Saab has been going downhill for years. My dad has had Saabs for years and his latest (9-5) has put him off getting another one.

He has had several 900s and 9000s and they were superb with excellent comfort and reliability.

Their current 900 16v Classic Convertible has done 190k miles and is fabulous still!

His last 9000 was a run out special edition and was one of the best cars he has owned.

I'm a big Saab fan (owned a couple one old style and one new style, both good) and will be sorry to see the Badge disapear.

I have been more than happy to see the name live on in the form of GM based cars over the past 15 years or so (just like with Skoda badges being slapped on VW's etc....)

Looks like they are getting closer to going under....

"Swedish car maker Saab has applied for legal restructuring to prevent bankruptcy after it was jettisoned by its owner General Motors, a Saab spokesman confirms."

Article on Sky: Recession: Car Maker Saab Applies For Reconstruction After Being Abandoned by General Motors | Business | Sky News

Steve

I have a Saab at present, a 2004 9 3 convertible and in all honesty it's a far better car in every way than then 2003 VW Octavia vRS I had before, oops Skoda Octavia.

Will be sad if SAAB disappear.

SAAB's press release of today: SAAB on the road to independence

Just one minor obstacle mentioned in passing: "Funding for the restructured company will need to be secured during the reorganization process and will be sought from both public and private sources." :P

I'm looking at buying a 9-5 estate... fingers crossed this makes the prices drop!

I liked the 9-3 Aero Turbo I was loaned. It didn't half shift - just as well as my vRS actually.

Is this the unnamed company on the brink of collapse in the news today? I am sure I read a rumour on Pistonheads yesterday that Honda may break up now.

Few intresting threads to read on one of the Saab Forums;

Saabscene :: Saab Forum -> Saab News

I used to have an old 900 Turbo as a company car a few years ago, there was something about the car that just made you want to get in it and go for a drive, I was devastated when I had to leave my job and the car. Always wanted another SAAB but never got one.

It would be a shame if Saab died out.My uncle had a 9000 saloon. beefy car it was, fully loaded.What were they thinking when they ran Saab at a loss though? it doesn't matter as GM will bail us out? It sounds a lot like Rover management. It was a shame seeing Rover go down the pot because of these big fat cats taking the money and running.

I think it is a bit of a shame but SAAB have been a shadow of their former selves for years. In the 1980s the 900 Turbo was an "off beat" choice for switched on people who didn't want a Beemer. It was a cool and classy car and as a kid I wanted one (I still do). Now however the 9-3 is just an overpriced piece of badge engineering and I would would either buy a Mondeo ( a vastly superior car for thousands less) or if I had the extra cash a BMW 3 series or Audi A4. I think the brand finally sank into ignominy when they stuck a Cadillac brand on the 9-3 (but I havn't even seen one of those on the road).

Yes I will miss the name and it is sad but I think the current cars are very disappointing:thumbdwn:

I think it is a bit of a shame but SAAB have been a shadow of their former selves for years. In the 1980s the 900 Turbo was an "off beat" choice for switched on people who didn't want a Beemer. It was a cool and classy car and as a kid I wanted one (I still do). Now however the 9-3 is just an overpriced piece of badge engineering and I would would either buy a Mondeo ( a vastly superior car for thousands less) or if I had the extra cash a BMW 3 series or Audi A4. I think the brand finally sank into ignominy when they stuck a Cadillac brand on the 9-3 (but I havn't even seen one of those on the road).

Yes I will miss the name and it is sad but I think the current cars are very disappointing:thumbdwn:

Right, that's it, enough!!

I'm off to join a Saab forum to complain and sulk that someone doesn't like my car and may well be a prat and uninformed.

Toys and dummies are gonna fly:rolleyes:

Dear oh dear.

Lance

Sort of still on topic - the rumours in my weekend papers suggested that the "unnamed car plant" was Vauxhall Ellesmere Port.

Right, that's it, enough!!

I'm off to join a Saab forum to complain and sulk that someone doesn't like my car and may well be a prat and uninformed.

Toys and dummies are gonna fly:rolleyes:

Dear oh dear.

Lance

Not exactly saying I don't like them. they are decent enough cars in the sense that a Vectra is a decent enough car but it can't compete as a "premium" vehicle against its rivals IMHO when the original 900 very definately could: it is an iconic car. They are very expensive for what they are despite the VAT cut. And whilst I may well be prat Lance in many people's opinion, I am entitled to my opinion. That's the first time that's happened on this forum which is normally friendly and good natured: Not that I care but I think you have let the side down:

Edited 23 February, 200917 yr by Matt Bodycombe

Not exactly saying I don't like them. they are decent enough cars in the sense that a Vectra is a decent enough car but it can't compete as a "premium" vehicle against its rivals IMHO when the original 900 very definately could: it is an iconic car. They are very expensive for what they are despite the VAT cut. And whilst I may well be prat Lance in many people's opinion, I am entitled to my opinion. That's the first time that's happened on this forum which is normally friendly and good natured: Not that I care but I think you have let the side down:

This being Lance, I'm pretty sure that's his usual "dry" sense of humour. Oh and I'm only getting this involved so there's a 3rd party saying it was meant as a joke.

I was told (in not so many words) that I'd bought the wrong car at last weekends meet at Allams! According to the Briskoda fraternity I should have got a new Superb, which although it is without question a very nice car, aint for me and (so far) I'm loving Saab ownership

This being Lance, I'm pretty sure that's his usual "dry" sense of humour. Oh and I'm only getting this involved so there's a 3rd party saying it was meant as a joke.

Thanks Ken.......spot on.

Matt, the "may well" bit just before prat and uninformed was intentionally put there so's not to actually call you a prat, chill out pal.

I think you have let yourself down.

Lance

I would love a TTid like Mr Fish's. They are just too damn expensive ATM

Thanks Ken.......spot on.

Matt, the "may well" bit just before prat and uninformed was intentionally put there so's not to actually call you a prat, chill out pal.

I think you have let yourself down.

Lance

No probs, sorry if i took you the wrong way.

No probs, sorry if i took you the wrong way.

Peace man