Any feedback on 2004 convertibles?

I would never buy the first year of a convertible production run.

Anyone? Is there no 2004 convertible owner reading this newsgroup?

/Peter

Seems not. Is it a lot different than the 2003?

I responded. Did you not like my response ?

Yep, It is based on the completely new Sedan version of 2003.

Does not seem to be any owners in this forum though.

Do you have the 2003? Any comments if you do?

Thanks

Bob seems to think he replied ... ?

Maybe if you posted specific questions you'd get more active responses?

I have an older convertible. Here's the deal though... aside from the roof mechanism and the back seat (size), the 'vert is the same as the normal 9~3. So, you might want to rephrase your questions to "what do you guys think of the new 9~3 in terms of ?. Be specific, because you'll get lots of "it ain't no classic" and "I don't like body shapes that we're designed after 1989". So you might want to say "How's the handling and engine performance of the new 2003 or higher 9~3 ?" or similar

Back to the 'vert. The basic differences with _any_ convertible are quality of the top, operation of the top, body flex, and changes in weight distribution. You also have the "small truck" issue to go with the "small back seat" issue.

As to quality and operation of the top, Saab is at the top. Well insulated, well designed, suitable for year round use without any consideration as to the weather conditions. Glass window, no complaints there.

Body flex is an issue with all convertibles. Drive one on a washboard road around a corner with the top down. You'll feel it. Or, accelerate on a washboard road with the top down - again, you'll get a little body flex. It's not uncomfortable, but it's there. You might also find that the doors bounce a little on a rough road. That's a feature of life in convertibles. But, the issues are small and unless you plan to run at Monte Carlo, not really an issue. If you want more handling (from any Saab) you can change a few things to make it more aggressive.

On the space issues: decide if you care. Convertibles can haul the groceries, but I had to put the top down when I hauled the 27" TV box home (Of course, I could put it back up once it was loaded in the back seat. I carry a large blanket in the trunk for when I need to put something on the leather seats. The bask seat will be tight for anyone but kids but it is useable. Don't expect Jr. to be able to lay down and take a nap though.

All in all, I don' think there are many cars in competition with the Saab. The BMW 3 series is probably the only comparable car. The Volvo is, well, a Volvo. If you want to drive a tank, have at it. So, drive a Saab and see what you think. There's something to be said for a turbo that is attractive to the technologically inclined. Also, you should try it on the highway, maybe a nice run in second gear from

30mph up to highway speeds. That's where Saabs shine... mid range acceleration.

Last but not least: The reason I would not buy a first year convertible is that a new top most always has some engineering issues to be worked out. Saab is very, very good about supporting customers and if they find any issues they most always conduct a "goodwill" campaign where they correct the problem regardless of whether you are having the symptoms. But, convertible tops are moderately complex these days and I like to se the bugs worked out first. MHO.

I test drove one when they had my '02 convertible in for service. They gave it to me for the whole day, seemingly convinced that would make me switch. It was the 210hp Vector.

Very good car. The engine seemed identical with the 205hp in my car, which surprised me since I had heard it's an all new engine. Near identical sound, near identical everything. What's the point of engine development when that is the case?

There is undetectable body flex in the new convertible.

The Vector's suspension setup is harsh, but having the sports package with the 17inchers on my '02 I am kind of used to it. I do think it is a bit out of character for convertible Saabs, and might eventually soften the suspension some.

The interior is typical Saab, somewhat modernized, somewhat tidied up. Nice. The seats are a bit less comfy than on the '02, but perhaps it's because I didn't have enough time to go for the perfect setup. Or perhaps it's the integration of the seatbelts dictating space utilization.

Ergos in the cabin are worse - much more switchgear, a lot of it smallish buttons that clutter things. I prefer the classic switchgear, but gadgetry is a big trend with the entire car industry. (Note to car engineers: Just let us hook up our laptops or handhelds wirelessly to some board computer for obscure setup stuff if you must, car engineers. You'll never get user interfaces as well as the computer guys do.)

A very good car indeed, but having a relatively new '02 myself it is not enough of a quantum leap to make me consider spending big bucks again. For now, I firmly intend to drive mine until the wheels fall off, and will hope that takes a long and trouble-free time. That is why I bought a Saab.

They seemed to have ironed out the initial '03 'vert issues with the integrated seat belts, and you hardly see any of the new Saab convertibles, which is surprising given the fact design wise it is the nicest looking car in its class (but that's opinions) and that competitors (especially the 3 series) are far more common.

...pablo

Thanks for all the info and feedback. Really glad I finally got some feedback. I will probably put in an order for a new convertible next week with European delivery. I have already a trip planned to Europe so the way I see it I just get extra rebate! Test drove one a few times and even borrowed one for 24 hours. Must say I like our new Saab dealer in North Dallas, the old one downtown has some really sleezy sales guys. My impression is that the 2004 has almost no body flex but the road feeling is not quite up to BMW. It beats by far both Volvo, Audi and Mercedez in that aspect though and with European delivery I get a price that beats the BMW by at least $5000 and there is a lot more included with the price than the BMW. Two climates zones, really good seats, remote operaton of top. Leather seats included etc etc. plus the yellow color is great. Not sure what my girlsfriend thinks of it though... Plus the fact that a Saab convertible is built at the same factory in Austria as the BMW X3 gives me a god reassurance about the build quality. Engineering quality remains to be seen though.

Thanks again

/Peter

Can you bring that back to the USA? Or is Europe your home town?

The color or the convertible ? My significant other is not fond of the wind/hair issues.

Thanks for the feedback. No it is the wind/heat issue... Actually I live in Texas but since I travel a lot to Sweden and Europe it is a great match for me! What color do you have?

/Peter