Support NeoGAF

[Poody]

I have already traded in my Mazda 3

So i will be without a car for a couple of days. Help me choose which car to purchase. ASAP

2005 Saab 9-2X Aero

2005 Volvo S40

2005 Subaru Legacy

Spending around 24-27K

Other suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[AlphaSnake]

Subaru Legacy by six billion landslides! Trust me. For the love of God, man, just trust me. The ride, the speed, the AWD, the sensation...sweet moly.

Edit: I should also inform you that the S40 is a Mazda 3 with a Volvo shell -- so that's an automatic strike from your list which leaves you with pretty much two Subarus. The Saab is actually the 225HP WRX with a Saab shell. Hehe.

 

[fart]

legacy gt. 06 wrx

 

[Poody]

Subaru Legacy by six billion landslides! Trust me. For the love of God, man, just trust me. The ride, the speed, the AWD, the sensation...sweet moly.

Edit: I should also inform you that the S40 is a Mazda 3 with a Volvo shell -- so that's an automatic strike from your list which leaves you with pretty much two Subarus. The Saab is actually the 225HP WRX with a Saab shell. Hehe.

yeah basically the volvo share the same C1 platform as the Mazda3 but to be fair it looks tite ie Evolve. Saab is basically the wrx wagon with some luxury touchups and the saab badge.

 

[PS2 KID]

The only other car that comes to mind is the Acura TSX. It's not all wheel drive (fwd) though and doesn't have the engine of the Legacy.. which would be my other choice.. but it has good handling and has a nice interior. About the same price range without the navigation system.

 

[AlphaSnake]

legacy gt. 06 wrx

Oh my ugly...

That's a little too extreme looking. I didn't even know pics of the car leaked.

Edit: Avoid TSX like the plague. Cheap and torqueless I4 = boring as sin drive.

 

[Pochacco]

Wait for the Audi A3.

 

[Poody]

not feeling the front and back integra lights of the 06 wrx.

I was comtemplating the A3 but audi's are way overpriced and that hatch comes out to be 27k.
I stayed away from Honda's (TSX). I cringe whenever i see the torque.

 

[AlphaSnake]

not feeling the front and back integra lights of the 06 wrx.
.

:lol That's what many are saying about that new WRX apparently. (If you were talking about the Rex and not the TSX).

 

[PS2 KID]

Edit: Avoid TSX like the plague. Cheap and torqueless I4 = boring as sin drive.

The TSX split a couple of comparison tests vs the Legacy. It's fun to drive. It may not have the power and torque of the Legacy but it has very rewarding handling.

Here is the comparo that it won.

 

[Poody]

damn theres not that many cars within the price range. So far i'm leaning toward the legacy GT and the Saab 92X (just cause i love hatchs). I can't really wait for the 06 with work and school. Renting cars suck!

the new mark V (GTI) look pretty dope but still the fact that its manufactured in mexico. Bleh

 

[Pochacco]

I'd personally go with the Legacy, but these 3 cars are pretty unique amongst each other..
..with the Saab, you can probably get some great rebates.

I think they costs a bit more, but there's also the Altima SE-R and upcoming Mazda 6 Speed.

btw.
Autoblog.com has had all 3 of these cars in their 5-day garage.
Their reviews are pretty practical. If that's your thing, you might want to check them out.

 

[Poody]

Yuck even if i had the money i wouldn't get an Altima. They look atrocious and those clear rear lights are disgusting. Upclose the mazdaspeed6 looks nice and thats it.

 

[fart]

you are everything i hate in a driver

 

[Red Scarlet]

Get a red one.

 

[Poody]

care to explain?

Thanks for the link Pochacco

 

[golem]

of your choices.. legacy

consider the rx-8 (going for cheap now i think) or a 350z if you can squeeze out a few more dollarz

 

[fart]

yah, he thinks the k24a doesn't pup him in the butt enough. he's not going to want to get rx8mpg to be beaten off the line by honda odysseys.

 

[Bigfonzie]

get a van and travel the world.


im beign serious.

 

[FeedMeAStrayCat]

I saw screw those cars and go with a Volkswagen Rabbit. There's no way you can lose!

 

[gigapower]

I'm thinking of trading in my 03 GTI for a new A3.

 

[LaneMeyer]

poody, does it have to be AWD? ive been looking at the AWD S40 and it comes to $32-36k optioned out. pretty pricey for a car in this class. also, regarding the audi A3, its only FWD and there are no plans to bring it in quattro as of yet.

Edit: I should also inform you that the S40 is a Mazda 3 with a Volvo shell -- so that's an automatic strike from your list.

now this is just a retarded comment. there are many cars that share frames. the mk4 GTI/jettas share the same frame as an audi TT, but the TT is light years away from the GTI/jettas. the volvo may share the frame of the mazda 3 (and ford focus), but the entire drivetrain, suspension, AWD, brakes, shell, and all the bits and parts inbetween (including the interior with its world respected seats and one of the best stock sound systems) is totally volvo (not to mention volvo dealership service and the volvo community to go with it).

alphasnake, it sounds like you know a bit about cars, but not enough to help this gentleman make an educated decision.

poody, have you looked into a used audi A4? a 1.8T quattro with less than 20k miles can be had for low 20s, loaded.

 

[LaneMeyer]

also poody, you havent told us what you want this car for. how old are you? do you have kids? do you have to haul things? do you live in a city? how important is fuel economy? do you need 4x4 or AWD where you live?

also, dont knock the TSX. it comes loaded for about $27k. and as boring as alphasnake claims it to be, its 200hp, leather seats, posh interior, and xenons will be a vast improvement over your mazda.

 

[acoustix]

Dont get the SAAB, GM is forced to add and additional $1500 to the sticker of every car they sell due to employee medicare costs. Ive also drive the new saabs and they are very week in the power department. That Volvo is just fugly IMO, Volvos tend to be overpriced also.

As others have said among those the Legacy is easily the best car. Decent power, AWD and rally car R&D thats hard to get in other sedans. Plus it looks swank.

As the poster above me said, the TSX is great choice. Its reliable, powerful, looks great and gets great reviews across the board.

 

[mas9055]

For performance, definately the Subaru, but for safety and a good everyday car I'd go with the Volvo.

 

[AlphaSnake]

poody, does it have to be AWD? ive been looking at the AWD S40 and it comes to $32-36k optioned out. pretty pricey for a car in this class. also, regarding the audi A3, its only FWD and there are no plans to bring it in quattro as of yet.


now this is just a retarded comment. there are many cars that share frames. the mk4 GTI/jettas share the same frame as an audi TT, but the TT is light years away from the GTI/jettas. the volvo may share the frame of the mazda 3 (and ford focus), but the entire drivetrain, suspension, AWD, brakes, shell, and all the bits and parts inbetween (including the interior with its world respected seats and one of the best stock sound systems) is totally volvo (not to mention volvo dealership service and the volvo community to go with it).

alphasnake, it sounds like you know a bit about cars, but not enough to help this gentleman make an educated decision.

poody, have you looked into a used audi A4? a 1.8T quattro with less than 20k miles can be had for low 20s, loaded.

As far as I knew, the S40 even used the same engine. And I read that originally there was going to be two versions: one with and without turbo -- apparently that's not the case, the S40 seems to be a pretty fast car. Still, I'd go for the Subaru in a heartbeat.

And the TSX still sucks. I'd rather plunk down the additional 4K for a TL \m/>_<\m/

 

[LaneMeyer]

As far as I knew, the S40 even used the same engine. And I read that originally there was going to be two versions: one with and without turbo -- apparently that's not the case, the S40 seems to be a pretty fast car. Still, I'd go for the Subaru in a heartbeat.

And the TSX still sucks. I'd rather plunk down the additional 4K for a TL \m/>_<\m/

no way, the S40 uses 2 different engines, a 2.4l 5 cylinder N/A engine and a 2.5l 5 cylinder turbo (which is claimed to be capable of 350hp as is). mazdas use 4 cylinder engines in 2.3l and smaller.

for what it is, the TSX (or honda accord in europe) doesnt suck. even still, the poster still hasnt told us what hes looking for.

 

[Tsubaki]

Oh my ugly...

The unfortunate thing is that all Subies in the future will adapt that grill... like the Tribeca...

 

[Grifter]

Why would you trade in a Mazda3 that's like 1.5 years old at worst?

I just bought a 3s, tho that's the limit I wanted to spend on got a great deal.

 

[Clouseau]

You'll currently get these rebates for the Saab 9-2x Aero for May:

All 9.2X Aeros - $6000

Saab Hot Button Cash - $1000 All Saab models including 9.2X's (purchase or lease)

So that's another $7000 off whatever price you can negotiate, if that helps your decision.

Yeah it's just a Subaru with a Saab suspension,moldings, and a slightly higher grade interior, but with all that money off you could get one for under 20K.

 

[Gek54]

THe 2005 Saab 9-2X Aero is just a Subaru WRX but the Legacy is faster is much more fun to drive over all.

 

[Poody]

also poody, you havent told us what you want this car for. how old are you? do you have kids? do you have to haul things? do you live in a city? how important is fuel economy? do you need 4x4 or AWD where you live?

also, dont knock the TSX. it comes loaded for about $27k. and as boring as alphasnake claims it to be, its 200hp, leather seats, posh interior, and xenons will be a vast improvement over your mazda.

NO not at all but i do prefer AWD. I'm 22 yrs of age and a college student interning @ the cityhall for a great city in Los Angeles. I just want a mid 20k car that doesn't look all riced out when i park in the employee parking lot next to the 50k+ cars.

I love to have a 4 door hatchs b/c i enjoy driving hatches first and foremost and its pratical. But i would not pay 27-30k for an A3 hatch.

MPG is not a concern to me as along as its not a joke like less then 17mpg freeways/streets.

Why would you trade in a Mazda3 that's like 1.5 years old at worst?

I just bought a 3s, tho that's the limit I wanted to spend on got a great deal.

As great a car as the mazda3 I need a car with more power. Actually i've had the car for exactly 1.5 years now got it on December 31. 03 I will miss alot of the features on the 3 that must sub 25k cars dont offer, like audio controls on the steering wheel, kick ass interior althought some parts do feel frugal. But most importantly i need a more powerful car.

 

[Tsubaki]

I just want a mid 20k car that doesn't look all riced out when i park in the employee parking lot next to the 50k+ cars. I love to have a 4 door hatchs b/c i enjoy driving hatches first and foremost and its pratical. But i would not pay 27-30k for an A3 hatch.

Just curious, why'd you get rid of the 3 5-door in the first place? Or does the stock hatch look too ricey? Could always get a Mini Cooper S...

 

[Tommie Hu$tle]

Dude seriously if you are going to go with a Saab or a Volvo go get with the european purchase plan. They fly you to Europe to pick up the car from the factory.

Check it out. It's way cheaper and you get to go to Europe you can take a take your girl with you it would be a hot litte week date or something.

 

[KilledByBill]

Great topic, Poody! I'm shopping around for a new car myself and it seems like you're looking at the same types of cars as me. The difference is I live in the Northeast and after having my ol' Pontiac skid off the road this winter, AWD is a requirement for me.

Based on the research I've done I would say get the '05 Subaru Legacy GT. It really just seems to be the best combo of performance and safety for the price. Not to mention that this model's styling is light-years ahead of past cars in this line (and Subarus in general).

The Saab Aero might be worth looking into considering those deep discounts. I'll have to look into that some more.

 

[Tommie Hu$tle]

Saab European delivery

 

[Tekky]

Just think for a moment: Gas = $4/gallon (it'll come soon enough)

Now multiply the gas tank capacity by $4, that's the cost of a fill-up.

Multiply your gas tank capacity by your MPG, that's your range (optimistically).

Divide your range by your daily miles driven, that's how many days between fill-ups.

Divide 365 by days-between-fill-ups, multiply by fill-up-cost, and that's your annual gas cost.

 

[Poody]

Saab European delivery

tommie thats a great program but i dont have time to go visit sweden. I'm a full time student with a part time job. And this summer i will be heading to beijing on vacation.

Based on the research I've done I would say get the '05 Subaru Legacy GT. It really just seems to be the best combo of performance and safety for the price. Not to mention that this model's styling is light-years ahead of past cars in this line (and Subarus in general).

The Saab Aero might be worth looking into considering those deep discounts. I'll have to look into that some more.

Yes its still a dead race between the Saab and the legacy GT. I've read ppl driving Aero's OTD at 22-23K (TTL included).

 

[Bigfonzie]

Its a simple choice really, just ask yourself... are you a maverick or a gentlemen, do you wear a watch and if you dont, do you see yourself wearing a watch 5 years from now?


That is your awnser

 

[Tommie Hu$tle]

tommie thats a great program but i dont have time to go visit sweden. I'm a full time student with a part time job. And this summer i will be heading to beijing on vacation.



Yes its still a dead race between the Saab and the legacy GT. I've read ppl driving Aero's OTD at 22-23K (TTL included).

Fulltime student? Don't have time? These words, together, in this order, they are alien. Forgien, it is a malaise.

GOOD GOD MAN I took 2 spring breaks a year. Well I did see that you needed the car fast so I can understand that but, I'd take myself 4 or 5 days "off" because I caught a case of the "cancer" and I'd be gone. I'd be shit for the next two weeks but, hell I went to Sweeden.

 

[fart]

you are also everything i hate about la. imagine that.

 

[sefskillz]

I was going to start a thread similar to this, so maybe some people can suggest some stuff for me here

I'm trying to find something decently loaded under 20k and I'm probably going to have to go used, but I'd like something along the lines of the Mazda 3 style wise. The TSX caught my eye but it's out of my price range. Any suggestions?

 

[Poody]

20k? get a Saab 9-2X aero and finance the rest.

 

[DaMan121]

If your going for a turbo charged car, dont get a SAAB.. The GT is nice, but I would spend that money on a STI/WRX or Evo.. But if your going for that refined Euro look then yeah.

 

[fart]

I was going to start a thread similar to this, so maybe some people can suggest some stuff for me here

I'm trying to find something decently loaded under 20k and I'm probably going to have to go used, but I'd like something along the lines of the Mazda 3 style wise. The TSX caught my eye but it's out of my price range. Any suggestions?

e36 m3?

 

[AlphaSnake]

e36 m3?

Yuck, I hate the old M3 styling -- looks like a rectangle on wheels. Try to find a used E46 M3. You can find a few for around ~30. Mmmmmm...

 

[Grifter]

I was going to start a thread similar to this, so maybe some people can suggest some stuff for me here

I'm trying to find something decently loaded under 20k and I'm probably going to have to go used, but I'd like something along the lines of the Mazda 3 style wise. The TSX caught my eye but it's out of my price range. Any suggestions?

Since the 3 is below 20k, why not that?

 

[sefskillz]

Since the 3 is below 20k, why not that?

was just curious if there was anything similar to it for that price. i think i will be going with the m3.

 

[Poody]

for the sub 20k cars there is no other car that can beat the 3 in that category.

 

[Tommie Hu$tle]

for the sub 20k cars there is no other car that can beat the 3 in that category.

What about the Scions?