New or Used: Safe Haven From SAAB-ing?

Hello gentlemen, I need some help with an upcoming car purchase. You may have covered my situation in the past, but here it is:

My wife currently drives a 2005 Saab 9-3 with about 60k miles on it. We owe around $8500 on the car. I’m doing my best to talk her into selling or trading before we have to pony up the cash for (another) inevitable repair, which from experience is never cheap on a Saab. I know nothing in my price range will drive quite like a 9-3, but my wife would prefer something very similar, with these qualifications:

Automatic transmission

I know my wife would prefer something that’s of a similar size to the 9-3, but I don’t think she would be averse to a larger sedan like a TSX or an Infinity. I would prefer something still under warranty or at least less expensive to fix. I’m leaning towards a Mazda 3, but I’m not sure she’s sold on it just yet. Is there anything else that stacks up? Thanks in advance.

Steve answers:

If she likes the car, keep it. I am saying this as a guy who kept my wife in dozens of vehicles over the years until ‘that moment’ when she said…

“Why can’t I have MY car.”

Your problem right now is repairs… and a negative balance if you decide to sell it. A small one if you sell it privately (maybe $1500 to $2000). A big one if you trade it in ($4000+).

You can reduce your repair expenses by opting for…

1) An independent garage that has a few good write-up’s from Saab enthusiasts.

This generation 9-3 has pretty good ratings here, here, and here. I think these models can actually be a good fit for many long-term owners. But if the change must be made I would recommend…

Volvo S60 – must be low mileage and make sure the tranny fluid gets changed if it has more than 30k.

Get it from an owner who has the records. Skip the warranty with the Accord (05-07 are great years, just give it premium tires and a suspension upgrade and you’ll save $$$$$) and strongly consider a warranty for the other two. The Audi may have to bought as a CPO since their warranties aren’t transferable. But the Volvo CPO warranty IS transferable which means you can buy one of these from a private owner with more assurance.

One more thing. Audi dealers ditched a lot of new A4’s into their used car fleet back in 09′ and 10′ because they simply couldn’t sell them. Don’t be surprised if you find several loaded low mileage versions in the 25k price range. Buy/keep what makes her happy and good luck.

Sajeev Answers:

The “time value of money” needed to self-sustain this car is less than advantageous. Plus, from a cursory look on Edmunds, you are upside-down on the loan: the trade-in will hurt, probably. I’d still cut and run, but maybe lower your budget too?

Steve’s advice is spot on, which makes my job harder. Answering the “downright powerful” comment is the absolutely insane Buick LaCrosse Super: less torque steer than its Impala SS brother in a very affordable package. Too crude? Maybe grab a fully loaded Saturn Aura with the top drawer V6.

Forget it! I’m choosing a perennial favorite of the Best and Brightest: the Pontiac G8. It’s tough to get the V8 under the price cap, but it can happen. And the V6 is no slouch either. Not only does the G8 fit the bill in every metric, it blows the doors off many a competitor. Except in terms of outlandish style, luxury or prestige. Which, ’round these parts, also panders (Panthers?) to our “base” quite well. Epic win all around!

Need help with a car buying conundrum? Email your particulars to mehta@ttac.com, and let TTAC’s collective wisdom make the decision easier… or possibly much, much harder. In a rush? Don’t be shy about asking to cut in line.