Infinity G35 or (gulp) Saab 9-3

[thatsright]

I have about $20-$23k to spend on a USED car. Not interested in a new car. Looking for a XXX (unknown car) model year 2008-2010. A sedan. No American cars.

I have a 2000 Mixamia with great horsepower. The Saab Aero 9-3 has everything I love. But from what I hear, they are going belly up into bankruptcy. This would explain why I've seen such low prices compared to:

2008 Infinity G35. This is probably $2-4k more than I am comfortable spending and it might be unrealistic.

So please suggest other non-American cars to test drive. Same tight handling. Powerful engine (at least 250hp) with a moon roof and premium sound in a sedan. No coupe. Not interested in Lexus IS250 or BMW 3 Series sedans. No desire for another Maxima or Altima.

Thanks

 

[jlee]

WRX?

 

[Harrod]

2005-2006 Saab 9-2x, I was under the impression that the 9-3's and then 9-5's are now for the most part built out of GM parts.

 

[compman25]

I have an 08 9-3 Aero X and it has been a great car. It is built on a GM platform, but it has been totally reliable and is a fun car. And since you're looking at used does it matter if Saab went bankrupt? Would I buy another Saab? Yes

 

[HAL9000]

I googled the "Infinity" haven't seen it before, I'd go for the Saab.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Get the Saab. The 2.0T engine gets pretty good mileage and the engine is bulletproof.

If you want more pwoer the 2009 9-3Aero came with 285Hp and a 2.8T motor.

If you need AWD - the saab XWD system is one of the best out there.

Should be able to find a leftover 2010 New in your price range.

 

[Knavish]

You need a used sports / luxury sedan made by a Japanese, German (except BMW), or Korean manufacturer. You want decent power and handling.

Perhaps look at:
Audi A4, Acura TSX or TL, Hyundai Genesis(?), Saab 9-3 or 9-5, Subaru Legacy(?)
Did I miss anything?

If you're not considering BMW, then I'd definitely say skip the Mercedes C-class unless you're really into Mercedes cars for some reason.

Remember Saab was fully owned by GM until last year. The 9-3 shares the GM/Opel designed Epsilon platform with cars like the Saturn Aura and Chevy Malibu. The new 9-5 shares the Epsilon II platform with the Buick Lacross and Buick Regal. Some people might argue that a Saab is a GM, but the do have significant differences. I personally don't consider this platform sharing to be a negative thing.

 

[LikeLinus]

I have about $20-$23k to spend on a USED car. Not interested in a new car. Looking for a XXX (unknown car) model year 2008-2010. A sedan. No American cars.

I have a 2000 Mixamia with great horsepower. The Saab Aero 9-3 has everything I love. But from what I hear, they are going belly up into bankruptcy. This would explain why I've seen such low prices compared to:

2008 Infinity G35. This is probably $2-4k more than I am comfortable spending and it might be unrealistic.

So please suggest other non-American cars to test drive. Same tight handling. Powerful engine (at least 250hp) with a moon roof and premium sound in a sedan. No coupe. Not interested in Lexus IS250 or BMW 3 Series sedans. No desire for another Maxima or Altima.

Thanks

You don't want American, but you want a Saab that is a car built on GM Parts from a Bankrupt company.

OK!!!

 

[thescreensavers]

G35- HR motor goodness

 

[Mide]

Vote for the Saab

 

[thatsright]

Vote for the Saab

Test drove th 08 9_3 aero today and fell in love. Insanely loaded. Ammenites of a $35k lexys for just 19k
Its a dream car or a looming financial disaster. Saab is about to be liquidated...gone forever. No buyer. Would you want to buy ur dream car before the company dissapears? Convine me either way....

Goma test frive mazda 6 grand touring package. About same price as aero, but they will be around....

 

[DaTT]

Out of curiosity, why don't you want North American? Also, the G35 is a gutless wonder....torque?...nope. Can you turn off traction Control on the G35's yet?

 

[996GT2]

I have about $20-$23k to spend on a USED car. Not interested in a new car. Looking for a XXX (unknown car) model year 2008-2010. A sedan. No American cars.

The Saab Aero 9-3 has everything I love.

I lol'd.

You do realize that the recent Saabs ARE essentially American cars, right?

 

[ElFenix]

rofl at OP thinking that the saab malibu isn't an american car

 

[PhoKingGuy]

Isnt the saab turbo engine basically a 2.4 liter ecotec plus a turbo?

 

[tfinch2]

08 Acura TL

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Isnt the saab turbo engine basically a 2.4 liter ecotec plus a turbo?

Saab was the first to get there hands on the Epsilon platform and its not even close to being the same as anything in the GM stable. Significantly modified.

Saab uses a 2.0L Ecotec 4Cyl and was basically doing all of the R&D for the GM turbo program. GM stole this tech and shoved the engine in the Cobalt SS and now the Regal. The 2.0L turbo has been around since 2003. The prior MY Saab 9-5 uses a 2.3L turbo engine which has been around and refined since the early 80's. They pushed that engine to 260HP in Aero form.

 

[Throckmorton]

Saabs are made by trolls

 

[TheAdvocate]

09 Genesis V6. Might even be able to get the full tech package in that range if you shop hard.

It's not a sports car, but it is a wellb uilt,powerful, comforable, smooth riding car that handles very well for its size.Plus, its RWD.

I'd also look at a 2009 Audi A4 but I think they're over your budget like the G.

 

[angry hampster]

Test drove th 08 9_3 aero today and fell in love. Insanely loaded. Ammenites of a $35k lexys for just 19k
Its a dream car or a looming financial disaster. Saab is about to be liquidated...gone forever. No buyer. Would you want to buy ur dream car before the company dissapears? Convine me either way....

Goma test frive mazda 6 grand touring package. About same price as aero, but they will be around....

SAAB Autombile is now owned and operated by Dutch manufacturer Spyker, and has been since 2010.


Fmr12B: Saying SAAB cars aren't GM products is like saying my 2004 Mazda6 isn't a Ford product.

 

[Throckmorton]

How can a small supercar maker like Spyder afford Saab?

 

[ElFenix]

How can a small supercar maker like Spyder afford Saab?

debt

 

[Illyusha]

Vote for the Saab

Yep