"sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
04/01/2014 at 17:28 • Filed to: None | 1 | 10 |
As I said yesterday, for those who read my Vehicross post, I am looking for a first car, and will likely be pulling the trigger around the end of June/beginning of July. As I also said yesterday, I am still seriously considering pretty much everything under the sun, and am trying to get that list narrowed down. Since I got such a great response yesterday (thanks again!), it seems like this is a good place to ask questions, as y'all seem to know what you're talking about. On that note, here are three more cars I'm looking at, and why they actually scare the crap out of me:
Yes, ladies and gentleman, I could be addicted to alcohol, cigarettes, or even heroin, and it would still be cheaper than the craving I have now. As you see, I crave Saabs. And Jaguars, but more on that another day. I know the 9-2X Aero is just a Subaru WRX, but the other two make me nervous. I've heard everything from, "They use mostly GM parts, they're easy to take care of," (from a man trying to sell me a 9-3) to, "Land Rovers are more reliable and cheaper to maintain than, say, a Saab," (from a man trying to sell me a Land Rover).
All three of these cars are being offered up for under eight grand. The 9-2X and the 9-3 both have over 80k miles, while the 9-5 has just 52k. I know they are all nice to drive. And since I'm guessing more people on here have Saabs than Vehicrosses, my questions are:
Are the 9-3 and 9-5 as expensive to repair and unreliable as people say (keeping mileage in mind)?
Is the 9-2X any better, owing to its badge engineering?
Any other comment/knowledge about these three cars, or Saab ownership in general, is greatly appreciated!
Here are the links for !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , and !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , if anyone is interested.
jkm7680
> sm70- why not Duesenberg?
04/01/2014 at 17:34 | 1 |
This thread might help.
http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/why-are-these-…
The 9-2X is quite pricey though.
Nibbles
> sm70- why not Duesenberg?
04/01/2014 at 17:44 | 2 |
Saabs are rather reliable actually. The biggest issue with the 9-3 would be the radio not saving iDevice preferences (if equipped with factory iCable), or the cup holder breaking. Otherwise, as long as you keep up with regular maintenance it should be relatively fuss free. The 9-5, well, I can't say I've heard of anyone really complaining about theirs - pretty sure that gen 9-5 is owned by at least 80% of my local Saab club :)
The 9-2x is an automatic. That's the only problem with what is essentially a WRX with nicer looks and better seats
Where have all the lightweights gone?
> jkm7680
04/01/2014 at 17:44 | 1 |
Agreed. KBB puts that car, auto and all, between $6700-7600, depending on condition.
Given they're trying to unload some inventory, you could get some dollars knocked off this car easily.
190e30-Now with COSWORTH
> sm70- why not Duesenberg?
04/01/2014 at 17:47 | 2 |
Things I have heard about the 9-2x, but cannot confirm:
-Cheaper to insure than the Subaru equivalent.
-Seats are apparently more comfy.
-Supposedly, the Aero has a WRX chassis but came with an STI rear, so you get some sort of a different diff.
Other things to note:
-Play your cards right and look hard enough, and for not too much more (Maybe $9k or possibly $10k) you can have a 9-3 Aero Sportcombi with decently low mileage, and that's one gorgeous sleeper.
-Don't forget the Viggen. You're clearly a Saab guy, and there's no more hot-roddy Saab than the Viggen. Will most likely cost more to insure, but can be found well under $8,000 with low mileage (If you can find one with low mileage, that is).
-Don't underestimate the 9000 Aero. Rare, and hard to find with low mileage nowadays, but shocking to drive. They have their bugs and their faults (Look up the Saab 9000 Aero traction control issue) but for sub- $7k, they're probably the best sleeper/sedan you can buy. A stiff but forgiving suspension, the greatest seats in mankind, (on par with a couch. Seriously.) and crazy surprising numbers. They were rated at around 250 HP but many dyno runs saw as much as 270 and 280 from the factory, did 0-60 in something under 7 (traction limited. Once boost came on, there was literally no way to keep grip) and were quoted in a review as doing a 5th gear pull from 50-70 faster than a Testarossa (not that useful of a fact, but a fun one to brag about). Additionally, they're extremely safe and have four doors. Insurance likes that, and so will your parents.
Source: Also a new driver (17), whose dad has owned a 9000 Aero and who went from his N/A, 160 hp Audi to the Saab one morning and accidentally laid elevenses at 20 getting on boost in second.
sm70- why not Duesenberg?
> jkm7680
04/01/2014 at 17:52 | 0 |
It was, enema jokes and all!
sm70- why not Duesenberg?
> 190e30-Now with COSWORTH
04/01/2014 at 17:56 | 1 |
I have looked at Aeros, but most of them break the bank (even at 9k or 10k). Plus, for a new driver, I fear the insurance rates may be too high! Only reason that's okay on the 9-2 is I'm anticipating lower maintenance costs on that one. Still, someday, I would love to own a 9-5 Aero Wagon, like this one .
Dunnik
> jkm7680
04/01/2014 at 17:56 | 1 |
To sum up that thread,
"You need oil changes up the ass."
I swear I can't make this shit up.
(I'm being facetious, it's actually a very informative thread, do read it).
190e30-Now with COSWORTH
> sm70- why not Duesenberg?
04/01/2014 at 18:00 | 1 |
But auto. Boost is always more fun with a steeeeck.
jkm7680
> Dunnik
04/01/2014 at 18:02 | 0 |
Yeah, Tiny Toy Viper and Easy-O had some great tips.
TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
> sm70- why not Duesenberg?
04/01/2014 at 19:49 | 1 |
The only answer is Miata