A WRX By Any Other Name: 2005 Saab 9-2X Aero
The Saab 9-2X (aka the Saabaru) tones down some of the boy racer Japanime styling of the Subaru Impreza WRX, but keeps the neck-snapping turbocharged 2 liter flat-4 and asphalt-gripping all-wheel-drive. Saab sold a few more than 10,000 examples of the odd little wagon and this next one is high mile example, but cheap. Time to lift it a few inches, add some mud tires, exo-skeleton, and skid plate for the ultimate Saabajaru. Find this 2005 Saab 9-2X Aero offered for $4,400 in Fremont, CA via craigslist. Tip from FuelTruck.
From the seller:
2005 Saab
drive: 4wd
fuel: gas
odometer: 210000
title status: clean
transmission: manual
Just like Subaru WRX 2.0T .
Runs strong . Pass smog . Clean title .
Ac works . Sunroof . Manual transmission.
See a better car to baja? tips@dailyturismo.com
Looks like some of the lifting has already been done.
Odd… The Saab version never came with the roof rack, as far as I know, and I am pretty sure the interior was different. The middle panels of the seat were like a tan color. Seems like it would be a lot of work, but I wonder if this started life as a Subaru? The close up picture of the tire, I think I see a hint of silver peeking out between the bumper and fender. Car may have bee silver at some point too.
Roof rack is only a few bolts to add or take off, really easy modification. Interior I don't know.
I had a 2002 WRX wagon, and my son has this exact model of 9-2. Saab improved on the WRX with this car. Interior is nicer, and the exterior is more sedate, especially without the roof rack, which I never used on my WRX. This car is 9/10 Subaru, but the choices Saab made to finish the car were very good. And it goes like a scalded cat.
I had no idea that the Saabaru existed. I was pretty sure we did not get these in Canada, but a quick search proved otherwise:
Saab 9-2X Aero in Canada
Between these and the Trollblazer, those were strange times at Saab. Damn you, General Motors!