My friend's wife is getting a new car. They asked me for help and now I come to you! She currently drives a Volvo 960 wagon. For those of you that don't know, the 960 was before the S80 line. It was Volvo's premium RWD sedan and wagon. Anyway, it's not that reliable and they want a new wagon....maybe an SUV but preferably a wagon.

The new volvo wagons are too small. They want a midsize/large wagon. They are thinking about a Saab 9-5 wagon. It's the right size and at a great price. The second choice is the Audi A6 Avant. The Audi should be more reliable than the Saab, but still not that reliable. Any info on the reliabilty of both vehicles (especially saab). I had family members w/ Saabs and they all sucked....but i don't know much about the new lines.

The 5-series wagon is a little overpriced compared to the A6 and it's RWD (RWD is fine, but they prefer FWD or AWD)

Any other recomendations? Keep in mind, the A4 avant, 3 series and c-class wagons are too small. And they don't really want an SUV, but if reliabilty is that much of a factor i say go w/ an RX or MDX...but until then let's stick to wagons.

 

First, the Volvo V70 has 71.5 cubic feet with the seats folded, the Saab 9-5 has 72.9 cubic feet. So, the Volvo isn't that much smaller.

Also, the 9-5 is a great car, they are very reliable (I believe its right under the TL in Consumer Reports).

 

Infinti FX45, AWD, crossover between an SUV and a wagon.

 

My good friend has had his 9-5 for almost 1 1/2 years now, and he hasn't had any major problems so far. I think the only thing was the sensor light for the airbag stayed lit and they of course took care of it for free and gave him a loaner during repair.

I've noticed with a few people that once you're a Saab owner, you are a loyal owner for life!

 

just remember that GM owns SAAB now. Dealer support will be sparse, wierd little cars. They never rate highly in any particular comparison. There is really no compelling reason to get on IMHO. I'd rather get an MB wagon if I wanted and exclusive wagon. Otherwise, one of the new crossovers would be my choice I guess.

 

I think the new Saabs look great but the name has been associated with "quirkyness" and many older Saab owners are telling me (I love the looks of the new 9-5) that the newer Saabs are NOT built as well nor are they as reliable as the older ones. I think it has to do with the whole GM thing. Anyhow, I really hesitate buying one because of the lack of dealers for service. I think the Washington, DC, area only has 3 dealers (in the entire 3 state area). That doesn't make me feel very comfortable about buying that car.

But hey, compared to a Volvo (another brand I hesitate to buy) who knows.

 

The answer is soo obvious, get a Subaru Outback or wait for the Turbo Forester later this summer.

If you want style then a used A6 with Audi assured will be good value in the luxury snack bracket.

The FX45 cargo hatch is quite small so it depends if the need size for passengers, cargo, or both.

I don't think Saab is all that reliable.

The other thing to consider would be a Passat wagon.

 

Such is the case with ALL car makers today even Honda/Acura to some varied degree.

 

You are talking completely out of your ass, why even comment on this thread.

You "think" Saabs aren't reliable, but you suggest a used fucking Audi?

Hmm, who should I believe you or Consumer Reports.....the answer, its not you.

 

i say suburu also...

 

wow! i want an x-type! what a POS...

 

I appreciate your input, but as Beltfed said....u really are talking out of your ass. None of the Subaru's u mentioned are in the same class that they are looking in. A Forester?? And, why go w/ a used A6 over a new one? And they really don't want an SUV (as i explained).

Beltfed,
I and my buddy thank you for the help. They plan on going w/ a Saab this weekend or maybe next.

 

another vote for Subaru.

subaru backwards : u r a bus. I crack myself up sometimes.

 

They won't buy a Subaru....sorry bud. But thanks!

 

you should've posted that on the post about Water-S (I think) considering a c-class.

 

No problem at all, just wanted to give some constructive input on the subject at hand.

 

I wouldn't put blind faith in Consumer Reports *PREDICTED* reliability.

In the last three years of JDPower vehicle dependancy study, Audi has exceeded the industry average twice and Saab only once.

Neither brand is the hallmark of reliability that Lexus or Acura is.

See for yourself.

http://www.jdpower.com/auto/search/search.asp?CatID=1

The reason I recommended a used A6 is that they seem to be depreciating quite a bit. A one year old A6 can be had at a 15-20% discount. If you can get an Audi Assured 7yr/100,000 mile warranty, that takes reliability out of the equation.

Funny how you guys are quick to jump at me because of one consumer report