MS3 or Saab 9-2x?

[bombledmonk]

I'm in a similar situation as butch81385 and thought I'd come here for some opinions. Anyways, I am still going through different avenues, but the market for a sporty higher performance is pretty decent(for buyers at least) in MN and ND area so half way decent deals abound. Anyways, I'm trying to gain opinions on the '07 MazdaSpeed3 and the 05-06' Saab 9-2x (aka slightly upscale WRX).

The MS3 can be had with under 10k miles for $19.5k and the Saab 9-2x Aero can be had certified Saab Bumper to bumper 100k mile/6 year for under 17k with ~30k miles(cheaper than equiv WRX). The non-turboed Saab 9-2x Linear can be had for closer to 15.5k certified. Uncertified knocks about $500-1k off the price of each.

I've look at a lot of cars lately especially econocars that I could mildly hypermill with, but theres this nagging need I have to fulfill [in my eyes] my chance to have a "fun" car before I move onto a more economical and/or family vehicle in the future. Right now my commute will be a whole 1- 3 miles and will be on a bicycle for the summer so every day fuel economy is important, but not imperative to my lifestyle.

Any opinions on the two? or other similar vehicles in the range?

[carl33p]

In terms of looks, IMO the Mazda wins by a landslide. Especially on interior; I love the dash on the Mazda3. And its got more ponys than even the Aero. (Im going to be biased though, since I drive a M3)

Are you considering coupes? And must it be a hatchback?

[bombledmonk]

Looks aren't terribly important to me. I mean I like a nice car, but as long as it's not ass ugly I've learned to love a lot of different styles. Power also isn't important as long as it's not a dog, just something that is 'fun' to drive. No it doesn't have to be a hatchback, but it does if its going to be a smaller car simply because of utility.

[Bizkitkid2001]

The MS3 is going to be the faster car. It lapped the Nurburgring in 8 minutes 39 seconds, which is extremely fast. I think the WRX was closer to 9 minutes, but I can't find the article where I read that anymore on google.


IMO, the MS3 looks better, and has a much nicer Interior. The WRX provides AWD which will give more confidence when pushing the car harder. However, both cars have a tendency to understeer so the driving dynamics should be similar when pushed to the limits. The WRX will may it easier to correct and get into an opposite lock if you ever decide to have some fun out on a track doing rally style drifting.



IMO, I would choose the MS3.


Now, the 9-2x i read had a better suspension setup than the WRX so it may provide a sportier ride. I've only driven the WRX so I can only compare with that.

[bombledmonk]

One other thing that I did notice was that the 9-2x has a notably lower insurance rate than either the MS3 or the WRX.

[carl33p]

Car and Driver. Fastest cars 20K - 25K

Quote:

10.) 2007 Pontiac G6 GT 3.9
9.) 2007 Saturn Aura XR
8.) 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt SS Supercharged
7.) 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT
6.) 2007 Volkswagen GTI
5.) 2007 Saturn Ion Red Line
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1.) 2007 Subaru Impreza WRX