$7000 rebate on Saab 9-2X Aero (==Subaru WRX)

[lzpoof]

Originally posted by: user1234
The Saab 9-2X Aero is the rebadged enthusiast car Subaru Impreza Wagon WRX (227 hp 2-liter turbo engine). Until the end of May there is a $6000 rebate (for this model only) + $1000 "hotbutton" incentive for all GM vehicles. This is by far the largest rebate (so far) on this car. Various things point to the conclusion that this rebate will not be extended beyond the end of the month (at least not the same amount) because the reduced price is really skewed (much lower) compared to similar models.

The MSRP (incl delivery charges) starts at $27,645 - $7000 rebate = $20,645 for this "Aero" model, which is the top of the line 9-2X model and already comes equipped with all the essentials - power everything, premium sound, 16" alloy wheels, fog lights, chrome accents, sports seats, etc.

Available Options:

Automatic Transmission $1250
Sports Package (sunroof, 17" wheels) $1950
Premium Package (leather, xenon headlights) $1695
Cold Weather Package (heated seats & mirrors) $600

Invoice price (dealer cost) is about 5% below MSRP

So for example, the MSRP for 9-2X Aero w/manual transmission is 20,645 AR. Of course no one pays the full MSRP, so the street prices for this configuration would be about $1000 lower, or around $19,500. Throw in the sports package and it's about $21,500. THIS IS CHEAPER THEN A SUBARU WRX BY AT LEAST $3000 - plus it comes with 4 year warranty (vs 3 for the WRX), and 2 years free scheduled maintenance!

The 9-2X was "saab"-ized to look a little more upsacle (Saab core market) and a little less of a Rally race car. But it is basically the EXACT SAME CAR as the WRX, with the same great performance. Arguably it looks better then the original WRX.

So overall you get a WRX for a lot less. In fact, some people pointed out that the price for this new 9-2X is even lower then the Kelly Blue Book price for a 1 year old used WRX !!! check out the FS/T forums to see the asking price for used WRXs....

btw, Subaru's are generally VERY RELIABLE cars and the deprication on them is lower then average. This is in contrast to Saab's other models which are not so reliable and have relatively steep depreciation. Consumer reports gave the WRX "excellent" rating and a "top pick" in the sports cars category (Saab 9-2X is new and has not been rated yet) with above average reliability and depreciation, and excellent owner satisfaction (based on their massive annual survey). It also got the highest score in crash protection. Most of the other Consumenr reports "top picks" in the sports car category are cars which retail for more then $50K apiece (Audi S4, BMW M3, Cadillac CTS-V).


http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/message...hp?start=1160&catid=18&threadid=463298

http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct...=Saab&model=9-2X&ed_makeindex=.ef15387

Wow , so it took you that long to essentially copy someone's post that's been up on fatwallet. Sigh.

so I was thinking back on all the times I've seen people say what an idiot user1234 is on the boards and I saw he was a platinum member so I said to myself 'he must be a decent guy if he's been around that long and posted that much'.

Then I noticed he opened this thread today and already has a MASS amount of replies to himself including a bump on the first day of the post. Guess that explains it.

 

[csundar]

too bad i'm a little short on cash...must be all that hardware i keep buying...

 

[user1234]

Originally posted by: lzpoof

Wow , so it took you that long to essentially copy someone's post that's been up on fatwallet. Sigh.

so I was thinking back on all the times I've seen people say what an idiot user1234 is on the boards and I saw he was a platinum member so I said to myself 'he must be a decent guy if he's been around that long and posted that much'.

Then I noticed he opened this thread today and already has a MASS amount of replies to himself including a bump on the first day of the post. Guess that explains it.

Wow, so it took you that long to come here and crap all over this thread with your irrelevant junk. What a moron. Why don't you go back to whatever hole you crawled out of. [pwned]

And no, I actually posted this because I am considering this deal and even test drove the car yesterday (the dealership had fliers ANOUNCING this rebate posted everywhere). Of course I ALSO looked at other forums to see what people are saying, but I think I have enough information on my own, especially that I'm a current Saab owner and always liked the WRX (a couple of my friends have it).

 

[AMDZen]

Thanks for the post, I might just be dreaming but I think I'm going to try and pull this one off. I can't believe I'm even considering buying a new car, but I get $10,000 off since I'm with a company that gets the employee discount. I could end up getting one of these babies for $17,425 if I don't add any options. That is insane.

 

[user1234]

yes, I've heard that there are also additional discounts (including special promotional discounts) for GM employees only (and their famility members), which would bring the price down by an additional two grand, so they would end up paying $10K below MSRP. Defintely insane for these lucky folks. But of course people should not be blinded and purchase the car only because of the great deal, but be sure you really like the car, as the WRX may not be everyone's cup of tea. So I suggest to take a serious test drive and see for yourself before making a decision.

 

[Concillian]

That's awesome, anyone want a used WRX?
4 years old 88,500 miles.

But seriously, my next door neighbor has a Saab, she got a 'Saabaru' as a loaner car while she had some work done to her older 9-3. Yep, it's the same car as mine with nicer bodywork and interior treatments.

I could sell my car and buy the new one for about $8500 according to KBB. That's not bad for 4 years and ~90000 miles of WRX fun. Tempting, but the Forester XT will be next for me, I think.

 

[Concillian]

Originally posted by: BDawg
One correction - SAABs are very reliable cars since 1999-2000.

Saab reliability doesn't really matter in this case. The CAR is a Subaru. The BADGE is a Saab. About the biggest difference I found in the engine compartment between my WRX and the loaner 9-2X my neighbor had was the radiator fill top is black on my car and was silver on the Saab. And my intercooler had a few bugs in it that the Saab didn't.

Literally, it's a Subaru, Subaru reliability is what you should be looking at, not Saab.

 

[AMDZen]

Originally posted by: user1234
yes, I've heard that there are also additional discounts (including special promotional discounts) for GM employees only (and their famility members), which would bring the price down by an additional two grand, so they would end up paying $10K below MSRP. Defintely insane for these lucky folks. But of course people should not be blinded and purchase the car only because of the great deal, but be sure you really like the car, as the WRX may not be everyone's cup of tea. So I suggest to take a serious test drive and see for yourself before making a decision.

See thats the thing, I don't work for GM or any company that has anything to do with GM. I work for a telecommunications company. I won't say which, only that we are probably the third largest in the country.

I know we've always had a discount with a few different car manufacturers, and GM is our biggest one. We (the company) buys all of their fleet vehicles from GM and so, as employees we get their employee discount (GMS price) + 4%. I thought at first that we get the exact same discount GM employee's do, but I did some more searching on our HR site and found that.

So it breaks down like this.

MSRP = $27,645
GMS = $25,425
+ 4% ($1,017) = $26,442

Then we get the same employee cash bonus = -$1,000
Then after consumer cash = -$6,000
And Hot Button Bonus cash = -$1,000

Total price = $18,442

Which is pretty much $1,000 more then GM employees, but also more then $1,000 less then everyone else.

Still awesome to me, we will see what happens. I did a quote on eSurance and its actually about the same, or even a little less then it costs me right now to insure my 99' Civic Si. Which is not what I expected. I also turn 25 in less then 3 months, which most definetely should help even more.

I'm pretty excited right now, I don't know if I will do it but I'm definetely reviewing all the avenue's. I will have to see what they will give me for trade in, because dealers always give you jacksh!t. I might be able to finance the whole thing, sell the Civic privately and do it that way, we will see. And also what interest rate I can get since I've owned and paid for my house now for 7-8 months. I'll check with my Credit Union and also the dealer. Anyone have some tips on how to get the best rate?? Or is it based solely on your credit score?? I'm sure the dealer will suck in comparisson, and my Credit Union is around 4.5%, which isn't as good as I was hoping for.

Any way I think I might go and test drive one tonight or this weekend. At which time I know I'll probably fall in love. I've been looking at buying a WRX any way when I turn 25 and my insurance goes down, and I was looking at a wagon for its sleeper qualities. This thing looks better then the Sub and after reading many reviews, mainly this Car and Driver Review one, and learning about it, I simply can't wait. Check this out

Mechanically, our test 9-2X Aero is nearly identical to a WRX. It features the same 227-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four, five-speed manual, and all-wheel-drive system as the Subie, but it attacks the road with quicker steering and a retuned suspension. Saab stiffened the steering-gear mounting for better feedback and response, and on the Aero, pitched the WRX?s standard rack in favor of the rally-bred STi?s, which lowers the ratio from 16.5:1 to 15.0:1. The Subaru?s strut suspension was reworked with firmer springs, softer dampers, 10mm-shorter rear bump stops, and stiffer front control-arm bushings. In addition, 1.8mm of toe-in was dialed into the front wheels for better on-center feel and straight-line stability.

Unfortunetely its also not near as quick.

The precise steering only enhances the Aero?s impressive grip and scoot. Fitted with split-spoke 17-inch alloys wearing W-rated 215/45R-17 Bridgestone Potenza RE011s (included with the sunroof on Aero versions), our test 9-2X pulled 0.86 g on the skidpad, superior to the WRX?s 0.82 and on par with another premium, now discontinued all-wheel-drive wagon, the Audi S6 Avant Quattro (November 2001). Furthermore, the Saab not only shorted the S6 from 70 mph?171 feet versus 176?but also outgunned it in acceleration, posting a 0-to-60 time of 6.1 seconds (versus 6.3) and a quarter-mile sprint of 14.7 at 92 mph (versus 14.9 at 97). Wow. Plus, the 9-2X Aero beats the old 9-3 Viggen (February 2002) to 60 and the quarter. As with the Subie, our only real gripe is the Aero?s turbo lag, which stifles momentum below 3000 rpm. The WRX sedan is still quicker?we tested one that did 5.4 and 14.1, respectively?but it?s also carrying 164 fewer pounds than the 3256-pound 9-2X. Nonetheless, the Aero should prove to be plenty competitive in its class.

That can be fixed easily enough though.

WOW, it looks more enticing all the time. I don't know whether to hug you OP, or smack you upside your head. This deal just looks too good to pass up, but I'm also not sure if I'm ready for a new car. Geez, my mind is racing right now on what to do.

 

[carlwu]

Great deal. Just be aware that 2006 WRX is expected to undergo significant changes.

 

[Trey22]

Goodness that car looks like utter crap. To each his own though.

 

[octalon7]

WOW, I might just have to partake in this deal. Hell I might lease one, if it has a great residual value that would be one CHEAP lease if you can get the car for invoice and the rebates. I expect this to be too good to be true though, something won't work the way I'd hope...super crappy residual, or something...rebates DO apply to leases correct?

[Edit: Anyone know a good website to find fairly accurate residual values for free?]

 

[Allen7]

I think it looks much better than the WRX.

Now, can you trust GM trained Saab technician to work on a Subaru?

 

[MetalMat]

Is it fast?

 

[Plasdom]

that is one ugly car

 

[McPhreak]

Originally posted by: MetalMat
Is it fast?

0-60 in 6.1 seconds

 

[user1234]

Originally posted by: Allen7
I think it looks much better than the WRX.

Now, can you trust GM trained Saab technician to work on a Subaru?

I like Saab service, they always give you a loaner car (even for a few hours), they wash the car, and even fill up the gas tank ! In fact, for the 9-2x the parts will be cheaper since you can probably use Subaru parts

 

[Robor]

I think it's a damned good looking car - as good or better than the WRX. Those that call this car ugly probably own SUV's and think theirs are cool yet they look the same as every other stupid SUV on the road... :roll:

The only thing I don't like about this car is the MPG. The performance of this car is nice but getting 20 around town and 26 on the highway just isn't good enough for me. I drive too much for my job and I'm sick of spending so much time and money at the pump. The accord Hybrid would be sweet but I don't have $30K lying around. I'm leaning toward a Civic, maybe even a hybrid if I go new.

 

[bjy20716]

Originally posted by: carlwu
Great deal. Just be aware that 2006 WRX is expected to undergo significant changes.

2006 or 2007?
I thought 2007 is when the whole line will be redone and probably renamed.
The WRX will get a 2.5L engine but I cannot remember if its 06 or 07.

I have a 2002 WRX which I bought last august used and paied 18,500 for it.
This seems like a good deal.

The wrx turbo back exhaust and cobb access port ecu flasher probably work on the 92x but I am not toally sure.
If they do they will give you a 50 bhp increase for about $1400-1600.

The only thing is the 9-2X is basicly not selling at all that is why they have these rebates.
2005 is the first year and I don't know if there will be a 2006 model.
Since it is selling bad now the resale value in the future maybe low?

 

[MikeMike]

wow, and we get GMS, MIGHT have to look into it.

MIKE

 

[lotust]

http://www.fast-autos.net/saab/saab92x.html

 

[ChunkyBarf]

Wow, I definitely think this is a solid deal. You are in fact getting a WRX in disguise and the WRX gets accolades in the 'fun to drive' category in just about every major publication. I just wish I did not have another 2 years left on my current car. Bummer.

I also agree with the previous point about gas mileage. 20/26 would be a solid drop of about 6 mpg for me and gas is getting more and more volatile in price every month.

As an aside, I thought I would point out that turning 25 years old does not really impact your insurance rates the way you might think. Turning 25 saved me a whopping 8 bucks a month. I do not drive a sports car or have excessive coverage either (and I have a perfect driving record). Be careful if you are expecting a 50% drop, the drop is a lot closer to 10% (if that).

All in all, I would happily jump on this deal if I owner my car outright (or had fewer than 6 payments left on it).

Thanks,
ChunkyBarf

 

[user1234]

Here's the GMS (GM Supplier) and GM Employee price information. The GMS pricing is about $1000 below MSRP, which is about what you can get anyway, it just saves you all the haggling. The GM Employee price, on the other hand, is MUCH lower and IS ONLY AVAILABLE for eligible persons. Also I understand there is currently a special additional $1000 discount for employees (not shown in the document)

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="https://www.gmfamilyfirst.com/pdf/Saab_Program_Pricing_2005.pdf"><a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="https://www.gmfamilyfirst.com/pdf/Saab_Program_Pricing_2005.pdf">https://www.gmfamilyfirst.com/pdf/Saab_Program_Pricing_2005.pdf</a></a>

 

[MikeMike]

Originally posted by: user1234
Here's the GMS (GM Supplier) and GM Employee price information. The GMS pricing is about $1000 below MSRP, which is about what you can get anyway, it just saves you some haggling

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="https://www.gmfamilyfirst.com/pdf/Saab_Program_Pricing_2005.pdf">https://www.gmfamilyfirst.com/pdf/Saab_Program_Pricing_2005.pdf</a>

damnit, that still makes it a 17600 car, DAMNIT i was hoping it wasnt just on the alero. but now i see it is.

MIKE

 

[Concillian]

Originally posted by: ChunkyBarf
I also agree with the previous point about gas mileage. 20/26 would be a solid drop of about 6 mpg for me and gas is getting more and more volatile in price every month.

As an aside, I thought I would point out that turning 25 years old does not really impact your insurance rates the way you might think. Turning 25 saved me a whopping 8 bucks a month. I do not drive a sports car or have excessive coverage either (and I have a perfect driving record). Be careful if you are expecting a 50% drop, the drop is a lot closer to 10% (if that).

On gas... you also have to use 91+ octane on the WRX/9-2X engine. I have had a bad fillup cause pretty severe knocking under high boost. Octane is important.

On insurance... I bet the Saabs are cheaper to insure than WRXs. I'm 30 with a spotless record and my insurance is now down to $850 per 6 months now that the car is 4 years old. At it's peak it was just shy of $1000. This is with 18000 miles per year in a fairly high rate area (SF bay area) but still, insurance rates on WRXs are pretty high.

I bet the 9-2X is much lower. This is why I want a Forester XT. Same chassis with the 2.5 turbo instead of the 2.0 Turbo, and the suspension can be swapped with WRX components (provided you buy a few extra parts for re-adjusting the alignment). And you get the extra space and lower insurance rates of the Forester.

 

[lzpoof]

11 posts by user1234 out of 49 total in his own thread in one day despite no actual additional info ... interesting.........