Saab 9-2X

jlangdon

Yes, my car is an automatic. Hell's bells, to drive her past 3,000 rpm I'd have to be doing 80. I wouldn't mind, but I think the police would, LOL!

Julie

veritasusa

In msg #618, you say:

"Forester has the best solution in the Subaru parts bin - the clock is in the overhead console with 2 sunglasses holders . . . "

In my 2005 Forester, the clock is in the top center of the dash just beneath the lid of the storage bin that goes away when the gauge housing is mounted in its place - NOT in the overhead console. I can't tell from the photo in the brochure if the clock also goes away when the gauges are installed.

ateixeira

My bad, it's in the overhead console on my '98 (with one sunglass holder).

I guess they made room for the 2nd one by moving the clock down. Still, you still get it all.

-juice

rsholland

the current location of the Forester's clock.

Bob

flanken

Kind of an unusual question.

I'm planning on leasing a car at the end of the month, and I've narrowed my choices down a rather odd couple: the Saab 9-2X Aero, and the Mazda 6s Sport Wagon. At this point, I honestly don't know which one I'd go with, so hopefully someone here could weigh in. I do know that there's a high chance I'll end up relocating to somewhere on the east coast for school in the next year or two, so the presence of awd in the 9-2x (vs. fwd w/traction control in the 6) could be an important factor. I've test-driven both, and found them about equally as fun to drive. For me, the 9-2 is smaller and more maneuverable, has a better interior color scheme, a much more airy cockpit, is somewhat faster once the turbo kicks in, and has a rather endearing engine gurgle (I drive an old diesel right now, so I like unusual engine sounds). The 6, on the other hand, costs a few thousand less the way I want it configured, has a lot more interior storage, a better-shaped cargo hold, and is roomier. On the other hand, it's a larger family wagon, and family transport is something I don't plan on needing for quite a long time. I still can't quite decide which of the two is better-looking.

ateixeira

You are young and single, still in college, have fun, go with the 9-2x.

Get something like the 6s as your next car, once you're married and have 2.3 kids.

-juice

kyfdx

Ditto

new92xowner

I have 3 kids, ages 1, 2 and three years old. I can fit all three with cosco front facing child seats in the back of my 9-2x (I checked before I bought to make sure). In the rear fits all materials a parent may want to schlepp (double stroller, single umbrella stroller, playpen diaper bag etc.) with room to spare. I thought I would need another minivan, but now realize I don't.

Performance wise, awesome. AWD is a feature I don't think I could now live without, especially in the wintertime. The Linear version offers plenty of power.
I also get plenty of compliments and questions from people who have never seen it before.

What I like-
head/thorax airbags
active head restraints
sound quality
ride quality
build quality
added warranty, roadside assistance
dealership experience was great.

No rear cupholders though.

chalkpie

Do you want a Mazda (...yawn.....) or a *SAAB*?

C'mon!

saab9x

Kind of an unusual question.

I'm planning on leasing a car at the end of the month, and I've narrowed my choices down a rather odd couple: the Saab 9-2X Aero, and the Mazda 6s Sport Wagon. At this point, I honestly don't know which one I'd go with, so hopefully someone here could weigh in.

__deletia__

For me, the 9-2 is smaller and more maneuverable, has a better interior color scheme, a much more airy cockpit, is somewhat faster once the turbo kicks in, and has a rather endearing engine gurgle

__deletia__

The 6, on the other hand, costs a few thousand less the way I want it configured, has a lot more interior storage, a better-shaped cargo hold, and is roomier. On the other hand, it's a larger family wagon, and family transport is something I don't plan on needing for quite a long time. I still can't quite decide which of the two is better-looking.



//

the mazda 6 looks _much_ better.

so, i'd get the 9-2x--better _brand_
cachet (at least for the time being).

kthxbye.

b.

//

jchan2

It depends on whether you want a premium brand or more space in the cargo area.

ateixeira

If you want looks with a Mazda, get the Mazda6 5 door. I don't think the wagon will get many stares.

-juice

davidc1

For most real life driving, I'd bet the 2.5 linear is better than 2.0 Aero. Linear power delivery and better torque out of the gate. Not to mention better price and maintenance. Anyone care to disagree?

flanken

I was tempted for a while, and if I do go with a 6 I still might walk home with a 5-door. What turns me off about it is how it looks like a sedan. Somehow, a short wagon/hatch body form (with rear-quarter windows) appeals to me more, probably because it's less mainstream.

kyfdx

165 HP vs. 227 HP.. I don't think so.. I understand the theory, but in this case, I think the power is just too much greater with the Turbo.

regards,
kyfdx

ateixeira

Different strokes for different folks.

The 2.0l turbo offers a nice rush you can feel coming on, and lots of people like that. Keeping it in the sweet spot is a challenge many enthusiasts enjoy. It rewards a skilled driver with impressive acceleration.

The 2.5l may be better suited to real-world traffic, and it mates up nicely to the automatic. Joe Schmoe might actually prefer this easy-to-use engine, which is perhaps more predictable and more consistent.

-juice

davidc1

noted that "real life" driving must depend on what your commute is like. I can't go over 45mph on my way to work and even when I get to that speed, it's but for a moment. I used to find the turbo engined cars either too abrupt or too anemic for city traffic (at least when keeping up with New York City cabs). Still, I love Saabs (had three) though I am driving a BMW at the moment.

Changing the subject ever so slightly, I might be considered a heretic but I think it's great for Saab to come out with 9-2x and 9-7x. I believe it has become very difficult to get that old Saab feeling in today's Saabs anyway. Neither 9-3 or the 9-5 drives likes the old 900s and 9000s of the 80s. Not such a bad thing but the distinctiveness is gone except for the looks. I wouldn't want to buy any of the GM trailblazer / Bravada / Envoy / Rainier/etc. but it's got decent powerplant and if Saabs can introduce just a little more personality to it but keep the usual GM incentives, it's not a bad choice for an SUV. Similarly, Subaru WRX was out of the question for me since I couldn't possibly be seen driving a car with a hood scoop. But it's not so juvenile looking in its Saab guise. And I KNOW both GM and Subaru today are of much higher quality than Saab of 80s and early 90s.

Anyway, it's just some miscellaneous rumblings to keep the board moving.

ateixeira

Modern turbos spool up a bit quicker, but still, it's a 2.0l engine with low compression, you definitely lose power off boost.

-juice

chalkpie

People shouldn't be afraid of a little 'lag. I have owned two 4-cylinder turbos ('98 Eclipse GS-T and currently an '03 9-5 Aero). I have grown to love the "feel" of these engines and they way in which the acceleration works. I know for a fact that I will miss these engines if my next car happens to be a 6.

It's funny how some people will complain that a bit of 'lag will slow down their *0-60* time! Pretty funny...how often does a person really get to test 0-60 time in real world driving? Maybe on the odd night in the country late at night, but here on Long Island, you're lucky if you can even get up to 60 MPH

Anybody that won't buy a car that has a turbo because of a turbo lag is really interested in numbers only. Usually real world driving, comfort, safety, convenience, etc is not of the upmost importance to them. The three things that usually matter to these people are 0-60, the 1/4 mile, and top speed (another joke, really). Supposedly my 9-5 does north of 150 mph, but do you honestly think I'll ever do that? (or should for that matter)

ateixeira

Well, but then you might say that it's not often you get to take advantage of the boost. Meanwhile a torquier V6 might make use of its power more often.

I like turbos, BTW.

-juice

flanken

When I test-drove an Aero, I found the turbo lag quite acceptable, especially since at bumper-to-bumper speeds, the turbo won't kick in and send you into the back of the car in front of you. The 2.0L seemed responsive enough in the low end to get by. But then, what I currently drive has 118 horsepower and weighs 3800 pounds, so that might bias my opinion just a bit.

harlequin1971

i think some complain about the modulation, which is really an issue for automatic drivers in turbo vehicles.

Each vehicle drives a bit different. I have been in several cars that did have some dead spots where you would press the gas and get very little oomph and then bam, the turbo would kick in and run hard.

That said, I think it is over blown. It is not as smooth as a torquey V6, but a driver worth their salt will have little trouble learning how to modulate the car's acceleration to predictably drive it, whatever its shortcomings.

I found the previous model S40 very easy to drive on its test drive and it had a very defined turbo rush. The Saabs I have driven have been easy to handle. When I test drove the WRX (5-speed) I found the turbo to be a real fun addition to normal driving...turbo boost is fun.

I have heard from some that the auto/turbo combination, especially in the new Legacy is not very smooth with the 9-2x Aero engine...but I doubt it is as bad as it is made out to be.

BTW, the most frustrating drive was the 1.8T Passat with Auto...it had a nice dead spot that showed up whenever I was trying to take left turns at 10-15 mph and then accelerate - nothing and then pow!

ateixeira

very little oomph and then bam, the turbo would kick in and run hard

Sounds like the CPO 9-5 I test drove. Auto, to be fair, I bet the manual is better.

The US Legacy gets a 2.5l turbo, not the 2.0l that the rest of the world gets. It has AVCS (Subaru's VTEC) and the extra displacement really helps off boost torque vs. the WRX and 9-2x engine.

-juice

harlequin1971

i read one review that said the auto/turbo combo for the 2.5turbo was not a pleasant driver...but I normally read that kind of stuff with a grain of salt...

kyfdx

That Audi/VW 1.8 Turbo seems to be particularly ill-suited to an automatic.. I remember my thoughts the first time I drove the A4 with that combo... "You have got to be kidding me". Of course, they weren't getting 225 HP out of it back then.

regards,
kyfdx

ateixeira

I think the Tiptronic was a bit slow, that seemed to exacerbate the turbo lag.

A friend has a Passat 1.8T Tip wagon, he had to chip *both* the engine and the tranny to get it to perform to his liking.

-juice

harlequin1971

glad I am not the only one who didn't care for that combo.

I still think that transmission and gearing are more important to driving than the turbo/non-turbo issue.

I had to break my own promise to switch to an auto (bad back and knees makes stop and go traffic murder) when I decided to go with my Elantra. Just not enough power with the sloppy auto they use. Good thing I went to the 5-spd, I have heard that the autos have had a few problems...not that it supprises me.

Still want a good car with a clean-shifting auto. The G35 was VERY good. The Volvo S40 was good. Older Saabs have all been fine. Not sure about the 9-2X Aero.

bigdaddycoats

where did everyone go? I have a feeling these are not selling well. Where are those massive incentives? Lets see, a $3000 rebate would be good. Oh, that would make the cost about the same as the Subaru.

crikey

According to this Autoweek article, Saab has sold only 410 units of the premium compact 9-2X as of Aug. 31. More incentives should be on the horizon.

jchan2

Good for those of us who'd like to get a bargain.

ateixeira

Keep in mind the target was very low, weren't they aiming for 2000 units per year?

If they sold 410 in less than 1/5th of a year (73 days) they are ahead of schedule...

-juice

kyfdx

$2000 lease cash on the base model....

jchan2

coming soon..... $3,000 cash back or 0% financing!

crikey

I priced out an Aero and right off the bat, it was $2000 below invoice -- $24,775.00 + TTL (CarsDirect Invoice was $26778, although Edmund's says $26,298, which is $25603 + $695 dest fee.)

jchan2

Saab 9-2Xs must not be selling well. When does GM slap on the signature three thousand dollar rebate and the zero percent financing?

ateixeira

http://asia.news.yahoo.com/041001/kyodo/d85eijv81.html

On target to sell 5-8000?

-juice

jchan2

sounds a little optimistic. But I like the part about a Subaru powered but Saab styled Crossover!

ateixeira

Saw a 9-2x behind me in traffic today. Looks like a scaled down 9-5 in the mirror.

I really think they styled it nicely.

-juice

kyfdx

I agree... since the wagon was already my favorite WRX, I'm really taken with the 9-2X. Throw in $4K-$5K off MSRP, and I can see me driving the Aero model (then the wife smacks me in the back of the head, and I wake up).

jchan2

I agree. The 9-2X looks great.

bigdaddycoats

http://wardsauto.com/ar/auto_saab_looks_cold/index.htm

felino

I really like the car. It is a Subaru in Saab clothing. 1000 miles, great handling, gas consumption is pretty accurate. Got the car for 20,700. I am fearful that while the car is AWD, the snowy/icy hills here in Central Mass might be nore than those Bridgstone tires can take. They do make for a quieter ride! The car is somewhat spartan to others I have owned (no cup holders in rear, no additional utility outlet, and storage space is minimal) but I have the rack and rocket box for any major trip with my kids and that is only twice a year so why sweat it?

35moparman

I am very seriously considering a purchase of the SAAB 9-2X. I have driven one and really like it a lot(manual 5 speed). I am very interested in your actual MPG. Do you have a manual trans? I would be using it for business and want to get at least 30 MPG. You mentioned a "quieter ride"... as compared to? Have you experienced any major flaws that are worth mentioning? I would appreciate your input. Thanks.

tonedebone

A lot's been written about the changes between
a WRX and an Aero, but virtually nothing about
the TS/RS to Linear. The price difference for the
latter pair is much greater than the former, but
can anyone tell me if any of the Aero's mods
trickled down to the Linear ? Suspension,
Soundproofing, Steering, Brakes ?

It seems almost as if the Linear's MSRP was chosen
to try to hold it amongst the Acura or Audi class
and prevent it from being compared with sub $20k
cars. Is there anything to justify the extra $4k
over the TS/RS other than a neater look (but no
roof rails is a minus) and a snobby name ?

ateixeira

The powertrain is the same, FWIW. There may be trim and content differences that are sort of significant.

-juice

jchan2

On the Linear, you can get a moonroof, while on the Subaru version, a moonroof is unavailable.

tonedebone

Strangely, in other markets (www.subaru.co.uk) you can get a WRX wagon with heated leather racing seats and a moonroof for about $2k extra. I imagine that model is not imported here to avoid overlap with the Forrester and 9-2X lines.

Tested a Linear yesterday; beautifull outside and decent performance. But inside seems more like a low spec Focus or Civic. The cruise control stalk feels like it's about to snap off and the silver center plastic looks and feels like the stuff they make cheap children's toys out of.

Bottom line : Would love one, but it just seems too pricey for what it is.

jchan2

is what I think needs the most updating.

michaellno

... I'm planning on taking a test drive of the 9-2x Aero this weekend. I test drove a WRX wagon a couple of years ago and will be interested in the differences. I'm hoping that the interior is nicer that the Subaru.

Specifically, I'm looking for (well, the wife is demanding) leather and a sunroof. The Subaru was available with neither at the time we looked.

35moparman

she will be pleased to see the upgrades available. Definately check out the AERO. It should be interesting to see the aurguments over who gets to drive it if you purchase one