mmarshall

You and I both know, though, that Hyundai/Kia depreciation is probably more than their quality level and attractiveness actually merits. Because of their old (1990's) outdated reputation for being lemons, many potential used-car buyers, still living in the past, are afraid to invest in them, driving down their value.

With Saab, it's not necessarily the same problem.......people just aren't buying them in large numbers as NEW cars, so there aren't that many used ones on the market.

IS-SV

Yes, I'm aware of the reliability problems past and present, certainly not impressive. I won't be waiting to see how the reliability pans out.

Most (actual) premium car buyers (including me) will not select a Saab when dropping chunks of car money due to mediocre design(s), performance, technology, styling, resale value combined with the poor reliability/quality. As I mentioned earlier, my money's not touching it.

I do find the recent versions to be somewhat interesting from an enthusiasts standpoint only.

speedflex

I have to admit that I share many of these reservations about ever owning a Saab. That's why I kept my comments strictly to styling.

E6BAV8R

...and reliability and quality is what is going to live in peoples' minds as long as Hyundai/Kia is still the brand-name; brand recognition is everything these days. Unfortunately, the law of primacy takes effect in consumers mind; even more-so when you're spending tens of thousands of dollars.

As for the Saab, I like it as compared to other Saabs. As compared to other cars, not so much; and that interior is just atrocious.

mmarshall

And me. I'll buy a "premium" car if I like it enough and the price is reasonable. I owned a new Lexus IS300 for almost 5 years.....that's how I joined CL.

IS-SV

Yes with a rear view perspective, but it was never clear to all that the first IS300 was a premium car, but everybody agreed it was a nice attempt.

But my point with my above post was that regular premium car buyers (even if they have more disposable income on average) often are educated and careful with money and are unwilling to pay premium car prices for marginal so called premium cars such as Saabs. The non-monetary reasons I listed above plus the financially-oriented reasons (poor reliability/poor quality/poor resale value/so-so customer service/dwindling dealer network) are important to these buyers.

Gojirra99

Dash looks very dated and ugly to me ......, the exterior is just OK ......

LexFather

While I don't want to see ANOTHER auto company to fail I don't see many buying this. For one its not class leading in anything and two the competition is too good and three there is no confidence in the brand.

I know of one person personally that bought a new Saab in maybe 10-15 years.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

I liked the look of the old Saabs and the last gen 9-5 looks pretty good with some mods. This one doesn't quite do it for me, they have their characteristic front but the back seems misplaced from prior styling.

IS-SV

Probably a good idea to focus on the styling, which is refreshing and unique.

The reality is that premium car buyers who are careful with money shop at dealerships other than Saab.

mmarshall

Same here.....I know few, if any, myself. Part of the problem with Saab is just what you and I have discussed before about Suzuki and Mitsubishi....a notable lack of dealerships. Even in the car/dealer-rich D.C. area, there are only a couple within reasonable driving distance from my place. You can't sell vehicles without outlets.

IS-SV

Only a couple of Saab dealerships near center of import-rich Silicon Valley to support declining interest in these cars.

I know exactly zero people that currently own a Saab.

LexBob2

Same here in cars-of-all-types rich Chicago. The nearest dealer to me is a combo Cadillac-Buick-GMC-Saab store.

I just remembered, there is a small Saab only dealership not too from me (Flikkema Saab). It's been there for years and I don't know how they stay in business with just one brand like that.

LexFather

Yeah the one I know of is also a combo dealer like you said and its very small, even smaller than the tiny Audi dealers.

Threxx

That's about as unflattering as lighting and angle can possibly get for a car interior shot.

With that said I'm not sure what to think. I like the gauge cluster and steering wheel and seats. The center stack is a little too industrial for me. I guess it's the 'fighter jet' thing. The same thing I don't like about the Nissan GT-R's center stack.

Exterior is unique and decent looking but almost looks a little like the designers were somewhat emulating Chrysler's 'classic gangster' design, but in Euro interpretation.

For 50 grand I'd give it a test drive but I'm pretty sure my money would be heading elsewhere.

Speaking of Saab.. the last remaining Saturn dealer in the Memphis area is talking about taking them up as a brand and selling Saab exclusively from their location since there aren't any dedicated Saab dealers around here. We have one but it also sells Caddy and it's not really in the city anyway.

I *think* that might enable them to continue to do GM warranty work on Saturn vehicles even though Saab isn't really GM now.