I think I agree with this.

Not sure how much this car will be driven, and am now thinking about a Jetta TDI (i.e., diesel) . . . .

Can diesels be sold in CA? I read that they cannot be registered/sold in tehNE, which uses CA's emissions regs, because there's no diesel fuel with low enough sulfur to allow sufficient emissions control equipment to meet the reqs.

Congrats on the deal.

Did you get the interior steamcleaned? Saleswomen at the high end dealerships sometimes go a long way to close the deal for "preferred customers", you know.

Does the color hide stains well?

Saab 9-2x
 

I think I am feeling the new Saab 9-2x. WRX underpinnings, Saab-designed body and interior (though the interior borrows from the WRX). Prices will range fro $22 k to $30k.

Here are the vitals:

Linear
full-time awd, 5spd manual tranny
naturally aspirated 2.5l boxer 4 cly
165 hp at 5600 rpm; 166 lbs. ft. at 4000 rpm

Aero
full-time awd, 5spd manual tranny
turbocharged 2.0l boxer engine
227 hp at 6000 rmp; 217 lb. ft. at 4000 rpm
leather
sport suspension

full details at Saab USA.com.. They also have a movie of the coming out party for the 9-2x, in which they show a concept for the upcoming 9-3 wagon. Looks terrific.



http://www.cardesignnews.com/news/20...aab-92x006.jpg

http://www.cardesignnews.com/news/20...aab-92x003.jpg

http://194.18.30.108/smo/smopics/0/03407C.JPG

Saab 9-2x
 

WTF is a Saab ignition doing on the steering column? Blasphemy! First GM steals our hatchback, now this? Damn thing better perform.

Saab 9-2x
 

It's obviously due to the WRX dna. Still, did you watch the video on saabusa.com? The 9-3 hatch/wagon that will be out soon is sweet!

Here are some pics of the concept:

http://www.auto123.com/ArtImages/17459/inline_03.jpg

http://www.auto123.com/ArtImages/17459/inline_04.jpg

http://www.auto123.com/ArtImages/17459/inline_02.jpg

On Another Note
 

Here's a request for a little assist from all y'all:

Thanks to a combination of some moderate bonus action and an imminently expiring lease, I need a new ride. Have had basic transportation for several years now (Camry), and while I'm OK with going that way again, I'd at least like to check out some alternatives, probably in the $20-35k range. I live in the wide open spaces of the Midwest, so I drive a lot -- in bad weather and on crummy pavement.

So far, I've driven the basic transportation (Camry and Accord), some slightly more than basic (Passat). I used to have a Maxima, but wasn't enthralled by it.

Next weekend it'll probably be the more spacious but not full ontruck-based SUVs (Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, maybe Chrysler Pacifica which isn't bad looking) -- I haven't ever had anything resembling an SUV before, but some more room would be nice and I'm not buying a f-ing Crown Victoria just for the space.

I'd look at an A6, but damn they're expensive. The A4 isn't big enough.

Have any other ideas or comments on any of the above? TIA for any recommendations or ratings.

Da (Performance wheels are great, but I need quite a bit more leg and headroom than many models offer...) ve

On Another Note
 

Have you sought to negotiate? They are pricey, but I would get you could khock a 3.0 a6 without too many options down to close to your range. from what I understand, a good deal on an A6 is about invoice.

On Another Note
 

First of all, let me just say that I love your new avatar. It gave me a really good laugh. That said, try a BMW X3. Moderately equiped, you're looking at 36k. A6 is a lot of money and not all that good in the snow. Sounds like you've been driving a front wheeler for awhile so a vehicle with 4 wheel drive might just suit you. It's not that much smaller than an X5 but is cheaper and you can get the 3 liter option if you'd like. Plus you'll have a higher likelihood of surviving a crash in it than in a Highlander or Pilot.

Worth a ride.

On Another Note
 

I would check out some of the BMW forums before you buy an X3. They are really overpriced for what you are getting, and don't really offer a whole lot of interior room. Plus, I know that looks are subjective, but I find the X3 to be the least appealing of the recent Chris Bangle BMW designs.

A6 not good in the snow? Only if you have summer tires. Otherwise, it's a VERY capable AWD monster. Get the wagon for even more versatility and a TON more room than the X3. The poster abve is right: there are great deals to be had on A6's right now.

In your price range, if you are jonseing for AWD, you can't beat the Passat 4motion, either in sedan or (my favorite) wagon form. It's a very solid car with a bullteproof AWD system (it's Audi's torsen system rebranded as 4matic for VW).

Saab 9-2x
 

Um, have you read anything about the WRX? For one thing, it does 0-60 in about 6 seconds (or less, in some tests). Plus, it has all wheel drive, good handling, and costs about $23,000. What else do you need?

Saab 9-2x
 

When can I buy one?

Saab 9-2x
 

Looks, perhaps?

Saab 9-2x
 

Summer 2004.

Saab 9-2x
 

According to Saab's website, "The 9-2X will arrive in dealerships early next summer."