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I’ve been thinking of picking up a WRX wagon until my friend brought the 9-2x and the GM discount to my attention. Since the saab is basically a rebadged WRX, I’m not too worried about mechanical problems, but has anyone noticed any other reliability issues with the interior, electrical, etc?
The Saabaru is definitely cool, however there are some things you should be aware of.
The employee discount appears to only be effective for 2005 model cars. I'm not trying to be pessimistic, but I don't know if you'll be able to find an '05 Saab Aero (the turbo) in a 5 speed. I just bought an '05 WRX wagon last month and my first pick was a Saabaru and the dealer here in Sacramento laughed when I asked him about one. He told me that all 5spd Aeros west of the Mississippi were spoken for :|
The '06 Aero is no longer "the same" car as the WRX. Yeah it's got the same motor and chassis and some handling similarities. It's still all Subaru under there, however the '06 WRX gets some things that it doesn't look like the Saabaru will. Things like a new, upgraded transmission for the bigger power of the '06 models, four piston calipers and larger rotors for the front brakes, along with two piston calipers for the rears. Standard 17" wheels (the Saabaru may get those I don't remember).
Basically, I would look around at the '06 Subarus. They look great and have awesome power. If you can't step in to an '06 WRX due to the new pricing (which I couldn't either), then you can look at an '06 WRX TR (TUNER READY!!!) that basically drops some features of the upper model WRXs, such as the automatic climate control and some other toys.
Good luck, man. Check the below quote for the press release regarding the Saabaru.
Quote:
FOR RELEASE: 2005-08-09
CONTACTS
Saab 9-2X gets More Horsepower for 2006, Pricing Unchanged
Detroit, Mich. -- The all-wheel drive Saab 9-2X enters it second year of production with a more powerful engine in the Aero model, more horsepower and a new name for the base model, and simplified option packages. At the same time, MSRP's for 2006 9-2X's remain unchanged from 2005.
The 2006 9-2X Aero pays tribute to Saab's signature torque heritage with a new 2.5L turbo 4-cylinder boxer engine that makes 230 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm and 235 lb. ft of torque @ 3,600 rpm (up from 227-hp/217 lb. ft. last year).
Seventeen-inch all-season tires will be available on the Aero. Sixteen-inch all-season rubber continues to be standard on both 2.5i and Aero models.
The former Linear model will now be called the 2.5i, reflecting the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine. This naturally aspirated engine is now rated at 173-hp @ 6,000 rpm, up eight horsepower from last year. Peak torque is slightly adjusted to 166 lb.-ft. @ 4,400 rpm.
9-2X MSRP's remain unchanged in 2006 at $22,990 for the 2.5i and $26,950 for the Aero. Destination charges, however, will increase $25 to $720, bringing the prices to $23,710 and $27,670, respectively.
An available Leather Package includes leather appointed seats and door inserts on the Aero. The 2.5i also gets a leather steering wheel, gearshift ****, and hand brake boot. 2005's Premium Package is deleted from both models.
The 9-2X Aero's Sport Package is revised to include 17-inch wheels with all-season performance tread and xenon headlamps. The power moonroof on the Aero becomes a stand-alone option.
The 2006 9-2X Aero will be available in Midnight Black Mica, Arctic Silver Metallic and Brilliant Red.
The full-time all-wheel drive system, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and four-speed automatic/five speed manual transmissions remain unchanged for 2006.
The 9-2X is part of the most aggressive product development offensive in Saab's 58-year history as an automaker. Also in 2005, Saab introduced its first-ever SUV, the 9-7X, and will launch the five-door 9-3 SportCombi and a refreshed 9-5 Sedan and SportCombi. All 2006 9-3 Aero models will feature a new 2.8L Turbo V6 that generates 250-hp and 258 lb. ft. of torque as standard equipment.
Saab is a division of General Motors Corp. Saab USA is the importer and distributor of Saab 9-2X, 9-3 and 9-5 automobiles and the distributor of the 9-7X sport utility for Saab Automobile AB, Sweden. For more information, please visit www.saabusa.com.
An 06' wrx would probably be out of my price range, and I really don't like the look of them. I'm going to a Saab dealer after work, and I'll see what I can find. Maybe I can get one somewhere in the San Diego or LA area.
I was looking for either a used 04 or 05 wrx depending on overall cost with financing. Since the Saab is around the same price as low mileage 04s, it's a no brainer if I can find one.
Thanks for the info, at least Subaru still has the $1500 discount (although I should find out when that ends).
I called a local dealer and he told me that he heard there's one still in Austin, Texas, so I think I'll just keep looking for an 04-05 wrx. When are the 06s supposed to hit lots? Since I'm looking for an 05, what's the best strategy I can use to get a good discount with the 06s coming out soon?
as far as i know, the gm discount only applies to 05 models...
i was also in the market for a 9-2x aero 5spd but after searching high and low i've come to the conclusion that i don't really like it as much as i thought i would...
as far as i know, the gm discount only applies to 05 models...
i was also in the market for a 9-2x aero 5spd but after searching high and low i've come to the conclusion that i don't really like it as much as i thought i would...
You know the more pics I see of the Saabaru, the happier I am that I got an '05 WRX Wagon instead. I would have liked the moon roof, but the WRX looks so much better, IMO.
You know the more pics I see of the Saabaru, the happier I am that I got an '05 WRX Wagon instead. I would have liked the moon roof, but the WRX looks so much better, IMO.
I feel the opposite...the more I look at my saabaru, the more like the sleek styling of it(IMHO, it looks more aggressive with the fluid lines). The hoodscope is not overly protruding. But then many people seem to differ in opinion, I really think the 06 is a beautiful car(kinda copied what saab did to the front end), I didn't like the 04/05 impreza, but I did liked the 02/03...i saw the 06 and kinda want one
Linear Mode
