Opinions about new SAAB 92x

Well, the 9-2x is really a Suburu, with some changes (suspension, body, interior) by Saab. Reliability questions would really be better addressed to the Suburu group, as Saab people have as little experience with it as you do.

Between the Saab and the Suburu, I guess I'd say drive 'em both, and see if the difference to move up to the Saab-branded one is worth the extra thousand dollars or whatever the difference in cost is. I've always heard good things about Suburu, and I don't think 6-7 years is unreasonable by any means. If you're gonna keep it that long, might as well get the one with the nicer seats, y'know?

Let us know what you end up doing, please. The question is bound to come up again here.

Dave Hinz

In the UK over the last few years Subarus have had exceptionally good reports of reliability. The same for some other Japanese cars (Toyota to be specific).

The problem is the 9.2 is not a SAAB, it just has a SAAB badge. If it has Subaru reliability it will be good but if it has been altered ... then your guess is as good as mine.

Charles

The Suburus are all wheel drive, which has been reported as being hard on the clutch,assuming you buy a manual transmission model. So, I would assume the same would apply to the Saab 9-2. Check with the Suburu group.

You should ask the cost of common maintenance items at all three dealers. Obviously the minor and major scheduled maintenance cost need to be considered, but also ask about other things like replacing head light lens assemblies. If the truck in front of you kicks up a rock and cracks a headlight, how much will it cost? The past winner was the S80 at over $600 because you had to remove the front bumper. Ask how much a clutch replacement would cost, ask how long the brake pads/rotors last and how much it cost to replace. Traction control systems and vehicle stability systems often apply the brakes as opposed to cutting engine power, so they increase brake wear. Some Volvo owners reported rear pads needing replacement at 10,000 miles. Find this out before you buy.

Good luck with your new car and let us know which one YOU picked. It is your money and your decision.

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Subaru reliability is top notch, people drive these cars daily and use them on trackdays several times each year, with almost no maintenance needed outside normal service and the occasional brake pad change if driven hard. It is true about the 9-2X being a rebadged Subaru, but if the difference is just 1k, then go for the Saab. It has (to my knowledge) a better interior with more quality feel, and is a more exclusive brand which reflects on you as being a person with good taste. The Saab/WRX also has a true 4WD system with constant power to the rear wheels, while the Volvo only applies power rearwards as needed. The Saab should also make for a far more comfortable and, if necessary, sporty ride than the Volvo. Neither of the cars are very practical as wagons, but I believe the Saab has the most space.

The Volvo is the definitive winner when it comes to the design of the exterior and interior, and noone makes better seats than Volvo('s subcontractors, who also delivers seats to Saab ;) ) but the Saab is the best car of the three you have mentioned here when it comes to quality and driving experience. However, you really should test these cars for yourself and make your own opinion. Also, have you considered waiting for the BMW E90

3-series, or the new Audi A4 Quattro?

Kristian

I took a look at the 9-2X and it's ok but it's just a little nicer than the Subaru but that isn't saying much. They both have that cheap plastic feel interior and I just didn't like it. The reviews on the WRX say it's a great car to drive and the X was fast but I just wasn't going for the plastic feel. I've been in a Volvo and the interior is a LOT nicer...not sure how it is to drive.

Another option is to get a used (errr...."pre-owned") 9-3 Viggen that is an absolute rocket and a lot less. Interior is light years ahead of the

9-2X/WRX, looks killer, tons of room, and corners very well. My only beef is the torque steer which was solved with a Viggen Rescue Kit. I have been sooooo happy I made the decision to buy a Viggen and not a 9-2X. I saved a ton of money and got a bullet of a car.

Check with your insurance agent about the cost of insuring each of the cars you are considering. There may be enough of a difference to influence your decision. Depends on the insurance company.

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design, print design, photography

realibility.

I like Subarus to some extent, and I like Saabs, but I don't particularly like the 9-2, it's a Subaru pretending to be a Saab, and it's more expensive than virtually the same car from Subaru.

There was a good detailing of the differences here a while back. I should have saved it, but didn't. There was enough to account for the difference in price.

Another point to ponder is service. I have always found my Saab dealer (service) bending over backwards to please me. Without a doubt they are the best service department I've ever dealt with. I know this might not be universal with dealers, but Saab is a "luxury" brand and the dealers tend to follow a different "customer model". The other point, of course, is that Saab labor probably costs more per hour when you pay for repairs at the dealer.

Anyone know if there are warranty differences ? Is the 9-2 the usual 4/50 bumper to bumper ? What is the Subaru warranty ?