SAAB VS. SCEPTICISM

View Original

What can you get for £2k these days?

Well you can buy one of the most iconic and beautiful convertibles to have ever been created for a start. It always amazes me, the value of these Saabs, but for some reason, not many people see their true potential or value. Maybe they think you can't buy parts, maybe it's because they think they're not safe or reliable, or maybe they just think they're old - but they'd be wrong.

Almost original in every way, this 9-3 HOT Aero convertible has to be one of my all time favourite Saabs, featuring a spectacular body kit by the legendary car designer Ian Callum which really does give this a timeless and rather iconic presence.

Purchased from a Saab family in Cornwall who had owned it for the past 8 years, this Aero has been cared for and maintained beautifully. It’s getting rare to see these convertibles in any other colour besides silver and carbon, so a real privilege to find one in black.

This is an auto model - I always forget just how relaxing Saab autos are, exceptionally smooth and well mannered until you push your right foot down, then, the Aero jumps in to action, the Turbo instantly spools through green and orange and straight in to the red and make regular speeds a mere memory.

Back in 2017 it had a reconditioned engine fitted with new DI pack etc and just recently numerous perished hoses have been changed, together with a general overhaul to ensure continued reliability including another sump drop and clean. The brakes have been stripped, cleaned and replaced where required, including, discs and pads, whilst the suspension has been upgraded with Bilstein B8 shocks and Eibach lowered springs.

A full stainless steel Jetex exhaust system, larger fuel pump and a Noob Tune ECU remap giving the convertible a beautifully smooth and progressive power drive.

Being 17 years old, it has a genuine patina with very minor marks which I feel are part of the Saab’s story, and although the bodywork is in lovely, rust free condition, there are a couple of dinks that could do with addressing. Ideally the iconic double Y 17" alloys could d with a refurbish too. It's in generally lovely condition, but it leaves the new owner enough areas to tinker with.

The endlessly comfortable, heated leather Aero sports seats are in lovely condition with no rips, they could do with a clean, moisturiser and colour touchup to give them a lift but otherwise a superb interior which is as stylish as ever.

Recent brake discs and pads
Aero wiper blades
Jetex s/s full exhaust system
3.5 bar fuel pump
Bulkhead strut brace
Bilstein B8 shocks
Eibach lowering springs
Noob Tune Stage 2

Saab 9-3 HOT Aero Convertible | EBay