Saab in a double

Well, how do I get to tell my Saab story? Me, a person who has never cared much about cars? During the student time I drove every 2 years X-any vehicle (Renault R4, Talbot, Opel Kadett, VW - Derby, Citroën DS, VW - Santana, VW - Passat). Then with the rising earnings I afforded the luxury of a leasing vehicle. I write because I believe that the stories about Saab are a bit oblique and Saab - Typically irrational and oblique. At the end of the story, probably no one believes that the brand has not been built since 5 years ago.

Everything started before 9 years, when we, in search of a second car agreed on a convertible. After much back and forth (it had to be an 4-Seater), we came rather by accident on a 5 year old Saab Convertible SE with 2l turbo engine, built 02, 50 000km and 150PS, which stood for a reasonable price at a dealer , The simple style quickly conquered my wife's heart and so the vehicle changed hands. In addition to beautiful exits, the car mastered the daily routine in a sovereign and reliable manner. Except for a new turbocharger and the air conditioning compressor, there was, thanks to caring care with my Saab dealer Lobmüller in place, no significant repairs on now driven 185 000 km. I think until then the story is not particularly remarkable, except that the vehicle has completely convinced me in its entirety.

Let's jump into the present. Like every 3 years, the current leasing contract for my 5-series station wagon with a Bavarian company was coming to an end. The best vehicle I have ever driven to date should be replaced by a new one. Before it came to that, I took out my slide rule and made a cost-benefit calculation. While I considered the consumption values ​​to be acceptable (average 6,6 l / manufacturer's information 4,5 l -> see current average consumption Q7 etron, but I don't want to go into that in more detail), I was bothered by the extremely high workshop costs, tire wear, etc.

Nevertheless, I repeatedly asked the dealer, but there was no acceptable offer for me as a longtime customer. So I started exploring the market early on. In addition to the usual brands (Volvo, BMW, Audi), I always had Saab models under my Suchfavoriten. After a few requests that did not particularly convince me, I came across a Saab 9-5 station wagon with 1.9 TDI engine and Hirsch Tuning from 2009 in Nuremberg with complete equipment including leather seats, seat ventilation, trailer hitch, bi-xenon, memory adjustment Sitting, luggage net, etc. Curiously, I pushed the company Opel Scharf in Nuremberg, which sold the vehicle. It developed immediately a very pleasant contact, so I drove there for a test drive.

Saab 9-3 I Cabrio - for sale at Lobmueller

Saab 1.9 TID “Pepper Green”

Saab 9-3 TTID Convertible

Saab 1.9 TID “Pepper Green”

Saab 9-3 TTID Convertible

How to compare in 5 2012 BMW 9 with a Saab 5-2008 6? The chassis and the performance characteristics of the engine, as well as the consumption are not so far away from the current market. What's missing, but that's also in every test, this is an XNUMX gearbox that lowers the noise level on the highway, and a generally better engine insulation. Nevertheless, a still nice to drive station wagon with plenty of space.

Long story short, after another winter tires and new brakes that did not convince me on the test drive came to it, and the dealership was very concerned about me, bought the car

Now I drive, contrary to all trends no four-wheel drive SUV, but Saab 9-5 station wagon.
Simultaneously with the purchase of the station wagon, the idea evolved to eventually replace the old convertible. As already mentioned, the second car has to start its daily service and the possibilities of exchanging a convertible will not improve over the years. So I sold my old vehicle to my Saab - Workshop Lobmüller.

Here, too, I entered the Internet with corresponding search jobs. Since the number of convertibles under 100 000km manageable, it came quite quickly to some requests from my side. All were answered very friendly and swift, but I could not really decide. So it happened that I extended my search to the private sector. I found what I was looking for in Minden, where a black convertible with cornering lights, a built-in trailer hitch, a wind deflector and a two-tone leather interior was for sale.

Now it was really "Saabig". Despite the lack of test drive or sightseeing opportunity developed a super nice contact an absolute Saab fan. What followed, there are probably only with Saab supporters. I sent the seller a part of the sum and this in turn sent me the vehicle registration. Both ran without collateral, simply based on trust. Unfortunately, the letter did not arrive on the required date. So I drove with red license plates in my luggage to Minden. It was agreed that the hitherto unknown salesman would pick me up from the station with a black Saab. An 9 5 2005 with 300PS came rolled up. This was followed by 2 hours of talking about Saab, 2 cups of coffee and a short test drive before heading home.

What followed was pure enthusiasm. The 1.9ttid engine is a true splendor, quiet and powerful. The suspension in comparison to my old 9-3 he very sporty and the consumption absolutely acceptable. The design sporty and timeless, so that even on the street it is addressed.
Just a great vehicle, which I hope will last a long time.

Thanks to Martin for his Saab story! Do you also have something to tell about Saab?

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