitor for the Mini (conceptualized picture). 
Having recently signed a contract with BMW to purchase engines, and American Axle to purchase drive trains, they have a good start.
WOW, a 1962/3 Sonnet
Find me a job in Sweden and I will and I will throw in a Basic Pistol Course.
“I was only teasing you.”
- You didn’t show me a pic of your mum yet..
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