Help Me Find an Oppo Worthy Car for My Mom!

"Luken10" (luken10) 11/03/2013 at 00:14 • Filed to: Car Shopping, Saab 9-2x

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This beauty is on the top of my list right now.

Her price range is around $10,000 or a $200 payment. She isn't against leasing a car, just unsure as to how it works, and if it is worth it.

She has always liked the look of Saabs. I figured this would be the best of two worlds. All wheel drive Japanese turbo power, with Swedish looks and style.

She drove a 1994 Impala SS for about 10 years and currently drives a Trailblazer SS. They were my dad's decision, as she doesn't give a crap about having a fast car. However, I do think she has become used to having "adequate" passing power. Which is why I think the turbo isn't overkill.

I think she is leaning towards a wagon/hatchback. AWD is preferred, but isn't necessary. Same goes with power. As long as she is in a decent looking car that drives well, with decent gas mileage and good reliability she will be a happy camper. But I can't have my mom is some silly Camry!

What do you guys think?

Desu-San-Desu > Luken10 11/03/2013 at 00:19

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If she buys a manual 9-2x Aero, let me know when she sells it, haha.

Reigntastic > Luken10 11/03/2013 at 00:20

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Subaru WRX, if she can drive manual. Saabs are beautiful, but maintenance costs are bad, and will continue to get worse, they're often viewed as money pits. If not, the new Focus ST has been getting some very good reviews, and is very affordable.

Gman84 > Desu-San-Desu 11/03/2013 at 00:22

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Manual 9-2x aero, sounds like a unicorn to me

twinturbobmw > Luken10 11/03/2013 at 00:23

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How about a the nicest IS300 you can find (they're usually around 6k so 10 can get you a good one) or a Mazdaspeed 6?

Desu-San-Desu > Gman84 11/03/2013 at 00:26

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Nah, they're out there. I craigslist hunt them at least once a month. One of my bucket list cars.

Gman84 > Desu-San-Desu 11/03/2013 at 00:27

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A good friend of mine had the automatic one, bailed on it when the tranny went, she got like a grand for it on trade in for a friggen yaris

Luken10 > Reigntastic 11/03/2013 at 00:29

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I'm not sure if she would go for the boy racer looks of a WRX.

I have heard the same about true Saabs. I guess unless you can find one that was meticulously maintained, but that is pretty difficult usually.

An ST is probably more than she is willing to spend. That would be SWEET though.

Luken10 > Desu-San-Desu 11/03/2013 at 00:30

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Hahah only if I don't have the money for it! Wish I was buying it for myself!

Luken10 > twinturbobmw 11/03/2013 at 00:39

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I always forget about the previous generation IS. I think she would like the looks of those cars. How are the prices for repairs on Lexus cars? I would assume a fair bit higher than Toyota just because it is a luxury brand. Trying to steer away from high repair costs.

I have read about reliability concerns on the speed6. But i know she would like the look of that car. I am also a big Mazda fan.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Luken10 11/03/2013 at 00:40

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Legacy GT? You can get the nice boxer 6 with an automatic only but it sounds like she doesn't mind. Easy enough to own and repair costs aren't horrific.

Luken10 > Gman84 11/03/2013 at 00:41

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Supposedly there were only around 250 made with the 2.5 turbo and manual in 2006.

Reigntastic > Luken10 11/03/2013 at 00:48

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Depending on the year you get of the WRX, they can be very showy or extreme sleepers. A buddy of mine owns a 2009 Hatchback that looks bone stock on the outside, stock exhaust, and puts over 380 to all 4 wheels. That's a sleeper!

I've optioned out a few STs, and for a base model, depending on your down payment or trade-in, you can get a monthly payment well under 200.

Luken10 > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 11/03/2013 at 00:49

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She doesn't really have a preference being automatic or manual. I have been looking at manuals mostly just for their seemingly better reliability.

Legacy GTs are pretty cool cars now that I remember. She would love all that space in the wagon version. Plus, she has been riding the Subaru hype wagon lately with their new commercials haha.

Luken10 > Reigntastic 11/03/2013 at 00:57

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Super sleeper indeed, especially if you got rid of the WRX badge! You make a valid point though, not all of them have huge wings on the back lol. They aren't the prettiest cars, so I will have to see what she says.

I don't think she is looking to looking to put a huge chunk of cash down. She is at that point in her life where she would rather have or do other things than owning a nicer car.

revrseat70 > Luken10 11/03/2013 at 09:46

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I had an IS300 for 7 years/60k miles, and only had to do routine maintenance. The cost was on par with any other basic maintenance (fluids and such), and I didn't need a single repair. If she likes them, get one. Besides needing a ipod connection and not getting world-beating MPG, I struggle to understand upgrading to anything modern from one if DD is what you need it for.

Desu-San-Desu > Reigntastic 11/03/2013 at 12:16

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Um....the Saab 9-2x Aero is a WRX, just with Saab badges and cosmetic changes. The drivetrain and chassis are the exact same as a 2006 WRX wagon. Just with the STI bushings and steering rack...and a nicer interior...and nicer exterior styling...and cheaper insurance.

911e46z06 > Luken10 11/03/2013 at 20:49

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E46 330. Or maybe an e39 wagon.