I loved the used car market, there are all kinds of interesting finds out there in the used market if you hunt for them. In the used car market there are interesting comparisons because cars depreciate at different rates. Today I had to good fortune to be part of a test drive with a 2004 9-3 with the manual transmission.
The 9-3 is an amazing deal in the used car market. They can be bought in the $11k – $15k range depending on the exact version of the car and mileage. This Saab 9-3 wasn’t the best received car when it was introduced because Saab positions the car to compete with the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class, Audi A4s and the Infiniti G35s of the world. The Saab is a great car but always seemed to finish near the bottom of the European sedan roundups that would occur in the automobile magazines.
Well after 4 years the Saab has something that makes is very competitive with the other European options, massive depreciation. Depreciation isn’t always a bad thing, in fact, if you are buying a used car, you want that depreciation. The Saab 9-3 has lost of 65% of its original price and that means people looking for used car are in for a real deal.
The 9-3 is a blast to drive with the manual transmission. It has a euro-style sport-tuned suspension that can really hold a curve. The engine is a 2.0 liter turbo-charged 4-banger pumping out 175hp to 210hp depending on the model. There is actually a decent aftermarket for this little turbo motor with a pretty easy upgrade path to increase the output of the engine.
Now before you turn your nose up at the Swedish GM car, consider what it is competing against in the used car market. Cars in this price range are the Corollas, Civics and Altimas of the world. They are fine cars, but they miss the style, luxury and sport that the Saab has to offer. And the Saab is rated for 23/34 mpg!
For the car buyer willing to hunt a little, there is probably a gently used Saab nearby that they could pick up for a song. Style, sport, luxury, economical and a great price, before you just buy that plain Corolla check out the Saab 9-3.
2 responses so far ↓
1 John // Jun 14, 2008 at 9:00 pm
Sweet article. I almost punted and bought the Altima instead I held out and the writer found this. I would have really missed out. This is a classy car with a sporty side. Also I got it for under 11K. Can’t beat that with a dead horse.
2 Adrock // Jun 16, 2008 at 2:08 pm
I bought a 2005 9-3 Aero with 45K on the clock two months ago for $18K in total. Its in amazing shape. There is a little scuff on the drivers side door and the chrome trim in the nose is picked at by road debris. But the rest of the exterior and the whole interior looks brand new. The power/5 speed transmission is great. I love the turbo whine!
My only complaint with these vehicles is the radio/CD is a little bizzare to use and there is really no good way to get Sirius satellite radio in it (XM is an option, but that isn’t even well integrated.)