What car for me thread (Don't tell LogDog)

So, even though I'll miss 50+ MPG, I'm thinking about selling the Golf and getting something else in the $4500 price range. LogDog keeps telling me to pick up a Civic because they are reliable, cheap, easy to maintain, and a lot of other reasons that make perfect sense. The problem is, I haven't made a logical decision in a few decades. So don't tell him I'm thinking about something other than a Civic. When I end up buying an old, rusty Citroen I'll lie and tell him all the Civics were sold.
So, I'm thinking about a SAAB, because I've always wanted one. When did they become GMised, and is that a bad thing? I see Saab 9-3 Arc, Linear, Aero, Viggen, and I think a few others. So, who can tell me what the heck the difference is between all the different SAAB flavors out there? Do I want a $4500 SAAB for an 80+ mile per day commute?
Should I just get a Honda? Anyone wanna buy a Golf TDI?

you want my Saab

http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/open-classifieds/mine-2004-saab-9-5/90951/page1/

I love driving my car as much as I can. the NG/OG900 are mostly Saab, the 9-5 has some GM inside her. the new 9-3SS is 100% GM true Saab is 9000 and C900 chassis. my 9-5 has over 200k on it. I would take it across country tomorrow ( planning a 1200 mile trip in nov) and they are very reliable, mine has averaged 28.3 MPG in the last 60k miles. that includes, winter driving and everything all hand done.

Edit

Linear is the base, then ARC then Aero. (9-5) 9-3SS has Linear, Vector (6 speed) ARC, Aero, SportCombi(Wagon) and convert. Linear always means it has the smaller turbo, less HP. for 9-5 Arc gets teh Mitsu TD04 (same as aero) just lesser tune Aero gets sport suspension, TD04 with more aggressive tune, lowered, 17" rims, and brushed steal looking dash insert

It looks nice. The miles aren't a huge deal to me, but I'm always thinking about resale since I change cars like most folks change underwear. Then there's the 725 miles between us. Dang. Not ruling it out, just trying to wrap my head around those things.

I hear ya, retail on saabs is hard because most people think they are still out of business. I have no problem getting any parts I need. some are kinda pricey thogh (DIC, Fuel pump,ect) the clutch was 600$ parts at wholesale cost + my labor ( OEM Aero clutch disc, PP, Thrw out/slave and flywheel resurface)

My brother had a 2005 9-3 Linear automatic. It was a tremendously nice car to drive, not overly powerful but really a nice place to put a LOT of miles down and his got 35 mpg hwy. Little things like grab handles and sun visors were the problem, you could just feel the GM bean counters at work when they fell off.

Were it not for a 50 mph head on crash that totaled the car but everyone walked away from he'd be driving it today.

In reply to KyAllroad:

Those 9-3SS' are incredibly safe, safer infact then its big brother the 9-5

300BHP is a tune, a downpipe, and intake away from stock aero trim

When were the sludging problems resolved? That's the thing that worries me the most about GM era SAABs.

HappyAndy wrote: When were the sludging problems resolved? That's the thing that worries me the most about GM era SAABs.

See, I didnt even know about this issue.

Ohhh yes the sludge! Any t7 9-5 up to 2004 [99 to my03] had wicked sludge issues due to the 15,000 mile OCI with dino oil. If looking at make sure to ask when the pan was dropped and see if it has pcv#6 installed

According to my friend that is the lead tech at a SAAB Indie shop, some T5 9-3s had sludge problems too, and even 9-5s that had more frequent oil changes weren't completely immune. I've herd mixed reviews about the PCV upgrades.

Saab resale values have plummeted, one of of my standard CL searches is for a 9-3 or 9-5. There are few cars better for eating up highway miles. We had a '00 base 9-3 that was a great place to spend time in, but we sold it when we had our second child. Still miss it!

Say its not so ! A golf TDI for a Saab ? I love my golf to..but like you I'm looking for a replacement. As in Volvo. I love the interior of the few I've been in.

Considering how much you hate performing maintenance or doing repairs on your daily driver, I think a nice British car would suit your needs better than a Saab.

Aussiemg, no matter your faith, you will have to atone for your sins....

In reply to DrBoost:

There is merit to his suggestion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhY-vEdzbO4

The 'ute is just about the worst thing to happen to cars besides the GM FWD platform.

I agree completely, I'm much more partial to the cab over pickups based off of vans.

Tell me more about this Golf...

DrBoost wrote: Anyone wanna buy a Golf TDI?

Umm... as I've mentioned a few dozen times... Yeah? Of course, I'm half broke right now, so that's a problem...

DrBoost wrote: Aussiemg, no matter your faith, you will have to atone for your sins....

Here ya go, just found a reason even you can agree with

Re: AussieMG. AHHHHHH MY EYES!!!!

Ian and SVrex: its a '99 (MK IV) with some tastefull suspension bits and pieces. Its got 265K and nets me 50+ MPG. I need $4K. If you're interested, shoot me a PM and I'll send you specifics.

DrBoost wrote: I need $4K.

I will give you 581.72 and a Harbor Freight welder.

DrBoost wrote: The 'ute is just about the worst thing to happen to cars besides the GM FWD platform.

You just have to open your mind's eye a bit to see the potential hidden in every wagon or hatchback in the world....