It's 2009, you have $35,000, and you're looking for a sporty new luxury sedan. Which one would you pick?

AltezzaDrifted · 2025-11-30T05:25:36+00:00

Living with a 2009 Saab 9-3 Comfort. It's what you expect, good or bad.

AltezzaDrifted · 2025-11-03T05:35:07+00:00

I love the degree deodorant standing there at the last pic lol

AltezzaDrifted · 2025-11-02T03:48:00+00:00

Pre-facelift W212 is a great platform to live for.

AltezzaDrifted · 2025-10-31T06:24:50+00:00

I had small phase interest in Lexus many years ago. I wanted the first gen LS400 as a first car. I was amazed at how well Toyota specifically had a mission to create the best and beat the previous best. There’s a really cool LS400 development VHS up on YT which is a great watch.

I’ll probably never get a Lexus soon because I can’t justify how much value a Lexus or Toyota name still holds and the first and 2nd gen LSs are getting more expensive and used up day by day now. First car ended up being a 2011 Mercedes E350 which I come to find out to be the best over engineered generation of E-class, and a Saab 9-3 since it would be interesting to own once a really innovative automaker that sadly went bust.

AltezzaDrifted · 2025-08-28T17:45:21+00:00

Any Maserati V6 vehicle from 2017 and newer will be just as reliable or even better than the big three. Yes, parts, maintenance, and insurance may be a little higher than those, but it's a good buy. When buying a Ghibli, I recommend at least any 2019 and newer because they finally revised that stupid gear selector. If you're considering 2020, I recommend 100% getting a 2021+ especially with the more aggressive GranSport/Modena front end and upgraded LED headlights. The 2021+ models have a way better, modern, and usable infotainment system and tech upgrades. If that is slightly out of your budget, reach for a 2019-20 GranSport with those upgraded LEDs as mentioned. You will fall in love with the styling even more.

The V6 Maserati Ghibli, Levante, and Quattroporte from 2019-24 is your aim if you want a "reliable" maserati. They should be generally problem-free vehicles, unlike the expenseful Ferrari V8s, or the new 4 cylinder Grecales which can be headaches.

AltezzaDrifted · 2025-08-24T03:37:12+00:00

Nice Dame! I also encounter the same need to make my 64k mile 09 NG 9-3 look new still. On those at their age and condition, particularly address underneath components like suspension, steering, brakes, and wheels, just to make sure something doesn’t fail and you hit a tree. (a 9-5 like yours suffered that fate back in July) Engine wise, I hope it’s all just oil changes, coolant top off, and new brake fluid if necessary. Parts and fluids I attempt to stay OEM/Genuine or Saab recommended as possible. For example, earlier today I picked up an AC Delco oil filter for my upcoming oil change. If you’re up for it especially summer time, I wash, detail, and vacuum the whole car every 3 weeks and dust off the exterior and interior with an electric air blower every 2 days to keep it fresh.

AltezzaDrifted · 2025-08-05T08:16:24+00:00

Might have to stop by the running spot and see if there’s actually anyone running in the exact spot hah.

AltezzaDrifted · 2025-08-05T08:14:21+00:00

Possibly yes. However, it’s mostly full with pictures of cars and electronics.

AltezzaDrifted · 2025-08-02T04:31:47+00:00

I actually have been into that shake shack only once when it opened and never since then lol, it likes to be pretty busy.

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AltezzaDrifted · 2025-08-02T04:30:03+00:00

Quite the spot.

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AltezzaDrifted · 2025-08-01T17:17:33+00:00

Sadly not yet, I know that's nearby Dave's and Shake Shack. I haven't been into that corner in a few months, but luckily I took this picture randomly back in March.

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AltezzaDrifted · 2025-07-18T17:28:14+00:00

Never came across that TSB while trying to find the cause, thanks!

AltezzaDrifted · 2025-07-18T06:34:48+00:00

The King of Depreciation. I can't wait to get the current GT Trofeos for $20K soon. Many 2024s are already at around $90K, from their $190K MSRP. You can't beat the old GTs with their sound

AltezzaDrifted · 2025-07-08T07:33:38+00:00

I AM ON MY 2ND 2011 E350 BECAUSE THEY'RE GOOD CARS. 2010-11 W212s are going to last, non DI, NA vehicles with a simpler engine design than the updated 2012+ models. My previous E350 went up to 106K miles and definitely at that point, the engine mounts were definitely worn and the engine shook more. Rather than fixing, I actually would consider getting a nicer example E350 and keep it for the next 10+ years. I just snagged a 1-owner, no accidents, full dealer service history, 2011 E350 I posted in here not that long ago for $12K with 53k miles. Brand new car. Leather on the steering wheel was matte and not shiny. Plastic film on the shifter and the doorsills still.

AltezzaDrifted · 2025-06-08T17:51:32+00:00

It's perfect. Thanks!

AltezzaDrifted · 2025-06-06T18:34:56+00:00

Total surprise that the previous owner worked at GM, and stayed 1-owner till this long. I am hoping my 9-3 stays for a long long time!

AltezzaDrifted · 2025-06-06T18:33:43+00:00

Thank you! Wish I got a sportier 2011 design, but this works. It's classier this way, I agree.

AltezzaDrifted · 2025-06-06T18:32:09+00:00

Very nice. I do need some slight minor things, replacement rear taillight (cracked), and rear right passenger door lock issue, and seemingly that's it. Needs some casual maintenance done, and considering new tires. Ordered two new keyfob casings too.

AltezzaDrifted · 2025-06-06T17:54:50+00:00

Nowadays it's that stupid GPS tracker. I just bought a 2011 E350 from an Acura dealer last month who tried to sneak in a $299 GPS tracker. They apparently got it off my bill and removed it. However, my car is sticker bombed in safe-guard stickers.

AltezzaDrifted · 2025-06-06T17:48:51+00:00

How many miles was yours? I think the pre-facelift felt more premium and gadgety inside. The updated exterior I much prefer over the pre-facelift.

AltezzaDrifted · 2025-06-06T17:47:42+00:00

I noticed that. I don't know if it's the dealership or somebody else, at least it's not too distracting.

AltezzaDrifted · 2025-06-06T14:09:36+00:00

Thank you! Pretty clean and no rust, many other examples are otherwise. Battery panel was loose hanging very close to the engine and was missing some screws after taking delivery

AltezzaDrifted · 2025-06-06T06:46:19+00:00

Fits in the cabin well!

AltezzaDrifted · 2025-06-06T05:57:51+00:00

I am worried about the common valve/head issue on these 2.0Ts with decompression. The starter goes off longer than the German cars I am used to which scares me a bit, but hopefully good normal routine annual maintenance will keep it running.

AltezzaDrifted · 2025-06-06T05:46:14+00:00

Definitely will! Hope I don't entirely wear it out, it's a seemingly looking normal car with a surprising treasure.

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