As a Saab enthusiast and a previous lessee of a TrailBlazer, I’m in a unique position to offer a comparative perspective on the Saab 9-7x. Having owned my 9-7x with 53,000 miles for a while now, I can confidently say it has presented fewer issues than my TrailBlazer did at just 28,000 miles during my lease. In fact, the only problem I’ve encountered with my 9-7x has been a wheel bearing replacement, a detail transparently disclosed by the previous owner along with a complete service history when I purchased it privately.
Let’s delve into the positive and negative aspects I’ve observed with my Saab 9-7x:
The Upsides of Owning a Saab 9-7x
One of the standout features of the Saab 9-7x is its surprisingly sporty handling. This SUV genuinely provides an enjoyable driving experience, especially on winding roads. It’s not something you typically expect from a vehicle in this class, but the 9-7x delivers a level of agility that makes driving genuinely fun.
Beyond its performance, the Saab 9-7x undeniably boasts a head-turning appearance. It’s a vehicle that garners attention and positive comments wherever it goes. The distinctive Saab styling sets it apart from other SUVs, contributing to a sense of pride in ownership.
Points to Consider with the Saab 9-7x
However, it’s important to be realistic about certain aspects. Tire longevity on the Saab 9-7x is one area where it may fall slightly short compared to the TrailBlazer. The original equipment Dunlop SP Sport 5000 tires are unlikely to last beyond 50,000 miles, and that’s with conservative driving habits. For those seeking extended tire life, exploring alternative brands when replacement becomes necessary is a smart move. I personally plan to switch brands once my current Dunlops wear out to see if I can improve on this.
Another factor to keep in mind is the rarity of Saab dealerships. If your 9-7x is still under any form of Saab warranty, accessing service can be challenging due to the limited number of service centers. My personal experiences with Saab customer service haven’t been particularly impressive, which is something potential owners should be aware of.
Saab 9-7x: A Reliable Choice?
Despite these considerations, I firmly believe the 9-7x is an excellent vehicle overall. Crucially, it shares a significant number of parts with other General Motors SUVs, minimizing concerns about unique Saab-specific components becoming problematic or difficult to source. This parts commonality leads me to believe that the Saab 9-7x should exhibit comparable reliability to other vehicles built on the same platform, like the Chevrolet TrailBlazer or GMC Envoy.
Final Verdict on the Saab 9-7x
If you’re considering a Saab 9-7x and are satisfied with the specific vehicle you’re evaluating, especially if it comes with a well-documented history, I am confident it will prove to be a fantastic vehicle for you. I wholeheartedly love mine and appreciate its blend of unique Saab character and SUV practicality.
