Daily Drivers Need Love Too. Sep 28, 2005
Our Saab 9-2x just hit the 3000 mile mark and it was time for an oil change. We used Mobil 1 (cheap in 5-quart jugs from Wallyworld) and a Bosch filter. It's running fine with no complaints, it even tows our 1700 pound boat with ease.
The Saabaru Gets a Skidplate Oct 10, 2005
This weekend we installed a Primitive Racing front skidplate on our Saab 9-2x. The 1/8" aluminum plate is fairly lightweight and protects the underside of the engine from road hazards. We also here that it'll stop the engine compartment from getting packed with snow (for those of you in the Rust Belt).
The Saab Guinea Pig. Nov 16, 2005
We're using the Saab 9-2x as a guinea pig for comparing windshield treatments and wiper blades. The MINI got new PIAA wiper blades from The Tire Rack, so we treated the Saab's winshield with Rain-x and purchased a new set of Bosch Micro Excel wiper blades as a comparison test. The Bosch blades were about $25 for the pair at Autozone. We'll let you know how it goes.
Meanwhile, the Saab is approaching 7000 miles. Absolutely zero problems so far!
The 9-2x, the Forgotten Saab Nov 28, 2005
Since Per was down in Naples over the Thanksgiving holiday, we dropped the 9-2x off at the local Saab dealer (we don't have one in the Ormond Beach area) for its free 7500 mile service. The service advisor didn't realize that the 9-2x gets free service (including oil changes) for a few years, but after that was sorted out, we handed him a 5 quart jug of Mobil 1 and released the car into his care. The car was done in about 20 minutes (enough time for us to go to the parts department for a bottle of touch-up paint) and we were on our way. Not, however, after we asked for the remaining oil. The mechanic said, "Oh, it used all 4 quarts (it takes 4.2)....let's do the math....that was a 5 quart jug....Anyway, now we've got to drain a little bit of oil out of the engine so we don't have any problems.
While we were waiting, we noticed that there were no 9-2x's on the lot, nor was there any sales literature on the car. Looks like the 9-2x's future is very uncertain since GM dumped its small share of Subaru.
Saabaru Running Strong Dec 16, 2005
Florida's recent bout of chilly (oooh, 44 degrees!) has our Saab 9-2x running strong on the crisp, dense air. It's not the most powerful car, but it's running strong having just passed the 8000 mile mark.
We recently sold our Boston Whaler so the Saab hasn't had to tow anything in a while, but we are thinking about getting a canoe. (the safety word is "canoe") We'll need to get the roof rack pieces that go in place of the rubber molding on our roof, or find a WRX owner that would like to trade out these pieces for that "slick roof" look that the 9-2x has.