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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 149
CEG\'er
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OP
CEG\'er
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 149 |
Okay, so my girlfriend is looking for a better car than her cavalier. She wants something that is faster and corners better (yay!), with four doors, more reliable, and an automatic (boo!). We've got about 10 grand as our limit, and I've searched high and low, showed her everything from Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Mitsu... and the only cars that she really liked are the 99 to 00 Passat's and 9-3's. Both are good cars, but I'm not sure which one is best. The Saab has a turbo 4, with about 175 hp and a 4spd ATX. The Passat has the V6 with 190ish hp and the 5spd Tiptronic ATX. Any comments on which would be better in the long run? Personal experiences with either?
I personally like the powertrain of the Passat better, but the interior of the Saab better.
Any input is appreciated, thanks.
adam
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Joined: Dec 2002
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Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
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My personal opinion
Passat - cheaper on parts, more reliable, and its consumer guides best choice. and only best choice for vw... plus you don't have a turbo and all the goodies like a saab has where it can go wrong
ALTOUGH the saab has way better quality... I don't know much about there engines and being reliable tough... I can say the same for vw.. I just think it would be cheaper to repair!
1997 Civic CX (lsvtec,el frontend,fast, nuff said)
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Joined: Dec 2002
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Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
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V6 tiptronic passat! used turbo charged vehicles =  If you are looking at the 1.8t passats make sure it has had the timing belt changed! and also make sure you can feel it boosting.
#3162 of 6535
98 SVT Silver frost
Viper Responder 791 w/ 2way remote start 
Let the modding begin!
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Joined: Jul 2001
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Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
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"Think of it, if you like, as a librarian with a G-string under the tweed." Clarkson on the Mondeo.
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,882
Highly Medicated Member
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Highly Medicated Member
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Visit forums for both. I'm betting you'll find fewer quality complaints on the Saab sites. A close friend has an '01 9-3, which she will be replacing with another when her current lease is up.
Assuming SHE won't be modding the car (which the VW is much more suited to, although not in the V6 as the 1.8T), The Saab has a nice ride, comfy. I have not driven it though. IMHO, the 9-3 is also a better looking car. My suggestion should be obvious...
Good Luck. With either as both are a good choice.
Mark
Semper Fi
"They've got us surrounded. Poor bastards." -Chesty
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 661
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Veteran CEG\'er
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I'm a Saab fan too, but there is no way on this earth that the previous gen 9-3 is as well built as the Passat.
I had the same issue...I chose an Audi A4 2.8. Not very moddable, but torquey enough in stock form. A chip on the 2.8 30V will get you 10 hp, and an exhaust will get you another 10 hp.
99 SVT Contour Silver Frost, #365/2760, DMD
98 Audi A4 2.8 Quattro Tiptronic, 30V -- SOLD!
91 Isuzu Impulse XS Kammback, Handling By Lotus
Victoria, BC, Canada
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Joined: May 2000
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Hard-core CEG\'er
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Get the Saab the 99-00 Passat's only come with 150hp and they have a very weak suspension. Just like posted make sure the timing belt has been changed and check the coil packs. If you can try and source a 2001.5 or better. The ones with the new front end. There were over 500 changes between the B5(99-00) and the B5.5(2001+) models.
Now I hate America? That is a new one to me.
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 3,143
Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
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Originally posted by Quick_SVT:
used turbo charged vehicles =
If you don't know what you are talking about please refrain from saying anything, some turbo vehicles are much more durable than N/A motors.
Given those two options I would go with Saab. Better dealers, the parts have come down since GM took over, and probably more reliable. VW hasn't been doing so well in reliability the past few years, while the Passat has faired better than some other models, it's still not exactly great. Baco99 is pretty knowledgeable about Saab's you might want to ask him.
Did you show her an Infiniti G20? Those would fit the bill and are dead reliable.
HTH,
Pete
"Bros before Hoes" <-- More men need this mentality.
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Joined: Aug 2000
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Hard-core CEG\'er
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The 1.8T Passat has HUGE ignition coil problems. Avoid all 1.8T Volkswagens like the plague. The rest of the cars tend to be shaky in overall quality as well.
How about a Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS?
Brad "Diva": 2004 Mazda 6s 5-door, Volcanic Red
Rex: 1988 Mazda RX-7 Vert, Harbor Blue.
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 482
CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
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Originally posted by svtcarboy:
How about a Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS?
yea....subaru as alot of offerings that fit her wants
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