#used

Not even legendary Italian automaker Alfa Romeo is immune to regulatory pressure.

Want the drama and passion of an Alfa Romeo but can’t quite swing the monthly payment? Fear not, because the Italian automaker has put together a certified pre-owned vehicle program.

Vehicle Overview

The first generation Equinox bowed in the 2005 model year. Although the Equinox was similar in size to many mid-size crossover of the same era, Chevrolet officially classified the vehicle as a compact crossover. As a five-seater, it lacked the third row seating option found in many mid-size crossovers and even a few compact ones.

The 2004 model year saw the introduction of an unofficial third-generation Acura TL. Although this was the first time just the TL moniker was used on an Acura model, two previous generations of mid-size luxury sedans used the letters TL after a set of numbers designating the engine.

Vehicle Overview

In 2005 Saab wanted a compact vehicle to sell in North America against products like the Audi A3 and Volvo V50. At the time GM owned Saab completely and had an influential ownership share in Subaru. To fill the gap in Saab’s lineup, the company began to sell a version of the Subaru Impreza wagon with Saab family styling front and back as well as a more premium interior. Other than that, the vehicle was mechanically similar to the Subaru and features the Impreza’s basic body shell.

Like the Impreza, the Saab 9-2x was offered with the regular 2.5-liter horizontally opposed engine as well as the WRX’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four. In 2006, a few 2.5-liter turbocharged vehicles were produced and to this day are the rarest of the model line.

Value-conscious customers that don’t want the burden of a hefty new-car payment are smart to consider a certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle. Automakers from Audi to Kia offer such programs. 

We all know the economy is struggling; the stock market may be up but many Americans are still toughing it out, so it’s no surprise that a lot of people are unable to afford new vehicles.

Buying a used vehicle is always risky. Even if it’s certified, inspected and under warranty there’s no telling how the previous owner (or owners) treated it. In addition to lackadaisical maintenance water damage is a major issue to be concerned with as well.