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(This is my 1st post on this site, now that I just got an used '01 Saab 9-3.)
Alex,
Here are some of my experiences & thoughts, as I've had some of the cars you noted.
(A) I had an used '95 Subaru Legacy wagon (4cyl/2.2L/5spd) and I drove until I got up to 180K+, upon which the (original or 2nd?) clutch wore out. Otherwise, nothing broke down on me, and all I did was maintenance (just the usual oil change & major services & timing belt, etc). I replaced it with a new '03 Subaru Outback Ltd wagon (4cyl/2.5L/5spd/165hp). For my needs, I need a wagon format to carry stuff (bikes on roof & gear in the back, and/or our dog), and AWD (to get up to snowy Tahoe in the winter). If I new that a turbo Outback/Legacy GT wagon (4cyl/250hp) was coming to the US in '05, I would've waited, though. Their AWD is very reliable (mechanically & driving-wise), but only 165hp to spin 4 wheels is under-powered.
(B) I once bought an used '90 9000 Turbo (4cyl/5spd) in late-90's that I had to get rid of within 2yrs because it was constantly breaking down (fuel line, AC, electronics, etc, etc) & breaking my bank. I mean, I love the way Saab feels while driving & the unique cockpit layouts and all that, but the reliability (or lack of) was a major issue. So, I was very cautious/skeptical (& still am) when I bought an used '01 9-3 (4cyl/2.0L/185hp/5spd) yesterday for my wife. It drives great, and I'm happily having fun in a Saab again, but I'm also going to buy all the no-deductable factory warranty I can buy. I'll see how this Saab does for me this time. (A big gambling? I hope not...) Looks roomy inside for its overall size. More upright than the typical Japanese configuration.
(C) My wife & I also went test driving Mazda 3 wagon (chasis shared with Volvo S40, per GM), but it was pretty nice, but just another "typical (light-weight) Japanese 4cyl/non-turbo" so-so 'zippy' at best, power-wise. The interior "felt" good-size for its overall size, though. Never tried Altima, but I think that's probably bigger than Mazda 3. Good/adequate power, too, if it's V6.
Good luck,
- Hiroshi
posted by 65.122.193...
, Thu, 30 Dec 2004 11:11:59
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