By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our
Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our
Visitor Agreement.
Comments
The WRX wagon stickers for $24,700 or so, however, so that would put the Saab sticker up near $29K. Which, by the by, just happens to be the number I put on it back here. So it looks like we both see it the same way. I kinda hope Saab does too, but I'm not holding my breath.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
The next generation of the 9-2x (if there is one) should be more unique to Saab as well as the next 9-7. The current models are supposed to be stop gap models until then.
The WRX is a great vehicle and has done well in the market. The 9-2x should be just as good mechanically. Unfortunately I think the car is way overpriced. Getting into the $30k range for a loaded model brings it into competition with some very nice alternatives. I am sure, as usual, GM has built incentives into the pricing structure and when they kick in the price will be more in line with the Impreza.
I remember reading that the sales goal for the 9-2x is around 15k per year - not a lot but in relationship to Saab as a whole that becomes a pretty significant percent. Only time will tell. For the price I would rather get a WRX STI. Unless of course Saab comes up with some attractive lease deals then you never know.
At $30k or more, it doesn't have a prayer.
-juice
I have a few friends in Cambridge, but they are like me, Minnesota transplants.
I try to think things out...and I like Saab. Had a bad experience with a used one back in the early 90's that made me very gun shy, but I would consider a new one, especially one with Subaru guts and Saab styling...I think the current 9-2x is a bit short on that concept (a bit thin?) but it would still merit consideration, since I almost bit on an Impreza wagon before cutting my budget and getting the Elantra.
Now, as the worm turns, I can afford a little more from my vehicle budget and I am wishing I hadn't zigged when I zagged. I just don't see the value proposition in the 9-2x pricing, until you factor in incentives...but that is still a bit of a concern. You will still end up with a car that sticker's high, carries huge incentives which drive down resale values, and a vehicle that smells, drives, and looks like its Subaru twin.
That may not be a bad thing, but if we focus on just value, I think the 9-2x might not be the smart buy after all - ie. better to just get the Subaru. No wonder why Subie was willing to do it, it is actually "adding" value to their perceived "over-priced" cars.
Then again, Saab still has to face its dealer netwok and convince the sales force to stop telling people that the 9-2x will be coming in late summer, after they reopen the Finland Factory and start shipping them out. Had a dealer in AZ tell me that...I didn't even bother to tell him that he was wrong, or that the car would be made in Japan, or that I already knew it was an Impreza reskin...what is the point?
Saab seems bent on fooling themselves, letting their dealers try to fool us, and hope that they can find 15k fools a year to bite on the bait.
That has me thinking twice and focusing on the value side of the equation. If I am willing to wade through the PR heresy, the salesmen BS, and pay the premiums...what is my pay off?
Better be more than a cool key fob and 8 free oil changes.
-juice
BASE PRICE: $26,950
Full Boat: $31,195(Leather,Xenon,Power Sunroof, Sound System Upgrade, 17" Wheels, Heated seats, Heated & Diming Mirrors and Wiper deicer).
A MSRP WRX Sedan with Premium and full options is probably close to $26.9505 so I will leave that as the base. You can proably get a fullboat WRX for $25K but not much less. Lets talk real world prices. Likewise the 9-2X will probably drop off of MSRP by 2K at least.
If you take a look at the 2004 WRX's Sedans with the premium package you are looking at 26.5K - 27.5 avg. minimum. The WRX wagons don't seem to have the premium package yet. I took a sample from the inventory at one of the more popular dealers in So.Cal
Sample - 2004 BLUE WR BLUE PEARL, 4 cyl. code 4JE PREMIUM PACKAGE: Rear Spoiler, Power Moonroof, (with Tlit-up and retract ventilation features), Dual-mode heated front seats, Heated exterior mirrors and Windshield wiper de-icer. Optional Equipment: Auto Dimming Mirror/Compass, Security System Upgrade>Option: ARMEST EXTENSION, AUTO DIMMING MIRROS/COMPASS. #5540 $26,873.00
You undoubtedly will be able to get some off of that, but you will get some off of the 9-2x probaly also.
manavai - 'The WRX wagon typically sells for between $22K and $23K. I would put a value of about $2000 for a sunroof, leather seating, and automatic climate control. If you want HID lights or the 17" wheels you should add another $500 for each of those. That means a loaded Saab 9-2X should go for probably around $26K. If you want you can add another $1000 for the general upgraded interior and cachet of driving a Saab (2 years of free oil changes!) instead of a Subaru."
I would say $27K max for a loaded Saab 9-2X would be reasonable". This is wishful, hopeful but not reasonable by matters of cost.
$4250 bills is alot to justify but let me take my shot.
1. You have to order a WRX with premium package upgrade to get some of the nicer features offered in the 9-2X. Their not available in the wagon as of yet.
2. It is pretty nice inside. A big upgrade from the normal WRX. Quieter with more sound proofing. Nicer headliner and dash materials. Sound system upgrade, dimming mirrors,etc. Leather alone is $1000-$1200 for a WRX if added at dealer.
3. 17" Wheels & tires = $1000-$1500 difference. You might find cheaper upgrades to 17" but not gripier, lighter or nicer for less than $1000-$1500.
4. Xenon Headlights - $500 ?
5. Firmer Suspension bits which are probably the WRX STi upgrade bits you can buy at the dealer to have installed. Already installed otherwise $1000-$1500 minimum installed for dampers, springs and swaybar.
6. Maintenance warranty with 3 or 4 free services. Also many Saab dealers will probably get you a car to get to work. Not possible with a most Subie dealers. - $500 ?
7. Saab Badge Cache - $0 The fact that everything is built in with tht car and the warranty helps though.
So $4250 premium - $4000 in upgrades to the current WRX = $250 in real difference. Now at $31,195, you have to balance that versis an STi but thats another issue.
The car Connection
Auto Spies.
All have said it's worth the premium. So hopefully people will take a look.
But we do.
-juice
~alpha
Honked at the driver and asked him about it, he was tight lipped and basically said, "They pay me to drive them, I don't know anything beyond that."
It wasn't until he drove away that I noticed the little instruction stickers on the wheelwells and gas cap. It was a test car for the US...likely down in AZ doing heat stress testing.
It was silver and looked very good. Like a grown-up's Golf. Might prove to be an interesting year for cars...so much new metal on the streets and last year's news wasn't bad either.
The new Acura TL is gorgeous, very Volvo-like and looks much richer than the G35 (saw them parked side by side yesterday). The G35 is awesome, inexpensive RWD fun that gives you BMW performance for also-ran prices.
The 300 is interesting, but not me at all.
Lots of new convertibles either out or on the way.
The Saab 9-2x is cool, might be worth every penny, especially in the Aero guise. But with the legions of new cars on the market, I would think they should use this car to get traffic in the lots, not to try to pad their accounts.
Audi is obviously strongly considering it for our market. Hope they don't price it too high.
Just MHO.
-juice
You got the same figures I did: about $4000 in upgrades. Except you started with a price of $27K for the WRX. I have never ever heard of anyone paying that much for a WRX, not even fully loaded.
Per Edmunds, the current TMV for a loaded WRX wagon is $23,500, which includes the destination charge and rebate.
Per your own argument, the sale price for a Saab 9-2X Aero should be $27,500.
I think these cars will have a $1000 rebate on them so fast it will make your head spin.
The Future Vehicles newsletter should be out later today and I believe it is one of the featured vehicles. I'm not sure if they discuss the style options or not (e.g. hatchback).
Also...does anybody know if orders are being taken yet and what interior colors are available?--Thnks
Woudln't consider a Saab otherwise. Too much scary bad history.
This particular model was "champagne" with cloth interior, automatic with no sunroof, and heated seats. The first thing I noticed was that the seats are considerably more comfortable than those in my 2004 Outback. I know Subaru had a hand in most interior components, but does anyone know if they did the seats?
Also, I saw the Saab stamp on the sheet metal paneling, right next to the Fuji Heavy Industries plaque for the engine and drive line.
Steering wheel feels as good as it looks in the photos. It seems more "at home" than the momo steering wheel in the WRX. Backlit green lights on all the dash controls are cool in my opinion.
As far as pricing, it looks like $28,000 (give or take... probably give a little) for an aero with sport and cold weather packages. Though it might aggravate some WRX enthusiasts, I think the 9 2x is worth it. I really love subaru durability, and although I don't whole heartedly agree with what GM has done with Saab lately, I'm willing to look past that in order to get my hands on a better looking WRX. I think it's great that America finally has an interesting collaboration car that Europe doesn't get to see.
-adm.
That is strange, though.
Buddha: keep in mind the 2005 Impreza gets those same interior updates....
-juice
Overall, I really like this car a lot, I am still not sure it is worth the $$$. Hopefully there will be some good incentives down the road. That with my GM discount and maybe I will have a 9-2x Aero in my driveway!
-juice
The Saab looks better, I fully agree. You can also get the moonroof and the all-weather package (heated seats, mirrors, and wiper de-icers). So if those things appeal to you, go for it.
-juice
~alpha
-juice
The turbo S40 prices right in line with the 9-2x, offers AWD as a possibility (Haldex system) and is receiving raves from the press. Although some say the 6-speed is not as good as it should be on the T5 model.
This months R&T covers both the 9-2X and the S40 in their write ups.
I would say that after reading both, the Volvo is a more likely interest for me...without the turbo.
If I was spending $30k on a Saab, I would definately want the 9-3 over the 9-2X...but then, AWD is not my current priority and I will give up a few ponies for better cush, within reason.
Not that there is anything wrong with the BMW.
-juice
Bigger, but more refined. Still has the high zoot turbo, AWD and a much more European-styled and dialed in ride.
The R&T staff liked it alot, although thought the turbo was too fickle for a mid-sized sedan and recommended the H6 instead. I don't know, 250 hp with the sweet spot down low sounds good to me...
if you turn a Legacy around the block, let us know.
That would be a great cross-shop experience:
9-2x Aero
Volvo S40 T5
Subaru Legacy 2.5T
3-year old BMW 325ix
You got the legs to pull that comparo off for us?
~alpha