Topic: SAAB 9-3 sedan or 9-3 Combi or Jetta 2.0 Turbo (not the GLI)

[widefire]

Good day! I'm having quite an issue right now. Which car to get...

I can have this kind of good deal right now on the 9-3. Both sedan and sportcombi. 1.9% financing on 72 months + 6000$ cash reduction GM + 1000$ cash reduction (demo model with only 200kms - 250kms on it).

So basically, that bring a 37K car around 30K including shipping/preparation and all that stuff.

I can also get a pretty nice VW Jetta 2.0T with leather, zenon, 17" rims, black on black, pretty nice car for about 29.5K with 2.9% financing on 72 months.

I understand that they are completely different animals. The SAAB is more in the BMW and Mercedes league or at least PASSAT/A4.
The SAAB is way more luxurious, spacious than the VW. I always like the look of SAAB also. But... I'm really not sure about reliability of this car and the way it depreciates. 50% off after only 2 years is kinda hard to swallow.

I know that VW keeps a good value, at least in my area.

I currently own a manual 2006 Honda Civic DXG. I don't really like the car and I have all kinds of little problems that the dealers in my area don't really care about and Honda Canada either... So I don't want it anymore. Also the Honda is currently on a 7.4% interest rate... OUCH! lol that was the best rate available when I got the damn car!

So now... what to do?

Plan A - Take a pill, keep the Honda for another 1-2 year and pay it faster to save on interest than bye bye and trade it for something better.

Plan B - Trade it now for the SAAB or VW and pay a little $$ and transfert a little of the money I will lose by selling the Civic right now versus what I have left to pay on it?

If Plan B is the better option, than what car to get? The superb SAAB 9-3 sedan or sportcombi? The very nice VW Jetta 2.0T? We are also planning on getting kids by the end of this year if that can change anything to your suggestions...

I also love the way our 1998 New Beetle handle and rides. I like the Beetle WAY more than my 06 Civic and I'm not even kidding... 150000 kms and still running like a champ! If VW would bring a 2.0T Beetle next year that would solve my problem but they don't seem to care to bring a souped up beetle anytime soon.

Thank you, I can't wait to read your suggestions!

[rrocket]

Does it have to be new?  There are some steals out there on the Saab 9-2 Aero.  Great car...

[Careener]

Why don't you get a 2yr old 93 that has already taken the depreciation hit you describe?

[widefire]

I would really prefer new. First for the warranty and also because I can't afford to pay it cash right now. I got a brand new house so $$ is a little down in my account right now. I don't want to pay interest rates above 3%. And getting a used car will bring me with 7%++ again. Also the 9-3 that are a couple of years old don't have the 210HP engines except if you get and Arc or Aero model. The brand new base one would be perfect for me. The base model is fully equipped with leather, dual climate zone, etc.

The 9-2X is a great car, but I don't want a Saabaru. I would stick to the Civic before getting this one. I used to drive a load up Mazda6 that turns out to be the worst lemon ever. That's why I'm driving a Civic right now. But, I really miss the car for everything else. Quietness, performance, handling, etc. I didn't get an Accord because the car was just way too "american" for me. It drives like a Chevy Impala.

[superukr]

I haven't heard about any reliability issues on post 2005 9-3 models. if you are thinking about 72 financing you probably want to drive that car for 6 years so no reason to be worried about depreciation. But personally I never look at these things, for me most important if I like that car and price/interest is right. 

[gta_driver]

If you want a 9-3, get yourself a 1 or 2 year old model, preferbly CPO'ed. Before the factory warranty is up get yourself a Saab select extended warranty. The post 2005 Saab 9-3 are reliable on the whole, however there are some problems spots with electronics (like all Euro cars).  For example a power window motor and switch (usually when they power window motor goes it takes out the switch) can set you back $600 in parts nevermind labour and that's for one door.

[dorin]

If you really want new then why the hell would you buy a demo that's had the snot beat out of it for those crucial first 250 km?

[Spheric]

Given GM's current predicament, I would ask myself if Saab is likely to be around in 72 months time.

Other than that, go for the car that you like the drive and style (and is also within budget).