Which car do you guys think I should buy?

[SKKY]

I'm in the market for a new car, and due to the fact that I've already brought 1 American Specs car into Spain, can't purchase another. That leaves me limited to something European, which isn't a bad thing, considering I get HUGE tax breaks. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to afford either of these 3. If you know specifics about why one is better that the other, please provide. As always, thanks!!!!!

[Book Lover]

1. Me, I'd always go for the Volvo

Based pretty much on my experience with my long-lived 1988 740 Turbo. But as they say, taste is only in your mouth...

[idgiehkt]

2. I voted for Saab

because I always wanted one. I know you should go for the Volvo, because it's more practical. But the Saab is cooler looking, and hipper. This is how I choose my romantic partners, too, which is probably why I'm single.

[Book Lover]

3. Coming back to this thread this morning - I see the Lounge wasn't much help!

One vote for each :-) What are *you* leaning towards? What are the general road conditions in Spain where you are?

[SKKY]

9. Well, I'm torn really....

I would like an SUV because, with a 2nd kid on the way, it would help, but I'm not excited about the idea of driving an SUV.
The Volvo, if I were a sensable person, would be the obvious choice. And they're nice enough, with a great reputation for
durability.
The SAAB is kinda the wildcard. It just snuck up on me one day, and I really like the way they look.
The road conditions here in Spain are just fine. Between towns, good highway-like pavement. In town, you may find a
few cobblestone streets, but nothing too crazy.
Thanks for taking the extra timeon this. I appreciate the input.

[Book Lover]

15. I've gotta plug the Volvo for excitement, too

Yes, yes, safe as houses, yes. But my 1988 740 Turbo is a sub-8-second car (yes, 1988). So it's not like eating your veggies to get the Volvo. And I see that you, clever man, already have a Mazda (I've owned three RX-7s and loved them all to pieces, literally). I'd take the Saab and Volvo for a test drive - they're both well-made vehicles. See which one fits you better in the cockpit. And I'd also check out any long-term reports a magazine like Car and Driver have. Good luck!

[billyskank]

4. If you get the BMW X3 I will put you on ignore

:P

[SKKY]

11. Why is that?

Actually, I think I know why, and it's one of the reasons I don't really want to buy an SUV. But, my family is expanding, and our current car, a 2002 Mazda Protege5, is just not big enough.

[edbermac]

5. How about this Cadillac?

Pimp-mobile.

[MrCoffee]

6. Volvo isn't European anymore, neither is Saab

Volvo is a Ford brand now, and Saab is GM.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

13. I have a GM Saab, but it was still manufactured in Sweden and the engine in Germany.

So it's still a European-made car.

[terrya]

7. Get the Saab.

Just my .02.

[BOSSHOG]

8. Hey shipmate I thought you were saving for a house upon retirement

Pass on the new car and save that money. Nothing like a nosy bitchin Chief passing on advice huh?

[SKKY]

10. And I wouldn't be in the Navy if I didn't have a nosy, bitchin' Chief...

...giving me some type of advice. ;) The car we have now, a Mazda 2002 Protege5, is just tad too small. And considering we have a 2nd on the way, due in May, we just need a bigger car- period. The house is still good, and my savings for that won't be affected too much by this. We've taken an inventory of sorts, and addresses some areas that we can do better in to save some money. It's a dilema. I don't really want to buy a new car right now, but I think I'm being forced by current and future circumstances.

[NMDemDist2]

12. can't help without pics of the vehicles

but I'd avoid the Beemer meself :shrug:

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

14. Get the Saab. I have a Saab 9-3 and I absolutely adore the car.

One day, I plan on upgrading it to a convertible. I do think they're the best cars ever. They have such a smooth drive and while you won't need to worry about this, they're awesome in snow. Lots of pickup, too.