1 year, 42 days, 5 hours, 44 minutes ago
audisean used to own:
audisean owns:
SilverSurfer - 2001 Triumph Daytona 955i
The embedded video shows a ride in Middlesex, VT; we (the NTSR) call it the annual Camp Meade ride. In the video we're all on our way out to dinner. I'm the guy who sticks his legs out near the end of the clip. The triples sound fantastic.
This is my 2001 Triumph Daytona 955i; it has been featured on the boompa.com home page. I purchased this particular Daytona 955i in March of 2002... it has a few trinkets on it like:
- Zero Gravity Double Bubble screen
- SkyKing 9-degree adjustable clip ons
- Clear Alternatives clear taillight
- Aluminum hugger
- An undertail with fender eliminator
- Aluminum turnsignals with clear lenses
- Triumph high-pipe and associated tune
The embedded video shows a ride in Middlesex, VT; we (the NTSR) call it the annual Camp Meade ride. In the video we're all on our way out to dinner. I'm the guy who sticks his legs out near the end of the clip. The triples sound fantastic.
9-3 Convertible - 2002 Saab 9-3
February 28, 2008
33k miles today.
I did try Michael's Motorsports and the owner is a SAAB and Lotus enthusiast. The oil change was uber expensive at $104, but the performance mod capabilities here are huge.
I'm going to drop ship a 6-point brace and updated PCV kit to Mike and him install those items.
Next up for the vert in March will be an alignment, and then installing the new wheels/tires. I'll have to ad pix once it's all cleaned up and ready for the Spring.
February 4, 2008
I hit 32k miles yesterday. The final couple of hundred miles came in the form of a highway blast up to Grantham, NH to buy a set of wheels and tires from a SaabCentral.com member. The OEM Pirelli's on the convertible are done; it feels as though a belt broken and it's lumpy at 20 mph. Before I mount up the new wheels, I'm going to need an alignment. I'm also due for an oil change.
I found a local SAAB independent garage, michaelsmotorsports.com, so I'm going to give them a try with an oil change and, I hope, a sludge check by dropping the oil pan and having a look around. The claim to be able to perform an alignment as well, but I want to know how they do it before agreeing to it.
January 10, 2008
31k miles today. The weather here has been warm, 50 - 65 degF. Too cold for top down running, but dangerously close!
December 14, 2007
We hit 30k miles on 12/5.
Today I was able to assess the SAAB in the snow. Let's get this out of the way now, it's no A6 quattro in the snow, however, it is FWD and it has traction control (which can sometimes get in the way), so it was fine.
What's strange is listening to the rustling of snow and ice on the convertible top. It's nice to be able to take a snow brush to the roof without worrying about scratching any paint. :)
MPG is down, strangely. It must be the winter fuel mixture. I'm averaging around 24.5 - 25 mpg per tankful.
In the end, I'm still enjoying the SAAB. I like the fact that it feels like an old European car that I remember from my youth. I like the sound of the engine, the handling, the ride, and the feel of the interior.
Ok, now let's get this winter thing over with, I want to drop the top again.
October 11, 2007
I brought the convertible into Central Saab this morning and had them perform an oil change, full synthetic this time, and also requested some Tech II time to change the door unlock behavior.
As before, Central Saab were courteous and quick; I was in and out in just under 1 hour. I pulled in at 8 AM with approximately 28.5k miles on the 'vert, and by 9 AM I was pulling out of the service lot with new oil, doors that unlock with a single click of the fob button, and a bottle of Laser Red touch up paint.
My plan is to go after some scratches that I have running across the driver's side door; I'll apply the touch up paint and then use Lankga Paint Repair (http://www.autogeek.net/langka.html).
The Convertible continues to run flawlessly, however with the top up more than down these days. :(
September 21, 2007
It's been a while since I've updated the Saab 9-3 'vert blog. Mostly, I've got good news to add, but I do have one bit of bad news as well.
First the bad news. I had a portable radio sitting in my car on the front passenger seat and I left there over night. At some point, a battery opened up and leaked battery acid on the seat! It's toast. I'm now trying to find a way to fix the seat, but an upholsterer told me that SAAB does not release their leather panels to the aftermarket. Ugh.
All of the good news remains as it was before: the SAAB Convertible is still fun to drive, quick, returns excellent gas mileage, and I'm still able to drive around with the top down due to our New England early fall warm weather (the nights are chilly though).
Let's see...
August 6, 2007
I've discovered that the A/C in the Saab is great! Much better than the A/C in the Audi. Maybe it's because the cabin is so small, or maybe GM mandated it, but it blows ICE cold air. How did I find this out? We've had sweltering weather here in New England, so it's top down during the morning and evening hours only.
I also came across some raw video footage of a 9-3 SE Convertible; I think it may have been used for promotional stock. Anyway, I added it to the page.
July 30, 2007
Doing nothing but enjoying the Saab 9-3 Convertible. I haven't had a tan like this on my face and forearms since before becoming a salary slave, it's great!
I had used some Meguire's wax on the Convertible a couple of weeks ago, and while it still beads water it doesn't have the same slick feeling that it had at first. I want to try Turtle Wax ICE on it next.
Also, I added a video that I found on YouTube. I really like the wheels in the video, they're called "Viking" wheels and they're just so Saab that I need a set.
July 25, 2007
Held our first Saab GTG and there were 5 total attendees, including myself. Not a bad first effort, and I'm sure it'll grow as time goes on.
July 24, 2007
The Saab now has 25000 miles on it. I LOVE having a convertible during the great summer weather!
I've had it in for it's first service at Central Saab in Norwood, MA. The oil was changed at 24.9k miles with semi-synth (I forgot to specify full synthetic), the changed out the DIC under recall, they fixed a hanging interior bow, and then they recoded the headlight switch to Euro settings per my request. Total bill: $50. :-) The people at Central Saab were very nice and accommodating, the customer lounge was nice and provided 2 PCs with internet, a big screen TV, a soda vending machine, several comfortable chairs and free coffee. A positive experience!
Tomorrow we have a SaabCentral.com get together at Houghton's Pond in Milton, MA. I'll post up pictures from the event.
June 29, 2007
I purchased this SAAB 9-3 SE Convertible on June 29th, 2007 on a trade for the 1999 Audi A6 from BMW of Newport. The sale experience was great; it really couldn't have been easier and the guys at BMW of Newport were great.
At this point I'm impressed with the SAAB. The SAAB is not the equal of the Audi when it comes to handling, but Audi was never able to achieve 27 MPG while still being quick on it's feet with an over 200 bhp turbocharged inline-4.
My family loves the idea of cruising with the top down, and we're getting used to the idea of only 2 doors and much less cargo room.
The Audi was a great car; reliable, solid, road hugging, and good looking. The SAAB is a new adventure that I'm looking forward to, but I hope I don't regret the loss of quattro.
May 23, 2008
Nearing 36k miles at this point
It's late spring and that means convertible weather here in New England. Of course, that also means that if something is going to go wrong with the top, now is the time. I threw a "soft top failure" warning last Thursday and brought the 'vert to Central SAAB in Norwood, MA. CS diagnosed a failed "5th bow microswitch". $347 later, I had a new microswitch and the top is working as expected.
With the warmer weather I've been averaging 26-27 MPG, and it's a good thing given FOUR DOLLAR A GALLON OF GAS! What a scam this speculative market has become.
The 6-point brace has been installed and at first I thought it made a big difference. I must be used to it now because it doesn't seem all that tight right now. I think I want to investigate a shock mount brace in addition to the 6-point subframe brace.
I still haven't mounted up the Voxx wheels yet, but I will soon. Just no time during lacrosse season.
April 2, 2008
34k miles on 3/31.
I threw my first CEL on 3/29. Driving along the interstate, I looked down and found that my CEL was lit and my temp gauge was dead. After pulling over and shutting down the engine for a quick inspection, the temp gauge came back to life upon restart. The CEL continue to be lit, so I'm bringing the 'vert into Michael's Motorsports for a check up.
Also on Friday, Mike is going to install the latest version of the PCV system along with a GenuineSaab.com 6-point subframe brace to quell the quivers.
February 28, 2008
33k miles today.
I did try Michael's Motorsports and the owner is a SAAB and Lotus enthusiast. The oil change was uber expensive at $104, but the performance mod capabilities here are huge.
I'm going to drop ship a 6-point brace and updated PCV kit to Mike and him install those items.
Next up for the vert in March will be an alignment, and then installing the new wheels/tires. I'll have to ad pix once it's all cleaned up and ready for the Spring.
February 4, 2008
I hit 32k miles yesterday. The final couple of hundred miles came in the form of a highway blast up to Grantham, NH to buy a set of wheels and tires from a SaabCentral.com member. The OEM Pirelli's on the convertible are done; it feels as though a belt broken and it's lumpy at 20 mph. Before I mount up the new wheels, I'm going to need an alignment. I'm also due for an oil change.
I found a local SAAB independent garage, michaelsmotorsports.com, so I'm going to give them a try with an oil change and, I hope, a sludge check by dropping the oil pan and having a look around. The claim to be able to perform an alignment as well, but I want to know how they do it before agreeing to it.
January 10, 2008
31k miles today. The weather here has been warm, 50 - 65 degF. Too cold for top down running, but dangerously close!
December 14, 2007
We hit 30k miles on 12/5.
Today I was able to assess the SAAB in the snow. Let's get this out of the way now, it's no A6 quattro in the snow, however, it is FWD and it has traction control (which can sometimes get in the way), so it was fine.
What's strange is listening to the rustling of snow and ice on the convertible top. It's nice to be able to take a snow brush to the roof without worrying about scratching any paint. :)
MPG is down, strangely. It must be the winter fuel mixture. I'm averaging around 24.5 - 25 mpg per tankful.
In the end, I'm still enjoying the SAAB. I like the fact that it feels like an old European car that I remember from my youth. I like the sound of the engine, the handling, the ride, and the feel of the interior.
Ok, now let's get this winter thing over with, I want to drop the top again.
October 11, 2007
I brought the convertible into Central Saab this morning and had them perform an oil change, full synthetic this time, and also requested some Tech II time to change the door unlock behavior.
As before, Central Saab were courteous and quick; I was in and out in just under 1 hour. I pulled in at 8 AM with approximately 28.5k miles on the 'vert, and by 9 AM I was pulling out of the service lot with new oil, doors that unlock with a single click of the fob button, and a bottle of Laser Red touch up paint.
My plan is to go after some scratches that I have running across the driver's side door; I'll apply the touch up paint and then use Lankga Paint Repair (http://www.autogeek.net/langka.html).
The Convertible continues to run flawlessly, however with the top up more than down these days. :(
September 21, 2007
It's been a while since I've updated the Saab 9-3 'vert blog. Mostly, I've got good news to add, but I do have one bit of bad news as well.
First the bad news. I had a portable radio sitting in my car on the front passenger seat and I left there over night. At some point, a battery opened up and leaked battery acid on the seat! It's toast. I'm now trying to find a way to fix the seat, but an upholsterer told me that SAAB does not release their leather panels to the aftermarket. Ugh.
All of the good news remains as it was before: the SAAB Convertible is still fun to drive, quick, returns excellent gas mileage, and I'm still able to drive around with the top down due to our New England early fall warm weather (the nights are chilly though).
Let's see...
- my kids are starting to complain about having to be in the backseat of the SAAB when the top is up. They claim that it's too cramped, too hard to get in and out of, it's dark, there's no center armrest, no cup holders, blah, blah, blah.
- I think the original equipment Pirellis are nearing the end of their lifetime. I'm getting a distinct thumping from the front end and it feels strangely familiar because the Jaguar's Pirelli 4000s did the same god damned thing.
- I want a 6-point subframe brace to rid the car of the excessive cowl shake.
- A 22mm rear sway bar would be a nice addition, also. I'm at the point where I'm feeling the front end skim a bit sideways and I'd like to add a bit of neutrality by firming up the rear sway bar.
- I've discovered that I have a passenger door buzz when the window is all the way up and there's a song on with heavy bass. I need to find out what that's about because it'll drive me crazy all winter.
- I'll probably dump the 6-disc CD Changer in the trunk because a) I never use it (iPod, hello?) and b) it's taking up precious trunk space.
- I want a center armrest. Badly. It's very diffcult to pull of a "gangsta lean" when there's nothing to lean on.
- The heated seats work. Definitely. Ouch!
August 6, 2007
I've discovered that the A/C in the Saab is great! Much better than the A/C in the Audi. Maybe it's because the cabin is so small, or maybe GM mandated it, but it blows ICE cold air. How did I find this out? We've had sweltering weather here in New England, so it's top down during the morning and evening hours only.
I also came across some raw video footage of a 9-3 SE Convertible; I think it may have been used for promotional stock. Anyway, I added it to the page.
July 30, 2007
Doing nothing but enjoying the Saab 9-3 Convertible. I haven't had a tan like this on my face and forearms since before becoming a salary slave, it's great!
I had used some Meguire's wax on the Convertible a couple of weeks ago, and while it still beads water it doesn't have the same slick feeling that it had at first. I want to try Turtle Wax ICE on it next.
Also, I added a video that I found on YouTube. I really like the wheels in the video, they're called "Viking" wheels and they're just so Saab that I need a set.
July 25, 2007
Held our first Saab GTG and there were 5 total attendees, including myself. Not a bad first effort, and I'm sure it'll grow as time goes on.
July 24, 2007
The Saab now has 25000 miles on it. I LOVE having a convertible during the great summer weather!
- Pros: convertible top when it's down, fuel efficiency, turbo power, manual transmission.
- Cons: convertible top when it's up, cowl shake, lack of storage space
I've had it in for it's first service at Central Saab in Norwood, MA. The oil was changed at 24.9k miles with semi-synth (I forgot to specify full synthetic), the changed out the DIC under recall, they fixed a hanging interior bow, and then they recoded the headlight switch to Euro settings per my request. Total bill: $50. :-) The people at Central Saab were very nice and accommodating, the customer lounge was nice and provided 2 PCs with internet, a big screen TV, a soda vending machine, several comfortable chairs and free coffee. A positive experience!
Tomorrow we have a SaabCentral.com get together at Houghton's Pond in Milton, MA. I'll post up pictures from the event.
June 29, 2007
I purchased this SAAB 9-3 SE Convertible on June 29th, 2007 on a trade for the 1999 Audi A6 from BMW of Newport. The sale experience was great; it really couldn't have been easier and the guys at BMW of Newport were great.
At this point I'm impressed with the SAAB. The SAAB is not the equal of the Audi when it comes to handling, but Audi was never able to achieve 27 MPG while still being quick on it's feet with an over 200 bhp turbocharged inline-4.
My family loves the idea of cruising with the top down, and we're getting used to the idea of only 2 doors and much less cargo room.
The Audi was a great car; reliable, solid, road hugging, and good looking. The SAAB is a new adventure that I'm looking forward to, but I hope I don't regret the loss of quattro.
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