CTC Review: 2008 Saab 9-3 Aero X

[Rampage]

$54,000 for what is essentially a souped up G6/Aura/Malibu with AWD seems a bit much. 

Can you please back this up with some facts.

Yes these cars are related as far as sharing a platform but for your information "The 9-3 and the Opel Vectra were the first of the global GM Epsilon platform, which was then lengthened to accommodate four new cousins, the Chevrolet Malibu/Malibu Maxx, the Pontiac G6, and the Saturn Aura. Even so, this platform was heavily re-engineered by SAAB, making it 60% exclusive and rendering it impossible to build outside its Trollhättan plant. An auto-directional rear axle, a proprietary optical fiber electric/electronic system, and the possibility of AWD (to be exploited in 2008) are some of the SAAB exclusive features

My main point is that this car is over priced compared to the competition, especially given that the SAAB 9-3 is derived from the models I listed. 

I have no quibble with your beef about the price, but the 9-3 is not derived from the models you listed.
The models you listed use a modified version of the same platform "Epsilon platform", which the 9-3 was the first to use.
The models you listed used this platform after the 9-3 so it would be impossible for the 9-3 to be derived from the models you listed.

MKII,

Point taken.....I have no problem admitting I was probably a bit hasty in drawing comparisons, although I do still believe its main disadvantage is its price.  As I said, I think the SAAB is a handsome car and I admire all the quirkiness that SAAB offers, but pricing has always stopped me from going in that direction.

Would I consider it at 40,000?  Yes, I think I would......at 50,000?  I don't think so.

[Demosthenes X]

Three years from a now, maybe a used 9-3 Aero XWD will represent a stellar used car deal at $18k or so.

That's assuming someone actually buys a 9-3 Aero XWD right now...  :/  Is this car available with a manual transmission?  It sounds like it would be a stellar used buy if one managed to find a MT, AWD version... 

[TopGun]

That's assuming someone actually buys a 9-3 Aero XWD right now...  :/  Is this car available with a manual transmission?  It sounds like it would be a stellar used buy if one managed to find a MT, AWD version... 

Great point...

Available with 6 speed MT...with XWD package - 280hp and 290 lb-ft....Laser Red...Tan leather interior...17" wheels...stability control...moonroof...active head rests...$39,000 US...

[Nimbus]

I would like to say that it is very easy to notice in the comments mentioned from all the "experts" how many have never really driven a modern SAAB 9-3 and have had to rely on others opinions to form their own. Driving impressions, derivitives of platforms, pricing for what you get etc... Some of the comments are rather strange for those who know what they are talking about based on hands on experience.

As for pricing an apples to apples product. Not forgetting optional equipment.

If you take into account 0% interest rates plus a $6,000 discount which are the current Canadian programs. A Canadian purchasing a SAAB in Canada will spend about the same or less per month depending on additional discounts for people who qualifiy compared to an American purchasing in the US, if you go for upto a 60 month term. For 72 months Canadians have much lower payment which is roughly the same as the lease payments were before. If someone was to go to the US to pay cash because you cannot finance in the US and factored in the low interest rates here in Canada for the overall cost (not having to take money out of investments or use a line of credit); purchasing in the US is much more expensive than purchasing in Canada.

It's cost, not price that matters.

[Railton]

Three years from a now, maybe a used 9-3 Aero XWD will represent a stellar used car deal at $18k or so.

That's assuming someone actually buys a 9-3 Aero XWD right now...  :/  Is this car available with a manual transmission?  It sounds like it would be a stellar used buy if one managed to find a MT, AWD version... 

Once all the depreciation is out of the way it would make a good choice. But, at $54K and depreciation no thanks. Love the car but GM needs to deep discount all the SAAB product line (Say $14Kon this car) or they might as well pull the plug now.
Railton

[sirAQUAMAN64]

It has an eLSD which I believe is what you are speaking of -- seems to work well so far.

I think the Turbo X has a true limited slip from side-to-side or something extra.

[inco]

Vote of confidence?

Well GM has decided to cut back the warranty on the 2009 Saabs from five years to four which they feel is in line with other similar brands.

And the reason - it was costing them too much money in claims! 

[MKII]

It has an eLSD which I believe is what you are speaking of -- seems to work well so far.

I think the Turbo X has a true limited slip from side-to-side or something extra.

Turbo X  eLSD, the first application of an electronically-controlled , rear limited slip differential in this segment of the market(outside the rally/supercar segment). It uses inputs from the rear wheel speed sensors and can transfer up to 40 percent of torque between the drive shafts, to whichever wheel has more grip. When cornering hard, this yaw damping effect helps the rear of the car more closely follow the direction of the front wheels. The Saab setup differs from SH-AWD in that it uses a single wet clutch pack for rear-wheel torque distribution instead of a pair of clutches on each side of the rear differential.

[johngenx]

Sorry Saab, but there are WAY too many great AWD sedans for less/same money that offer as much, or more, and won't be worth $14.99 in four years.

Lexus IS250AWD
Infinity G35X
BMW 328ix
Subaru Legacy GT

That four alone offer great choices that range from the refined luxo machine to the power-house...

[huota]

Sorry Saab, but there are WAY too many great AWD sedans for less/same money that offer as much, or more, and won't be worth $14.99 in four years.

Lexus IS250AWD
Infinity G35X
BMW 328ix
Subaru Legacy GT

That four alone offer great choices that range from the refined luxo machine to the power-house...

...and add the S60 2.5T AWD to that list at $41,395.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

It has an eLSD which I believe is what you are speaking of -- seems to work well so far.

I think the Turbo X has a true limited slip from side-to-side or something extra.

Turbo X  eLSD, the first application of an electronically-controlled , rear limited slip differential in this segment of the market(outside the rally/supercar segment). It uses inputs from the rear wheel speed sensors and can transfer up to 40 percent of torque between the drive shafts, to whichever wheel has more grip. When cornering hard, this yaw damping effect helps the rear of the car more closely follow the direction of the front wheels. The Saab setup differs from SH-AWD in that it uses a single wet clutch pack for rear-wheel torque distribution instead of a pair of clutches on each side of the rear differential.

So only the Turbo X has XWD with eLSD.

[MKII]

It has an eLSD which I believe is what you are speaking of -- seems to work well so far.

I think the Turbo X has a true limited slip from side-to-side or something extra.

Turbo X  eLSD, the first application of an electronically-controlled , rear limited slip differential in this segment of the market(outside the rally/supercar segment). It uses inputs from the rear wheel speed sensors and can transfer up to 40 percent of torque between the drive shafts, to whichever wheel has more grip. When cornering hard, this yaw damping effect helps the rear of the car more closely follow the direction of the front wheels. The Saab setup differs from SH-AWD in that it uses a single wet clutch pack for rear-wheel torque distribution instead of a pair of clutches on each side of the rear differential.

So only the Turbo X has XWD with eLSD.

Standard on the Turbo X, and optional on the Aero X

[mdb4403]

True story. I have a saab 9-3 (2004) which I was getting ready to trade in for a new aero with all wheel drive.  I've had relatively few problems with my car.  This past weekend i was driving from Ohio to Kentucky for a quick vacation.  After about two hours of driving I stopped at a rest stop turned of the car.  When I returned it wouldnt start.  Had to be towed to the nearest dealership (cost a fortune).  Was told the battery was dead. How the battery could go from fine at the start of the trip to dead after driving two hours i don't know. Dealer says it happens all the time. No warning of battery failure on these cars.  In 30 years of driving I have never been stranded before.  My wife has a BMW which costs less than the new Aero.  Its a much nicer car.  Needless to say, Im looking at another BMW rather than the Saab

James

[TopGun]

Sorry Saab, but there are WAY too many great AWD sedans for less/same money that offer as much, or more, and won't be worth $14.99 in four years.

Lexus IS250AWD
Infinity G35X
BMW 328ix
Subaru Legacy GT

That four alone offer great choices that range from the refined luxo machine to the power-house...

The Lexus and G35 are not available with a manual transmission...so they are off my list.

The 328xi similarly equipped will run you $51 easily without the eLSD...ya, ya, ya...I know about the resale...I also know I see a hundred of them every day.

EDIT - The Subaru is an interesting choice as I "built" a Spec B.  Pretty limiting on the colour choices...if anyone cares about that sort of thing.

[adjutor]

Cars from sweden ( Volvo,Saab) seem to have the same problems: way overpriced (Volvo S60R was about 63k) ,they depreciate a lot, bad reliability reputation( the S60R has an awful reputation)). But you cannot compare the saab with the  Volvo S60 2.5T AWD that has only 208hp vs 280hp for the saab. Saab are also usually much more fun to drive than a Volvo. $41,395 is a STARTING PRICE for the Volvo S60 2,5T AWD. It usually gets much higher with few options.I think I would choose between the subaru legacy gt, infinity G35X and maybe the VW Passat 3.6 4MOTION

[carcrazed]

Where's day 4?

[wing]

Whoa!  What happened?  I posted day4.... I'll put it back!

[dasiuyan]

Whoa!  What happened?  I posted day4.... I'll put it back!

Since your rating for this Saab is quite high, i thought you just stole the car and run away.......

[wing]

It was a great car, fun to drive, powerful, etc etc.  "Value" isn't part of my wheels it would be very low.