WRX owner looking at Saabs

[kevlarcupid]

Hey, all.

I'm Jehan. I have a 2006 Subaru WRX that's a blast, and I'm considering replacing it with... something. A buddy turned me on to Mk3 VWs, but I'm a big fan of the design of Saabs. Plus, I'm attracted to the smaller car companies, and you can't get much smaller or quirkier than Subaru or Saab.

A guy in the area is selling his 2000 9-3 Viggen, and I'm looking into that, as well as a couple '99 - '02 9-3s. I have a big question for the community, though: what am looking at in terms of maintenance, common complaints, etc, when I'm considering Saabs?

I'll give you an example from experience.

WRX's are a lot of fun, but they have crap interiors, which are nice when the car is new, but you'll come to know a fairly large group of specific thunks, thuds, squeaks, and rattles, and you'll inevitably be on a first-name basis with all of them. AWD + autocross means you'll tear through tires faster than AC Slater tears through the Prom Queen after the dance, and the breaks will get mushy on you if you push them more than a daily commute.

I'm looking forward to your responses, and hopefully to getting a lot of knowledge from you all.

EDIT: I came back and ran into the "We replace apostrophes with double-apostrophes" glitch. I will no longer be using contractions. My apologies.

[Roto]

Sorry, the forum software is glitching now...it will be replaced soon.

If the Viggen has been properly maintained I would go for that...you don't get more exclusive with a Saab than having a Vig. I wish when I bought my 9-3 I knew that I should have been looking for a Viggen. If you do not go for that look for 1999 9-3's since they are MAP not MAF and also have a different engine management system which I personally find to be better. Also look at 9-5 Aeros, since they handle slightly better than Viggens due to IRS. If you do end up going for either a 9-3 Viggen or a 9-5 - pull the oil pan and have it cleaned. It will save you headaches in the longrun. Also the turbos do tend to go ad around 100K, so budget that in as a potential replacement.

[kevlarcupid]

Thanks, that's some good info. I am checking on the Vig tonight, so I will report back with word. I'm hoping it's as good as the Craigslist ad says. But, it is Craigslist, so who knows?

Edit: Aren't 9-5 Aero's just Impreza wagons that have been badged as Saabs? I know the 9-5 Aero X's from 2005 are WRXs. When did this partnership begin, and how long did it last?

[Roto]

No, not the 9-5. The 9-2x is the WRX. 9-5 is a Saab for the most part. There was an 04 9-5 Aero that I worked on yesterday...very cool car.

[kevlarcupid]

Aah, thanks for setting me straight.