I need a new car and lately I've been looking at preludes and saab 9-3s

I want something from 2001-2004 and I don't really want to spend that much above 8k. What do you guys think?

Also, how are saabs on reliability? I hear that they have higher maintenance costs.

Something that "old"...out of the two choices...get the "lude"

I'd even consider audi wagons, but I haven't really heard good things on reliability and maintenance costs for them... but they are by far some of my favorite looking cars.

I've had several Saab's (1991 and 1998, both with 150K+). Ran very good, no major problems at all. As long as they haven't been abused, you should be fine. Regular maintenance keeps them running pretty long.

Good luck! The 9-3 SE with the HO Turbo is fricken awesome! Very quick

They are nice...but those were not great "reliable" years for Audi.

In your price range, I would try to find a Mazda3 in stick form.

x2

Or a 2g CL-S6

You may also find some WRX's if you search hard enough

2g CL-S6 are not cheap to come by my friend! But I would love one.

yea id def be on the lookout for a CLS-6 or even a 03' TL-S

Preludes are nice, and they handle really good, especially if you can find an SH. But if you're 5'11" or taller the Prelude turns from a 4-seater to a 3-seater.

EJ/EP Civic Si
GS-R
99+ GC Impreza
00+ Celica GTS

The only problem with a Prelude/Civic/Integra is that it's hard to find a clean, unmodded one that hasn't been stolen/broken into, at least in my area. They're really fun cars. and the only reason I say 99+ for the GC is that before 99, they had DOHC engines which were actually slower than the SOHC 99+ ones, not to mention the DOHC engines are fun to change the spark plugs.

It's going to be a little older and probably higher on milage, but I've always wanted a Nissan 300ZX. I'm not sure if you are shooting towards a 2-seater or 4/5-seater though.

I'm getting really interested in a 2003 saab 9-3 Arc (6 speed 2.0t)

is there anyone on here who is a saab guy? I mean i know AlexSU had good things to say, but he had pre GM saabs if I recall correctly.

Check https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=743859?

why don't you get a 2002-2003 Maxima 6spd manual with 255hp? i think you can get one for under 8K.

If you buy a SAAB your sales person's name will be Barry Yew.

CL6 :ROTFL:

Seriously, if you could find an old Volvo V70 like this one in Natick, MA

Volvo V70

These are reliable, safe, and cheap to own. I had a V70 and it was an outstanding vehicle. Plus you can haul all of your friends and stuff.

Honestly, try a Saab forum. I know most of the members are overseas but I'm sure you can find some in your area. They will probably be more than happy to help you.

you can definitely find one under 8k. HIDs too!

qft. I drove over 400 miles for mine.

Get the Lude dude..

Bump! I got a 2005 mazda3

here are some pics!!

When I first got it:



Roof racks just put on:


Roof Rack Fairing installed!



I am extremely pleased with my purchase and feel it was well worth the money, I paid just under 10k for the 3 with 71k on it with an extra set of rims, brand new snow tires and the feet to the roof rack.

The car was babied, it has carpet-like dashboard covers and runs like a top and it handles like it is on rails. I love it!

Can I get a title change to "My new car!"

Sexy time! Congrats bud!

it will have miles for that price, but yes they are great cars - 02-03 is my choice, better wheels, 3.5 vs 3.0 earlier V6, HIDs standard....I had a Majestic Blue '02 SE and a Titanium '03 SE, both autos but QUICK. Smoother engines than my TL, handling is not quite up to the mark of the TL but the prices make the tradeoff worthwhile.

oops n/m, just saw your Mazda3 - sweet cars! congrats!

haha, thanks you two!

Congrats Gnate! I think if you tinted your windows, dropped it and added wheels, with the obligatory snowboard/mountain bike on the racks it would look even hotter.

Thanks, wish I could afford those things!

I'm sending out my tint waiver application (allowing me to go as dark as i want) tomorrow so I'll know how dark i'm gonna go in a few weeks.

I'm just gonna get the tint and then focus on payments, I'll mod when I have extra cash to spare when I'm older

Congrats! You got an awesome deal. I love the color

zoom zoom boom baby

Congrats! That is a great car! I'm loving my mazda ever since I got it too! no regrets whatsoever on trading in my TL for it!

I wish I had a hatchback like that in high school, would be nice to bang your girlfriend in

lol... I wish I still had my girlfriend. :fml:

dude youve had this for like a month now...

Yeah it would look nice with a drop, tint and some wheels! I'm still considering a 5-door hatch.... I mean my car does have a hatch, but it's also got a high lift-over and its nowhere near as spacious. Love having a hatch though... on several occasions I've brought home 7-8 feet tall plants, sticking out of the t-tops with people looking at me like wtf?

You'll live dude... deal with it now so it doesn't stay on your mind.

Sweat 3 Those extra snow tires will sure come in handy this season.

looks great, and good price

Congrats !!

Yeah, I was going to say that too...

Nate, you gotta get rid of the CL... Poor thing has to watch you mod your new car...

I had a Pinto station wagon back in HS/College that was great...

Congrats! I really like that color. Don't see it too often.

I had a Volvo 850 sedan... people just wanted rides..and didn't want to die..