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[AlphaSnake]

Saab 9-3 Arc, 2-liter turbocharged engine with 210HP at the crank and 221TQ @ 4000RPM. Turbocharger adds a lot of room for some ECM manipulation and squeezing some extra PSI out of the TC. I love the edgy and sleek exterior (even though the dashboard leaves a lot to be desired). I love how low the car already sits; so I probably won't be doing much to the suspension as I have on my 01 Maxima. It comes equipped with Pirellis, as well...so that's another mod I won't have to worry about. And all 9-3s have leather as a standard, in addition to ABS, TCS, side-air bags and anything else you can imagine. What I love the most is how the Arc and Aero come with bodykits already attached, makes the car look even more aggressive. Plus, the 9-3 is the only car in history to receive a perfect crash rating twice in a row -- it's never happened before; it's the safest sedan out there.

I'm in love (pics of Arc version):

 

[Mike Works]

Ha, why'd your thread get locked? You just ain't got no luck these days.

 

[AlphaSnake]

Thanks to the admin who re-oppened this. I was curious if anybody here owns a new-gen 9-3?

 

[Duck of Death]

Looks nice. Although I prefer function over style:

 

[bionic77]

I always liked the way Saab cars looked. Isn't that front wheel drive? I am not a big fan of front wheel drive on sports car, though in some ways it is more practical because RWD is totally worthless in the snow.

 

[AlphaSnake]

I don't mind FWD at all.

 

[bionic77]

I don't mind FWD at all.

To each his own. To be honest these days I am not as concerned with car performance as I was in the past. But I always had a preference for a good RWD over a good FWD.

 

[Fresh Prince]

Nice but I like the unassuming looks of this car better

 

[AlphaSnake]

Nice but I like the unassuming looks of this car better

I do too, but Audis cost a bit much and have really expensive maintence fees (not to mention they break down often).

 

[NLB2]

Ha, why'd your thread get locked? You just ain't got no luck these days.

You are such a jackass, Mike. But you are also a very funny jackass. :lol

 

[Fresh Prince]

I do too, but Audis cost a bit much and have really expensive maintence fees (not to mention they break down often).

I hope to be rich enough so these key factors are negligible

Also why did this thread get locked?

 

[bionic77]

3 series is still king!

But I don't want to hijack this thread, so lets keep it Saab related.

 

[Fresh Prince]

A hijack is needed
What else are you going to talk about?
Oh shit do you know that SAAB also make planes?

 

[AlphaSnake]

3 series is still king!

But I don't want to hijack this thread, so lets keep it Saab related.

I've never been a big BMW fan, but I love the new 5-series, even though the car's a rip off. Why would anyone pay $40k for such an underpowered car? Spend that money on a Lexus, since you'll be getting equally fantastic comfort and excellent performance. M3 aside, everything BMW sells is bought by suckers. As far as the 3 series, I'd only purchase a 330 -- and I still think those are a rip off too.

 

[Loki]

Oh shit do you know that SAAB also make planes?

Did you know that BMW was originally a military vehicle/aircraft manufacturer? The BMW symbol (the blue and white emblem divided into four quadrants) is actually supposed to be the front propeller of an airplane against a blue sky background?

 

[AlphaSnake]

Heh, everyone knows that.

 

[Fresh Prince]

OMG Rolls-Royce also make aircraft engines?

 

[Tsubaki]

I've never been a big BMW fan, but I love the new 5-series, even though the car's a rip off.

I think the new 5 is the ugliest car in their lineup actually, but I digress.

Um... the one reason I stay away from Saabs is the same reason you bash on bimmers... they're rip-offs. The Arc 9-3 ain't exactly cheap, and for that amount of money, I'd sooner choose the new Volvo S40 T5 if I had to go Swedish.

 

[AlphaSnake]

I think the new 5 is the ugliest car in their lineup actually, but I digress.

Um... the one reason I stay away from Saabs is the same reason you bash on bimmers... they're rip-offs. The Arc 9-3 ain't exactly cheap, and for that amount of money, I'd sooner choose the new Volvo S40 T5 if I had to go Swedish.

But the Arc 9-3 is practically a fully loaded vehicle. It's got everything I'd want. When I bought my 01 Maxima 3-some years ago the final sticker price was $26.5k. My dad haggled with the dealership after we got our first sticker of 28.3 (never settle on the first sticker, obviously) and then the manager brought it down to 26.5. My car is practically fully loaded; and is only missing the 6-disk changer and heated seats; otherwise everything else is in there. Now, I intend to lease the 9-3 as is, just with an Automatic transmission and since I know Saab isn't moving many of them, I'll probably be able to shave off at least 3.5k from what the dealer's going to want -- end result being close to what I paid for my Maxima.

It's got so many standard features that there's no way I'd call it a rip off.

 

[bionic77]

But the Arc 9-3 is practically a fully loaded vehicle. It's got everything I'd want. When I bought my 01 Maxima 3-some years ago the final sticker price was $26.5k. My dad haggled with the dealership after we got our first sticker of 28.3 (never settle on the first sticker, obviously) and then the manager brought it down to 26.5. My car is practically fully loaded; and is only missing the 6-disk changer and heated seats; otherwise everything else is in there. Now, I intend to lease the 9-3 as is, just with an Automatic transmission and since I know Saab isn't moving many of them, I'll probably be able to shave off at least 3.5k from what the dealer's going to want -- end result being close to what I paid for my Maxima.

Bimmers are overpriced because of their name. Hell, Lexus uses a lot of the same parts in as their lower line Toyota cars, but people are willing to pay for that name and those overpriced extras.

One thing I really love about BMW is the way their cars handle (especially the 3 series). Driving a manual 3 series is a lot of fun and it really feels like the car is glued to the road. To me the 3 series (and not the Audi) are still the gold standard in this class though.

 

[AlphaSnake]

It actually feels good to decide on a purchase too. This has been a decision I've been thinking about for over a year. I'll likely keep the Maxima and hand the payments over to my dad and lease the 9-3. I've test driven so many cars in the past year...2005 Subaru WRX 5spd and auto, Mazda 6s-V6 auto, Mazda 3S auto, Mitsubishi Evolution (just for the hell of it ), Nissan Altima 3.5SE (love it, but hate the rear look), Nissan Maxima 3.5SE (dealer offered test drive, I hated the car), Lexus IS300 (too small), Audi 1.8t (underpowered and felt flimsy) and a few others I can't remember.

 

[bionic77]

No Porsche test drive? For shame!

 

[AlphaSnake]

No Porsche test drive? For shame!

Hahaha. I wish. =(

 

[Loki]

Heh, everyone knows that.

OMG Rolls-Royce also make aircraft engines?

Wisenheimers...



I didn't think it was common knowledge-- guess I was wrong.

 

[AntoneM]

so... you didn't choose this?

'Tis a shame

 

[AlphaSnake]

so... you didn't choose this?

'Tis a shame

What am I looking at?

 

[AntoneM]

oops, wrong url.

 

[AlphaSnake]

An SVT? I never even made mention of a lousy SVT. Ewww....

 

[AntoneM]

blasphemy! Sorry, I had to whore it out. I love mine, it's taken hold of my soul

 

[AlphaSnake]

I'm just not a fan of Fords. I think they always find ways to sabotage their vehicles somehow. The Ford 500 is nice, but slow as hell. I want some frigin performance out my vehicle. I know the SVTs are quick, but they look...weird.

 

[SatelliteOfLove]

Is this the first Saab without a center mounted ignition key, (to save GM $$$), or am I thinking of a Volvo?

 

[AntoneM]

I'm just not a fan of Fords. I think they always find ways to sabotage their vehicles somehow. The Ford 500 is nice, but slow as hell. I want some frigin performance out my vehicle. I know the SVTs are quick, but they look...weird.

I hate Fords too, just not my Ford

 

[Lathentar]

I'm looking at a new car as well.

Tomorrow I'm headed to the Acura dealer to test drive the 2005 Acura TSX.

 

[djtiesto]

I'm looking at a new car as well.

Tomorrow I'm headed to the Acura dealer to test drive the 2005 Acura TSX.

Niiiice.... my friend at work JUST got an 05 TSX, and I'm the proud owner of an 05 TL... The TSX is a really nice looking car, the 04-05 Acuras all look amazing, IMO. I'll have to tell you what my friend thinks once he gets it.

 

[Mike Works]

You are such a jackass, Mike. But you are also a very funny jackass. :lol

Pfft, I didn't lock it! Someone else did, and I have no idea why.

 

[BeOnEdge]

yo alpha, we'll have this to cruise in come e3 2005. i'm getting it in feb/march.

 

[DopeyFish]

Pfft, I didn't lock it! Someone else did, and I have no idea why.

probably because this is like Alphas 5th "I think I've decided on my next car..." topic in the last year =p

 

[element]

I want to get this. Volvo S40.

 

[Mike Works]

It's a sad day when your game is smooth but your car has jaggies.

 

[Dilbert]

Niiiice.... my friend at work JUST got an 05 TSX, and I'm the proud owner of an 05 TL... The TSX is a really nice looking car, the 04-05 Acuras all look amazing, IMO. I'll have to tell you what my friend thinks once he gets it.

How are you liking that TL? I still drool over them...

 

[AlphaSnake]

probably because this is like Alphas 5th "I think I've decided on my next car..." topic in the last year =p

1st. The other 2 were recommendations. But thanks for playing, Dopey.


BeOneEdge: NO MORE TAURUS!? wOot! \^o^/

 

[AlphaSnake]

It's a sad day when your game is smooth but your car has jaggies.

:lol

The Volvo S40s are nice cars but are weird in the way they're made internally; Inline-5 design, max HP @ 5000RPM, when redline is at 6500, and max torque is produced at 1500RPM. Producing 236lbs of torque at such a low RPM is something I've never seen on another car.

For comparison's sake, the Acura TSX produces 166lbs at 4500RPM, BWM 325i produces 175lbs at 3500RPM. Weirdness...though I'd imagine with so much power up-front the car's a monster off and on the line. The powerband is frigin' enormous...I'd definitely check it out.

 

[Tarazet]

Saabs cost an arm and a leg to insure. You knew that, right?

 

[AlphaSnake]

Saabs cost an arm and a leg to insure. You knew that, right?

You think my Maxima is any different? #2 most stolen/burglarized car, pal.

 

[Tarazet]

You think my Maxima is any different? #2 most stolen/burglarized car, pal.

At the insurance company I'm with (AAA), it would cost me as much to insure a Saab 9-3 Aero sedan as it does to insure a Lancer Evolution (about $1850/year). An '01 Maxima? $1400 even.

 

[AlphaSnake]

At the insurance company I'm with (AAA), it would cost me as much to insure a Saab 9-3 Aero sedan as it does to insure a Lancer Evolution (about $1850/year). An '01 Maxima? $1400 even.

Look where you live and where I live. I live in the #2 highest auto insurance state in the US. I pay 2400 for the Max and that's on a perfectly clean record (my dad's). Insurance on my name would cost me over $3000.

Edit: I know somebody with a 9-3 who's paying 2200 for his. Why? Because the car is loaded up the ass with safety options.

 

[Tarazet]

You're right - I didn't even think about the difference to NYC. If that $2200 number is correct, then that would certainly seem to deflate my warning. You're obviously informed about this stuff...

BTW, one of the cars I was looking at, the Civic Si, would have cost me $3500 a year to insure... the same as a 911 convertible or a Viper. I still want one, but I'm going to wait until I can afford to pay cash so I only have to carry liability, and for now, I'm driving an Element...

 

[Koopa]

I recently finished my 1999 Civic Si, I ran a 177mph, 10.102 quarter at Fontana on the 19th of November.

Stock car was stripped to the metal, almond sanded with a walnut finish, repainted Nissan 350z metallica blue.

HONDA/ACURA B18 GSR Motar straight from the factory in japan, No miles.
Eagle Connecting rods
Skunk 2 High Compression Valves
Skunk 2 Titanium Retainers
Skunk 2 Valve Springs
Skunk 2 Stage 2 s/d cams
Enjo Engine Mounts
Skunk 2 Intake Manifold
Edlebrock Throttle Body
RC Injectors
Walbro Fuel Pump
AEM Fuel Rail
Greddy Timing Belt
AEM Aluminum Sprockets and Pullys
Fluidyne Radiator and Greddy Oil Cooler
Greddy TD05H-18G Turbo
Greddy Blowoff Valve
Greddy PRofec E-01 Boost Controller
Greddy Intercooler Type 24r
Tial Wastegate
DC Stainless Steel 4-2-1 header
MSD 6BTM Ingition with Boost Controler and Rev Limiter
AEM Engine Management System
Apexi VTEC Controller
ACT Xtream Pressure Clutch w/ hybrid street disc, 220mm
ACT Streetlight Flywheel
Fidanza Drive Shaft
DC Short Shift Kit
DC Rear Lower Tie Bar
DC Rear Upper Tie Bar
DC Front Strut bar
TIEN SS Coilovers
Bride Maxis III Racing seats, 2x
19"X10" Racing Hart CR Mulipiece w/22mm offset
AEM Big Break Kit, w/ 4 Piston Calipers, Front and Back w/ Porsche Boxter S Pads
Wing West Advenger Kit, shaved with custom fiberglass 2piece kitkat bumber
Custom Fiberglass boz with 4 Kicker CVR 12" with 2 Kicker 1250 AMPs
Alpine 9815 head with custom DVD/ 9 " Greddy perfromace monitor
All of this rolling on Nittos 555 Extreme Performance Tires 235/35/19

Dyno'd at 439.128 HP @7400rpm, with 348.11 Ftb Torque @6200rpm. It redlines at 9400rpm. Car only weighs with me in it 2480-2500 lbs. Boost was set at 8psi, 2-3 more months and Ill be running 14 psi at a projected 540/415~ Hp/Torque

Im having a custom rollcage built for it and powder coated the same color.

On top of that the whole undercarrage of the car is powder coated the same color except for the oil pan, sway bars, and gas tank which I had triple chromed, also the wheels didn't fit, so i had to have 5/16" titanium spacers made, at $800 a wheel plus 200 for the tires, I didnt want to have to settle for something else when they tied the car together beautifully. Im having professional pictures taken of it. Most magazines won't publish it because I wont put sponsor logos on it.

It only has 1 Honda logo on the trunk. No Si markings, nor does it have any of the DOHC Vtec markings like most SI's.

The only real downfall to the car is the amount of player hating I recieve when i actually drive it. So many punks in VW's and accords think they actually have a chance in hell to take me.

My Brother in the navy, stationed in Japan is in negotiations to ship me a 2005 S2000 minus the import tax. Im thinking Mastercare Widebody with a Comptech 22 psi Boost warrentied turbo on that project.

 

[Vormund]

I want to get this. Volvo S40.

It's a nice car, only prob i've heard is that the packaging of it is really crap. IE: Interior room is lousy for the size of car it is.

 

[Tarazet]

I recently finished my 1999 Civic Si, I ran a 177mph, 10.102 quarter at Fontana on the 19th of November.

Stock car was stripped to the metal, almond sanded with a walnut finish, repainted Nissan 350z metallica blue.

HONDA/ACURA B18 GSR Motar straight from the factory in japan, No miles.
Eagle Connecting rods
Skunk 2 High Compression Valves
Skunk 2 Titanium Retainers
Skunk 2 Valve Springs
Skunk 2 Stage 2 s/d cams
Enjo Engine Mounts
Skunk 2 Intake Manifold
Edlebrock Throttle Body
RC Injectors
Walbro Fuel Pump
AEM Fuel Rail
Greddy Timing Belt
AEM Aluminum Sprockets and Pullys
Fluidyne Radiator and Greddy Oil Cooler
Greddy TD05H-18G Turbo
Greddy Blowoff Valve
Greddy PRofec E-01 Boost Controller
Greddy Intercooler Type 24r
Tial Wastegate
DC Stainless Steel 4-2-1 header
MSD 6BTM Ingition with Boost Controler and Rev Limiter
AEM Engine Management System
Apexi VTEC Controller
ACT Xtream Pressure Clutch w/ hybrid street disc, 220mm
ACT Streetlight Flywheel
Fidanza Drive Shaft
DC Short Shift Kit
DC Rear Lower Tie Bar
DC Rear Upper Tie Bar
DC Front Strut bar
TIEN SS Coilovers
Bride Maxis III Racing seats, 2x
19"X10" Racing Hart CR Mulipiece w/22mm offset
AEM Big Break Kit, w/ 4 Piston Calipers, Front and Back w/ Porsche Boxter S Pads
Wing West Advenger Kit, shaved with custom fiberglass 2piece kitkat bumber
Custom Fiberglass boz with 4 Kicker CVR 12" with 2 Kicker 1250 AMPs
Alpine 9815 head with custom DVD/ 9 " Greddy perfromace monitor
All of this rolling on Nittos 555 Extreme Performance Tires 235/35/19

Dyno'd at 439.128 HP @7400rpm, with 348.11 Ftb Torque @6200rpm. It redlines at 9400rpm. Car only weighs with me in it 2480-2500 lbs. Boost was set at 8psi, 2-3 more months and Ill be running 14 psi at a projected 540/415~ Hp/Torque

Im having a custom rollcage built for it and powder coated the same color.

On top of that the whole undercarrage of the car is powder coated the same color except for the oil pan, sway bars, and gas tank which I had triple chromed, also the wheels didn't fit, so i had to have 5/16" titanium spacers made, at $800 a wheel plus 200 for the tires, I didnt want to have to settle for something else when they tied the car together beautifully. Im having professional pictures taken of it. Most magazines won't publish it because I wont put sponsor logos on it.

It only has 1 Honda logo on the trunk. No Si markings, nor does it have any of the DOHC Vtec markings like most SI's.

The only real downfall to the car is the amount of player hating I recieve when i actually drive it. So many punks in VW's and accords think they actually have a chance in hell to take me.

My Brother in the navy, stationed in Japan is in negotiations to ship me a 2005 S2000 minus the import tax. Im thinking Mastercare Widebody with a Comptech 22 psi Boost warrentied turbo on that project.

That's badass, but I'm no performance demon. I have to commute a lot and my route is peppered with so many cops that I pretty much have to drive 65-70. Coming from home, though, there's a heaps fun mountain road which is rarely patrolled (although I got a ticket there), but the speed limit is 25 mph and the street is littered with speed bumps all the way down. I need to find someone who can destroy those stupid things.