SAAB VS. SCEPTICISM

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Silver Linings

Well, I waved goodbye to the Volvo V70 R after only a few months of ownership, for many reasons, I decided it just wasn't for me. However, my need for an estate still remained and this is its replacement; another Saab 9-5 Aero Sport Wagon.

The moment it arrived, I knew I'd made the right decision again, Saabs just feel like home, something that makes me feel at ease with them, what had been a bit of a dark cloud with the Volvo, soon turned in to a silver lining.

It's one of the more expensive 9-5 Aeros I've bought over the years, but wanted one that was a solid foundation for a bit of Aeroriginal modification, sadly, its not quite as good as the price led me to believe, some of the paintwork is extremely poor, with badly sprayed doors, scratched bonnet and even masking tape still attached to the driver's door, the aluminium wing mirror mountings are more corroded than I've ever seen, and there's vegetation growing out of the window rubbers. Really not what I'd have expected from a well respected Saab dealer; Hagstrom Saab.

Saying that, I quickly fixed the broken vented seats with a new switch, and the rest of the interior is exceptionally clean, besides the vented leather, it also comes with the beautiful dark mahogany dashboard and the Harman Kardon upgraded audio; AS3. I wanted this as a personal Saab, one to keep and enjoy, so plans are already in motion to give it a few touches that'll really bring it alive again.

Firstly some paintwork; bonnet especially, but then a new rear bumper, roof spoiler and wing mirror mounts, I'd ideally like to address the doors, but that might need to be a second visit. I'll be taking a road trip up to Wales tomorrow to collect the first part of the transformation, needless to say, the right wheels make all the difference, whilst a set of upgraded Abbott Racing springs have arrived this morning and there's a whole array of parts currently upsetting my wife in the conservatory.