I waited almost 30 years for someone to build a new petrol powered car that could match a 900. I never did find one that measured up.
The future is electric though, and finally these cars are falling into the range where I managed to swing a new car loan. There's a big tax break in the US that makes it possible. I've been supporting a three-Saab fleet for years, and am looking forward to making it only two. Next year, maybe down to one, plus two electrics. It was a tough call, but daily driving multiple 900's is getting more difficult than I can handle as parts and support dwindle (not to mention time & my aging back).

For this car to manage as well as the 900, I'll have to still be driving it in 2033...

Without further ado, here's new & old:

I looked at the Teslas..price is still a little high for me though.

Crazyswede wrote:I looked at the Teslas..price is still a little high for me though.

Teslas! Yeah those are a little out of my budget. Sweet cars though if you can afford them.

This tax credit made all the difference. Most years I wouldn't have enough income to claim it, this time maybe I will. It's a BS way to subsidize electric cars though since only middle/upper class can benefit. Anyone poor, retired, or otherwise not pulling a high income can't benefit. This also serves to make small/cheap electric cars impossible to produce, since the people who would want to buy them can't use the credit. A great example is the Mitsubishi iMiev. It's a smaller, cheaper economy version. And it's selling terribly even though it seems to be a decent car at good value after the tax credit: a brand new ride, no gas forever, only $16,000 after credit.

spgftw wrote:

Crazyswede wrote:I looked at the Teslas..price is still a little high for me though.

Teslas! Yeah those are a little out of my budget. Sweet cars though if you can afford them.

This tax credit made all the difference. Most years I wouldn't have enough income to claim it, this time maybe I will. It's a BS way to subsidize electric cars though since only middle/upper class can benefit. Anyone poor, retired, or otherwise not pulling a high income can't benefit. This also serves to make small/cheap electric cars impossible to produce, since the people who would want to buy them can't use the credit. A great example is the Mitsubishi iMiev. It's a smaller, cheaper economy version. And it's selling terribly even though it seems to be a decent car at good value after the tax credit: a brand new ride, no gas forever, only $16,000 after credit.

How is the range and recharge time?

I've only done one commute, but so far so good. Should be 80 miles usable range (100 max). That also goes down if using lots of heat or A/C.
It's possible to program climate control to heat/cool the car in advance while plugged in, and also send requests by phone. A million features to sort out.

Recharge time depends on power supply. 20 hours if battery is totally dead and 110V is all you have. 30 minutes to charge 80% at a fast charger. So a wide range there.

spgftw wrote:I've only done one commute, but so far so good. Should be 80 miles usable range (100 max). That also goes down if using lots of heat or A/C.
It's possible to program climate control to heat/cool the car in advance while plugged in, and also send requests by phone. A million features to sort out.

Recharge time depends on power supply. 20 hours if battery is totally dead and 110V is all you have. 30 minutes to charge 80% at a fast charger. So a wide range there.

Would love one for a commuter....i have a 4 mile drive...very tough on combustion engines...though at least its 65mph cruise

cool, good choice I think. I want an electric car bigtime. I get to drive the boss's model s on occasion. It is remarkable in many ways. Its reasonably mid-sized looking from the outside but seems gigantic inside. I love that it has a hatch, I think it rivals the 9k in utility while being sporty and slick. I like driving it more than his 911 turbo s.

My great grandmother drove an electric car. I don't think she got a tax break though.

She liked it because it was quiet, didn't smell, and she didn't have to use a hand-crank to start it.

So what is the driving experience like with the leaf? I have been in hybrids such as the prius but i thought they felt very similar to their non-hybrid counterparts. Is there any difference with pure electric?

I did some looking into the tax credit and I see that if you buy an approved car you get a $7500 federal credit...very nice. Not sure what state incentives are.

Yep, $7500 off is a nice chunk of change. Some states have good incentives too. I found Tesla's site to be the most helpful in researching that (no surprise there). I have to say this Leaf continues to impress. If only the trunk folded flat all the way so I could sleep back there.

I see the chevy spark is similarly priced and with similar specs....not a big chevy fan but think its a decent looking car. Will be keeping an eye on these as they continue to develop.

Geoff wrote:My great grandmother drove an electric car. I don't think she got a tax break though.

She liked it because it was quiet, didn't smell, and she didn't have to use a hand-crank to start it.

Whats old is new again ;-)

Crazyswede wrote:I see the chevy spark is similarly priced and with similar specs....not a big chevy fan but think its a decent looking car. Will be keeping an eye on these as they continue to develop.

I figured you would have put a deposit on one of these already
http://www.eliomotors.com/

Geoff wrote:

Crazyswede wrote:I see the chevy spark is similarly priced and with similar specs....not a big chevy fan but think its a decent looking car. Will be keeping an eye on these as they continue to develop.

I figured you would have put a deposit on one of these already
http://www.eliomotors.com/

No but I have been watching the evolution of that vehicle for about 5 years. I find it a little hard to believe that they will sell for $7500...but time will tell. Supposedly they bought an old GM plant and will be assembling them there. Quality and reliability have yet to be seen.