Last year, I wrote a small piece about the reassuring feeling of driving a ‘shed’; a car that has nothing to prove and the enjoyment gained from a ‘who cares’ mentality.

I’ve recently found another Saab that inspires the same feeling, this time, it’s a wonderful 9-5 Vector 2.3t, it’s got a superbly comfortable, half leather interior, only 75,000 miles, 3 owners and even has a full service history.

Apart from a selection of small marks and grazes, it’s very clean, corrosion is minimal, and with a bit of tinkering, will make a wonderful daily driver.

It belonged to a long standing customer of my Saab garage, it is completely stock and has just cruised through an MOT, I’ve noticed a few areas that need work, the front suspension has had it and needs replacing, the climate SID has missing pixels, and the auto gear blind, true to form, is broken. The gorgeous ALU48 wheels could do with a refurb and a decent set of tyres fitted, along with a new exhaust system, but overall, these are just maintenance items that any 20 year old car needs. 

These 2.3 Vectors are essentially detuned Aeros, they have the same engine but will require an upgraded turbo to allow for a decent remap, saying that, I’ve been pleasantly surprised at just how well it drives stock, it has a lively surge of power when called upon and seamlessly boosts in to the red, gear change is smooth and progress lively, whilst still providing the legendary comfort and safety we all associate with Saabs.

I’ve quietly offered this Vector for sale ‘as is’ but if it doesn’t find a loving new home, it’ll be one of my next projects and benefit from a host of changes :

Upgraded turbo
Full Abbott exhaust and downpipe
Upgraded Intercooler
Aero suspension
Full Aero interior
Replacement climate and SID units
Front and back Aero bumpers
Aero front brakes and calipers