by "sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
Published 10/25/2017 at 20:19
by "sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
Published 10/25/2017 at 20:19
No Tags
STARS: 43
Let me be quite honest. I’m 19, and I’ve already owned a huge German luxobarge, a huger Japanese luxotank, and a classic Italian roadster. None of these are cars that a high school or college student should have. I should’ve had something boring, reliable, economical, and if I was really lucky, comfortable. I should’ve had that from the beginning, but I decided to learn that the hard way. I was finally to the point where I couldn’t deny it anymore. I needed something completely different from everything I’d ever owned before. And so, after much deliberation, I decided that I would buy a 2001 Toyota Avalon XLS...
over my cold, dead body. Ladies and gentlemen, meet the new SM70mobile, a 2005 Saab 9-2x Aero 5MT.
This is the car that I desperately wanted to get my hands on. After deciding for sure that I wanted a 9-2x Aero, I started searching the country. I found plenty of clean examples under my $6,000 budget, but they were all automatics located in New Jersey or North Carolina or Oklahoma (shoutout to davesaddiction for his willingness to help out!). Then I came across one right here in Des Moines, with leather seats, a manual, and 137k on the odometer for $4100. Long story short, the car was available, then sold , then the buyer backed out so it was available again , with the seller now quite impatient to get rid of it and asking just $3,500. I drove the car, loved it, and an exhaustive PPI revealed only a few problems such as the need for a new valve cover gasket, muffler, and tires, all within the next 6-8 months. At that price, I can afford some off-the-bat maintenance.
The most important thing, by which I mean the second most important thing after the fact that I can now afford to run my DD, is that I now once again look forward to driving my daily. When I had my D2 A8L, I couldn’t wait to leave wherever it is that I was and slip back behind the wheel of my old Autobahn cruiser. With the Lexus, I never had that. I was fine with driving most of the time it, but it was big, ponderous, slow, and numb. Also, it was really quite noisy above 75mph given that it had four gears and a shape like a warehouse. The Saab, which of course is just a WRX in a fancy costume with a few changes (STI steering rack for the win) is a bundle of fun to drive in all weather. It’s also comfortable enough, uses half the gas of the LX, should be reasonably reliable if I stay on top of the preventative maintenance, and it’s cool in a way that only other car geeks recognize. Plus, a hatch with fold down seats can still hold my mountain bike in a pinch.
If you can’t tell, I’m pretty stoked. I’ve got a laundry list of right-away stuff such as the new tires before the snow flies, new badges as the old ones are currently Saab’s infamous blank silver disk, clearing up the slightly yellow headlights, and a thorough detailing. Expect more posts to come.
"CaptDale - is secretly British" (captdale)
10/25/2017 at 20:23, STARS: 2
FUCK YEAH!!!! Nice job!
"sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
10/25/2017 at 20:24, STARS: 1
Thanks!
"benjrblant" (benjblant)
10/25/2017 at 20:24, STARS: 1
Aw hell yes
"E90M3" (e90m3)
10/25/2017 at 20:25, STARS: 9
This is good oppo trolling.
"PG; the scalpel wielder" (pgr34)
10/25/2017 at 20:25, STARS: 10
Nice one Jim
"sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
10/25/2017 at 20:26, STARS: 2
Thanks, I try my best.
"Highlander-Datsuns are Forever" (jamesbowland)
10/25/2017 at 20:27, STARS: 1
My name is Highlander and I approve this car.
"not for canada - australian in disguise" (for-canada)
10/25/2017 at 20:29, STARS: 3
Stop stealing my comments that I thought of in my mind.
"boredalways" (boredalway666)
10/25/2017 at 20:30, STARS: 1
Just when I was about to say you sold yourself short and should have gotten a Toyota Venza instead
Great job finding your Saabaru!
"WilliamsSW" (williamssw)
10/25/2017 at 20:31, STARS: 2
Damn - nice! Drove one of these years ago. Was an automatic but I loved it. And it looks better than the wrx too.
Serious questiom- were all of the Saaburus silver? Seems like it.
Congrats!
"wafflesnfalafel" (wafflesnfalafel1)
10/25/2017 at 20:34, STARS: 1
super nice Saabaru, (a little disappointed you didn’t go for that beautiful Avalon... they are total babe magnets you know...)
"sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
10/25/2017 at 20:35, STARS: 1
Thanks! I agree, I far prefer it to the WRX, but the Saabs are also cheaper!
Most common color, but I also looked at some in black and red.
"2Fast2Furious: Rotary Powered" (2fast2furiousfc3s)
10/25/2017 at 20:38, STARS: 1
Better than the Cruze I thought you were going to get.
While getting a Cruze would be a mistake, a saabaru is Definitely a good option
"The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock" (jukesjukesjukes)
10/25/2017 at 20:38, STARS: 3
What are the chances?
"sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
10/25/2017 at 20:38, STARS: 1
Yeah once I saw that I could get a good one of these for under $6k the Cruze was no longer an option.
"dogisbadob" (dogisbadob)
10/25/2017 at 20:39, STARS: 0
Good luck with your Subaru dressing up as a Saab for Halloween :p
"sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
10/25/2017 at 20:40, STARS: 6
Yup, I’d been following his saga. Both of our cars were on the 9-2x forum, and we both had PPIs done at the same time. The difference is, mine was very cheap and the seller pre-disclosed the problems. His was expensive and the seller didn’t. Ah well, Oppo gained a 9-2x anyway.
"sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
10/25/2017 at 20:42, STARS: 2
It’s that time of year.
Best part is, tomorrow I’m gonna go look at a Ford dressing up as a Jaguar for Halloween (for my brother).
"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
10/25/2017 at 20:44, STARS: 5
You had me for a second. I was about to pour out my drink for a fallen brother....
Congrats! That thing is beautiful
"dogisbadob" (dogisbadob)
10/25/2017 at 20:46, STARS: 2
The X-Type is the bast Jaguar ever made. Bonus if you can find a manual wagon (yes, they did sell them like that over here!). A luxurious station wagon with that awesome hood ornament? Fuck yeah! :p
"sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
10/25/2017 at 20:47, STARS: 0
Thanks! Bottoms up!
"sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
10/25/2017 at 20:48, STARS: 1
I hope to find a wagon, but it will most likely be a 3.0 auto sedan like the one I’m testing tomorrow.
"AC2 - The Now 15 Year Old Jalop" (ac-2-shoes)
10/25/2017 at 20:55, STARS: 1
Congrats! man, these saabaru’s have been taking oppo by storm recently
"sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
10/25/2017 at 20:57, STARS: 0
Thanks!
"cmill189 - sans Volvo" (cmill189)
10/25/2017 at 21:01, STARS: 1
Lol, 19 might be a little young for an Office reference.
"WilliamsSW" (williamssw)
10/25/2017 at 21:02, STARS: 2
Silver suits the car best, I think.
And yes, my initial reason was “what the fuck is he thinking with that Avalon, he’s pretty good with technology for a 75 year old”
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/25/2017 at 21:12, STARS: 2
Shit, I need to find one this cheap! Sad my “low mileage and clean” example I found was not this clean mechanically. It’s upsetting because I really wanted to get in the Saabaru. So what’s the best way to search for one, show me your ways!
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/25/2017 at 21:13, STARS: 1
Yeah fuck, I made the wrong choice going after that one haha. Would have totally been worth the extra money for how clean it is. But not with that crap wrong.
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/25/2017 at 21:17, STARS: 2
I’m super excited though to find out how the 92x forum reacts to the bad head gasket reveal. I didn’t post it since I didn’t want to start drama but I did tell the seller to do so or else I would lol
"fintail" (fintail)
10/25/2017 at 21:33, STARS: 2
A WRX for adults. Probably doesn’t even have a vape pen holder ;)
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
10/25/2017 at 21:48, STARS: 1
Well done, old man. You strung us along pretty good. Looking forward to hearing more.
"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
10/25/2017 at 21:53, STARS: 1
Haha - you actually had me going... Very nice! Glad you found one w three pedals!
"Wagon Guy drives a Boostang" (gimmeboost)
10/25/2017 at 21:53, STARS: 1
Nice find. I used to have an ‘03 WRX wagon. Love those cars!
"sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
10/25/2017 at 21:55, STARS: 1
Reason for what?
"sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
10/25/2017 at 21:56, STARS: 1
Cars.com, AutoTempest/SearchTempest, and the forum.
"sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
10/25/2017 at 21:58, STARS: 0
I’ll grab the popcorn.
"sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
10/25/2017 at 21:59, STARS: 1
I have deceived!
"sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
10/25/2017 at 22:00, STARS: 1
Yup! Thanks again for your willingness to lend a hand!
"WilliamsSW" (williamssw)
10/25/2017 at 22:01, STARS: 1
*&€£÷×+ autocorrect. I meant to say “my initial *reaction*”
"Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle" (1500sand535)
10/25/2017 at 22:08, STARS: 0
I am jealous. I freaking love the aero saabaru! Congrats
"CaptDale - is secretly British" (captdale)
10/25/2017 at 22:10, STARS: 1
You’re quite welcome!
"dannyzabolotny" (dannyzabolotny)
10/25/2017 at 22:11, STARS: 0
Nice Subaru! Do these go for cheaper since they’re sold as Saabs?
"sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
10/25/2017 at 23:10, STARS: 0
Thanks I love it!
"sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
10/25/2017 at 23:16, STARS: 0
They do indeed.
"TheD0k_2many toys 2little time" (thed0ck)
10/26/2017 at 03:16, STARS: 1
headgaskets and ringlands...
at least it looks better than a WRX
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/26/2017 at 07:03, STARS: 1
I will begin the search and wait again! I doubt I will find another “clean” ‘06 again but Im sure I will be happier with a cheaper one in better mechanical condition. I did find another one in the same area that im hoping to check out that same day at least. Seller seems legitimate but its a little more modded and isnt smogged already and definitely needs the same thorough PPI.
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/d/2005-saab-9-2x-aero-subaru/6333135328.html
"pip bip - choose Corrour" (hhgttg69)
10/26/2017 at 08:20, STARS: 1
excellent choice.
"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
10/26/2017 at 09:06, STARS: 1
Absolutely! Hope this one give you many years of enjoyment.
"Duck Duck Grey Duck FTMFW!" (theduckduck)
10/26/2017 at 11:07, STARS: 0
Congrats on the sweet car!
"sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
10/26/2017 at 11:43, STARS: 1
Thanks!
"sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
10/26/2017 at 20:11, STARS: 1
Not exactly. That and Parks & Rec are by far the most commonly discussed and watched shows on my campus, as measured by what I hear people talking about and see them watching.
"sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
10/26/2017 at 20:13, STARS: 1
Can confirm, came with a pair of fake orange Ray-Bans and a few Euro coins in the center console, but nowhere to put mah vape.
"sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
10/26/2017 at 20:13, STARS: 1
And it’s less yobbish.
"sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
10/26/2017 at 20:14, STARS: 1
I actually test drove the one pictured...not gonna lie it’s got a nice interior and is VERY comfortable on the highway.
"Party-vi" (party-vi)
10/27/2017 at 11:27, STARS: 2
You tricky dicky.
"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
10/27/2017 at 11:30, STARS: 0
I’m disappointed that you didn’t actually get the Avalon.
"CalzoneGolem" (calzonegolem)
10/27/2017 at 11:30, STARS: 1
Also, nicer interior.
"Noah - Now with more boost." (antriebverliebt)
10/27/2017 at 11:30, STARS: 1
Nice! I joined the turbo Saab Subaru club this month too, very exciting.
"Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo" (thetomselleck)
10/27/2017 at 11:32, STARS: 1
Nice. Beautiful car.
"Discerning" (discerning2003c5z)
10/27/2017 at 11:33, STARS: 0
Nice. Hope it doesn’t encounter any pesky WRX issues
"sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
10/27/2017 at 11:40, STARS: 0
That makes one of us.
"EL_ULY" (uly)
10/27/2017 at 11:40, STARS: 0
I would’ve got the Avalon personally.... but if you got the cash, go for it :]
"sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
10/27/2017 at 11:41, STARS: 0
true
"sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
10/27/2017 at 11:42, STARS: 0
Thanks!
"sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
10/27/2017 at 11:42, STARS: 0
Hope not
"sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
10/27/2017 at 11:43, STARS: 0
The Avalon was actually $2500 more expensive.
"Mercedes Streeter" (smart)
10/27/2017 at 11:43, STARS: 1
SAAAABARU!!!! It looks absolutely beautiful!
Also wow, for a 19 year old you’ve had a lot of cool cars! :)
"sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
10/27/2017 at 11:44, STARS: 1
Thank you!
And yes, I have been extremely lucky/spoiled thus far. We’ll see if I ever come back down to planet earth or not.
"BeaterGT" (beatergt)
10/27/2017 at 11:45, STARS: 1
What is this, Saabaru week?! Congrats man, best of luck! Just goes to show we all want to drive turbo Subarus and will put up with the inevitable repairs :)
"promoted by the color red" (whenindoubtflatout)
10/27/2017 at 11:45, STARS: 2
Dang, $3500 for a working WRX only needing basic age-related maintenance is a steal! That’s like 20-year-old Impreza money out here in SoCal.
Add me to the list of people bummed you didn’t get the Avalon. Was hoping to cajole you into going VIP style like a Japanese gangster. :D
"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
10/27/2017 at 11:47, STARS: 0
I really like the interior on those.
"Mercedes Streeter" (smart)
10/27/2017 at 11:48, STARS: 2
You’re welcome!
And yes, I have been extremely lucky/spoiled thus far. We’ll see if I ever come back down to planet earth or not.
That’s basically how I feel lol. I’m 24, in the past year I went from being behind on payments on one car and living in an apartment in a bad town.
Now I have three cars and a house?!?!?!?
"Pich, with Z32 now featuring Civic [Si] / No" (pichz32)
10/27/2017 at 11:50, STARS: 1
Hey now, the Avalon is a great car!
"EL_ULY" (uly)
10/27/2017 at 11:51, STARS: 2
Yup, just like used 2011 Lexus vehicles are sometimes twice as much as 2011 BMW, Mercedes etc. They’ll cost more at first but.... well, you know how things are with all the euro cars me and you have owned :] That $2500 will balance out in a quick second compared to that hell solid Avalon.
"razorbeamteam" (razorbeamteam)
10/27/2017 at 11:58, STARS: 1
SIQQQQQQQ
"Officer Jim Lahey is not a real cop" (officer-jim-lahey)
10/27/2017 at 12:04, STARS: 1
"sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
10/27/2017 at 13:43, STARS: 0
Hahahahaha
"sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
10/27/2017 at 13:59, STARS: 0
Yeah, it’s a nice interior (when in tan)
"sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
10/27/2017 at 14:02, STARS: 0
It’s is, it’s just really boring.
"sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
10/27/2017 at 14:18, STARS: 0
True. My hope is that since it’s actually Japanese, the Saabaru won’t kill me in maintenance. The Avalon is very comfortable and suits my needs fine (I was way exaggerating when I said I’d never buy one) but it’s not fun or interesting, whereas this is.
"EL_ULY" (uly)
10/27/2017 at 15:04, STARS: 0
oh man the fun I could have in that big comfy couch. I need an Avalon in my life :] Trololos are the best lololos
"Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero" (sampsonite24)
10/27/2017 at 15:21, STARS: 1
yeah but your three cars basically equal 1 and a half real cars :P theyre more like roller skates for a giant mech :P
"sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
10/27/2017 at 16:43, STARS: 0
You can have fun driving anything. Some cars just make it easier. Say what you will, I drove the Avalon pictured above and I was more entertained driving my Subaru.
"hike" (hike15)
10/27/2017 at 23:02, STARS: 1
Wait i was really excited about the Avalon. I drove one for a year back in my teens and it was a great time. Insanely comfortable, shockingly fast, cheap as dirt to run. The Saab is pretty nice though!
"RT" (rt-p)
10/31/2017 at 06:24, STARS: 1
I saw this post a couple of days ago and thought, ‘what a shame, he gave up and actually bought that Avalon’.
Then I clicked on it and saw the full post today…
…SM70 YOU LEGEND!