Saab guy test driving Speed6 tomorrow

[stillflat4]

I've been reading around in the forum and you folks are all making me drool. I have a Saab 9-2X that I've been driving for almost two years, was initially looking at a LegacyGT, and saw the GT vs. Speed6 on Edmunds, then found this place. If ever a board could sell a car, this would be the one.

Can't wait to test drive it tomorrow. Thought for sure I was going to get a 9-3 SportCombi until I drove it today. Ugh...

Well, just thought I'd say hi.

 

[VinnieBeachbum]

I test drove it yesterday, buying it today. Did alot of research for about 2 weeks on lots of cars. For the price/power it is kickin. Try to open her up alittle if you can.

 

[dmitrik4]

why didn't you like the SportCombi? my g/f will be looking to replace her '99 9-3 with a wagon soon, and that's #1 on her list.

 

[stillflat4]

why didn't you like the SportCombi? my g/f will be looking to replace her '99 9-3 with a wagon soon, and that's #1 on her list.

If she's already in a Saab, she might like it. I don't know if it's all that different, except that it will obviously have more power since the base now has 210hp.

For me, if I'm thinking of spending $30K on an automobile, I just expected more. The feeling I got from the drive was that given a couple thousand miles, things were going to start rattling. There was already some body creak as I was going over roughness in the road. I drove it in an area that fortunately didn't have the smoothest roads. There was construction going on, and it just felt like the suspension could not cope with the rough road. My 9-2X gobbles up cracks and bumps very nicely. It just felt like the suspension wasn't travelling enough. I expected it to be a little more "reactive" to the road, and it wasn't. Saab did a wonderful job on the suspension on the 9-2X. I expected they could do the same on the 9-3 SportCombi, since it was supposed to be a "true Saab," built from the ground up on the Epsilon platform.

The 2.0T's engine didn't seem to have noticable turbo lag which is nice. It seemed fine, but it did seem to "top off" rather quickly, and I wasn't pushing it. It was like you could actually feel the power band, and it seemed rather narrow. I guess that's what you get for a 210hp 4-cyl. I'm curious to see what the Speed6 feels like today.

Also, the interior looks gorgeous in the pictures, but when I sat in it, I just felt there was a lot of plastic. The clutch was EXTREMELY light, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. I think I expected it to be more of a "driver's" car than it was. It isn't. It felt like something I'd rent at Avis when I rented a mid-size car.

I was totally crushed because I really really wanted to love this car. It's has such beautiful lines, and it's really a gorgeous car. For the money though, and knowing that I'm likely to have marginal reliability, I just can't see spending the money on it, particularly when I didn't exactly enjoy the test drive.

Again, that's all just my $.02. I hadn't driven a "real" Saab in several years (the 9-2X being a Subaru with Saab suspension), but this was just a real letdown.

 

[seanw]

Saab did a wonderful job on the suspension on the 9-2X. I expected they could do the same on the 9-3 SportCombi, since it was supposed to be a "true Saab," built from the ground up on the Epsilon platform.

. . . .

Again, that's all just my $.02. I hadn't driven a "real" Saab in several years (the 9-2X being a Subaru with Saab suspension), but this was just a real letdown.

I thought the SportCombi a Saabaru, too? Or is that a different hatch model?

 

[mazda6gal]

Welcome.. take it from me you will love the Speed6.. there is nothing like it and I can tell you after driving this and the LGT I was hooked on the MS6. The handling, the speed and the torque can not be beat in my opinion!!!!! LEt us know how you make out!

 

[stillflat4]

I thought the SportCombi a Saabaru, too? Or is that a different hatch model?

No, the 9-3 SportCombi and Sport Sedan is all Saab, but built on the GM Epsilon platform shared by the Cadillac CTS and the Chevy Malibu. The 9-7X is based on the Trailblazer/Envoy platform. The 9-2X Linear is the Impreza TS Wagon, and the 9-2X Aero is the WRX.

 

[stillflat4]

Wow. All I can say is wow. This is what a quality car is SUPPOSED to feel like on the road. SMOOTH power from the start. I can still feel the turbo kick in at a certain point, but the transition is SO SMOOTH. And the suspension is a thing of beauty. Handled the NY roads with ease and grace. I love the six speed, and was amazed that even in sixth gear, there was still plenty of power to be had.

I was planning to head over to Subaru to try out the B-spec afterward, but after I drove the Speed6, I knew it was the one I wanted, no question...

The payments are a bit higher than I wanted only because the depreciation is quite a bit higher for this car than it is for the Saab or Legacy. Saab/Legacy I was looking at 58-60% residual. The Speed6 is only 49%,so I have to cover more depreciation each month. But the good news is that if I decide to keep this car when the lease is up in 39 months, the cost will be less to finance the rest of it.

I have a feeling I am going to be VERY happy with this car. I was so impressed. I never even thought about a Mazda, but I'm glad I saw the comparison on Edmunds and then wandered over here to see what people had to say about it.

I pick the car up on Thursday...

Anyone want to buy a 9-2X Linear?

I look forward to spending more time here... And thanks for all the words of encouragement.

 

[mazda6gal]

Congrats on your new love... What color will you be getting?????

 

[stillflat4]

Congrats on your new love... What color will you be getting?????

Thanks! It's Titanium Grey Metallic... I initially would've asked for black, but when he wheeled around the test drive Speed6 in dark, smoky grey, I loved it. Plus, having owned black cars for my entire life so far, I know they only really look stellar when they've just been washed. I hope the grey will help with that. Plus, I won't worry so much about fine scratches when I wash the car. First time I washed my 9-2X, I got those little spiderwebs... Black cars are tough...

It's a Grand Touring edition, I think the only package addition is the sunroof and autodimming mirror.

I cannot wait to drive it again...

 

[Kansei]

congrats, and welcome to our humble forums! I've always wanted to ask someone this question, but why did you buy the Saab 9-2X over the Impreza? The differences I had read about included the suspension being a bit softer and of course the different styling, but aren't the prices really close? I like the styling of the 9-2X over the 04+ Imprezas but I would have a hard time deciding, luckily I'm quite in love with my Mazda

Good luck with the Mazdaspeed6!

 

[stillflat4]

congrats, and welcome to our humble forums! I've always wanted to ask someone this question, but why did you buy the Saab 9-2X over the Impreza? ---snip--- Good luck with the Mazdaspeed6!

Thanks!!

The suspension on the 9-2X was part of the car that was completely re-done by Saab using aluminum, which Subaru is only just now starting to use -- on the GT B-spec. Less unsprung weight, and made the car seem a lot more mannered on the rough NY roads than the Impreza, but I can still throw it into a corner very nicely with no surprises. I had an Impreza Outback Sport just before the 9-2X and didn't like the car anywhere near as much as I love my Saab. The suspension was different, and if the interior of the Saab is "upscale econobox," the Impreza was just... econobox...

Other than that, there were two factors -- the styling is improved 1000% I think (I LOVE the Saab grille) and the Saab name. Yes, call me vain, but I would rather drive a "Saab" Impreza than a "Subaru" Impreza. I started out with a 1980 900 GLi and it was very nice to be back in the Saab "family" so to speak.

I also got the 9-2X out the door for $20K, which I thought was a VERY reasonable price for the Linear. The Impreza TS wagon, which is the Subaru version of the Linear, was just below that. For the nicer interior and the better suspension and better styling, it was worth it to me.

That said, I still love my Saab and will truly be sorry to see it go. I was just looking for something a little nicer inside, something a little more luxurious, and something a bit more powerful. As I mentioned, I really thought I would either get a new Saab or move up to the Legacy GT. I never even though of Mazda until I saw the review on Edmunds.

Someone suggested if I loved my car, why not just go for a new 9-2X Aero with leather? I thought about it... I happened to see one on the lot when I drove the 9-3 yesterday. Guess what the sticker was? Just over $32K. Now I ask you... I just turned 37. Do I want a $32K WRX with Saab styling and 230hp or do I want a car that has more horsepower, a Bose sound system and, well, that feeling I got that I was driving a powerful, LARGER car with smooth turbo acceleration for $2K less?

 

[Kansei]

I didn't know that about the suspension, I just assumed it was a styling change with different struts and a slightly different interior. Good to know, thanks for the info. That's crazy that the 9-2Z Aero climbs into the 30s like that. I'm sure it is nice, but like you said it is upscale econobox... not good for 32k. I like my Protege because I see it as a stylish, functional, economical, and extremely fun means of transportation. Of course I'm always glad to see a new member to the Mazda family. Mazdas aren't perfect, but when the zoom-zoom is flowing in your veins you can ignore any of the flaws.. at least I can.

Where in NY are you?

 

[Puckpimp71]

I'd love to get my hands on a Viggen and send it over to Alpine Saab....

 

[seanw]

Thanks! It's Titanium Grey Metallic... I initially would've asked for black, but when he wheeled around the test drive Speed6 in dark, smoky grey, I loved it. Plus, having owned black cars for my entire life so far, I know they only really look stellar when they've just been washed. I hope the grey will help with that. Plus, I won't worry so much about fine scratches when I wash the car. First time I washed my 9-2X, I got those little spiderwebs... Black cars are tough...

It's a Grand Touring edition, I think the only package addition is the sunroof and autodimming mirror.

I cannot wait to drive it again...

Congrats! I'm definitely with you on the Titanium Gray. Since you are leasing a GT, did you get a rebate? There's a guy on another forum who says he's getting a $2K Mazda lease rebate (like that offered on the Sport) and a no money down lease from a dealer in GA. If what he says is true, I'm going to have to bargain much harder next time since I could have afforded the GT myself with a $2K rebate!

 

[Mazdamia]

but why did you buy the Saab 9-2X over the Impreza?

I've got a 92x Aero and I got it for w/ cold weather for $19950 new I think before tax with the GM discounts. That is CHEAP for a WRX from what I have seen. I also think it looks better then the Subaru. The drive and interior is all WRX but I would have gotton a WRX for the price if I could have. I like it and great car for the money.

 

[stillflat4]

Mazdas aren't perfect, but when the zoom-zoom is flowing in your veins you can ignore any of the flaws.. at least I can. Where in NY are you?

Zoom-zoom!

I'm mid-Island, Long Island.

 

[stillflat4]

Congrats! I'm definitely with you on the Titanium Gray. Since you are leasing a GT, did you get a rebate? There's a guy on another forum who says he's getting a $2K Mazda lease rebate (like that offered on the Sport) and a no money down lease from a dealer in GA. If what he says is true, I'm going to have to bargain much harder next time since I could have afforded the GT myself with a $2K rebate!

Dealer said there were no incentives, but my paperwork does have a "$2000 dealer rebate" that was put into cap cost reduction right up front and reduced the overall price of the car by $2K. So technically, instad of putting $3K down, they treated it as $5K down. I'm not an accountant, but I have a feeling this benefits the dealer somehow.

The dealer was good enough to print me out an entire report (upon request) which listed the money factor, residual, etc on one computer sheet. I've gone over it several times, and I can't see anywhere that the dealer snuck something by me, but you never know. The depreciation payment is about what I expected (these cars depreciate rather quickly it seems), and the lease charge isn't much to add to that, so I'm pretty happy.

I just can never shake that feeling that the dealer is out to screw me somehow, even if I did get a fair deal. Wonder what that's about?

 

[stillflat4]

I've got a 92x Aero and I got it for w/ cold weather for $19950 new I think before tax with the GM discounts. That is CHEAP for a WRX from what I have seen. I also think it looks better then the Subaru. The drive and interior is all WRX but I would have gotton a WRX for the price if I could have. I like it and great car for the money.

When the GM employee discounts were going on, Saab was eating Subaru's lunch in the 9-2X Aero vs. WRX comparison. My friend here on Long Island went to get one at that time -- I sent him to my Saab salesman and he said there were NO MORE 9-2X's available. They went fast. Even faster if you wanted a stick (who doesn't?)...

 

[seanw]

Dealer said there were no incentives, but my paperwork does have a "$2000 dealer rebate" that was put into cap cost reduction right up front and reduced the overall price of the car by $2K. So technically, instad of putting $3K down, they treated it as $5K down. I'm not an accountant, but I have a feeling this benefits the dealer somehow.

The dealer was good enough to print me out an entire report (upon request) which listed the money factor, residual, etc on one computer sheet. I've gone over it several times, and I can't see anywhere that the dealer snuck something by me, but you never know. The depreciation payment is about what I expected (these cars depreciate rather quickly it seems), and the lease charge isn't much to add to that, so I'm pretty happy.

I just can never shake that feeling that the dealer is out to screw me somehow, even if I did get a fair deal. Wonder what that's about?

Tell me about it. I've gone over my lease contract and the other docs the F&I guy printed out for me a million times and I have the same feeling. So many things in a lease to be fudged. After awhile, I had to just put it behind me and start enjoying the car! (sun) Anyway, that $2K is still a cap reduction for you no matter who it comes from. Congrats, again, and take a tip from one of the many who had a disappointing first week in the MS6. Make sure they don't give you a tank of 87 octane as a parting gift!