Three years and 47.000 km with Joe - Saab Youngtimer 9000 report

A lot has been written in the last few weeks about the future of our cars as Saab youngtimers and whether it works to deal with everyday life. Of course, it depends on personal circumstances and requirements. Below is a small calculation that shows that it can work.

In January, Joe – a 9000 Saab 2,0 CS 1997t – will be with us for three years. We bought it in January 2013 as a parts store for our 9000 CSE with 170.000 km at a price of €950. The condition was more in line with an agricultural vehicle than a future youngtimer and it was not the plan to drive it.

Saab 9000 youngtimer

The change of plan came on the second day of the cleaning work, when a 9000 in actually good condition gradually rose from the dirt.

So inventory and on to the recycler. There were two 9000ers and I got for small money a large plastic tub full of parts that I wanted to swap. These were mainly switches because of broken instrument lighting, a taillight, relays, rear panel, rear spoiler and various odds and ends.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

After I was done with my part, he went to Autohaus Lafrentz for three more days (Link). There the fuel pump, thermostat, air conditioner sucker and a few other things were exchanged. The intention was to get a safe and reliable car, not a new car. So on January 25.01.2013th, 2233 we were at €950 including the purchase price of €XNUMX. Now drive first and see what happens...

Repairs and improvements to the Saab 9000 Youngtimer

11.11.13, 182300 axle cuffs, cavity and underbody protection 584 €

11.12.13, 183250 battery 68Ah 77 €

16.12.13, 183500 new headlamps (alternative model by Swedish parts) 335 €

27.03.14, 189423 inspection, TÜV, new front brake discs and a caliper,
Gasket cylinder head - exhaust manifold replaced 1181 €

21.08.14/190822/181, XNUMX vacuum and clutch hydraulic hose new XNUMX €

29.11.14, 196780 CD player, fog lights, sun visors new 210 €

20.01.15, 199801 replaced a cracked handbrake cable, wood fittings installed,
second frog / funke bought and programmed 593 €

21.03.15/204600/220, XNUMX leather interior (BoW) from battle CSE XNUMX €

30.06.15/210200/330, XNUMX inspection, transmission oil change, air conditioning drains cleaned XNUMX €

10.11.15/214731/2, 1143 cylinder head gasket, timing chain, XNUMX cooling hoses XNUMX €

There were five oil and filter changes, which I do myself every 10.000 km. They only cost about 50 € with fully synthetic oil. Other smaller investments in home working were also made, these are also included in the total.

A total of 6410 € flowed into the Saab 9000 Youngtimer in the three years after the purchase. It is noteworthy that the first workshop visit took place after about ten months and 12.000 km. Up to that point we had already had such good "experiences" with Joe that he was now given the full package of anti-corrosion protection.

It became necessary to replace the headlights because the old mirrors were becoming blind and the street was getting darker and darker. The new ones give great light and were installed in one and a half hours, including replacing the headlight range control. In general, it was through Joe that I really got to know the 9000, since I worked on a lot of things that I didn't dare to do before with our CSE. This is when you realize how well thought-out this model is.

My only criticism is the fog lights, which are really bad to reach. But that is whining at a high level when you see modern cars.

Of course, there are also a few luxury investments that would not be necessary for the operation, but you want it to be nice if you drive it every day (BoW - leather seats, the original stereo system, wood, ...).

In recent years there were still good original parts on the market and you could put together the SAAB according to your personal wishes, which is not possible with any new car.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

In the fall of 2015, the cylinder head gasket increasingly began to exude oil. The opened engine was in perfect condition and could be reassembled. The timing chain, which had become longer in almost 19 years, was also replaced on this favorable occasion.

How does the “smallest turbo” drive? 150hp and 215Nm/2500 are not values ​​that knock the SAAB fan off his feet. Amazingly, however, it delivers almost the same data for the acceleration values ​​(according to factory specifications) as the 2,3 LPT with 260Nm.

The 9000 Youngtimer is a lightweight

From 0 to 100 it's a second slower, from 60 to 100 in 4th gear it's half a second faster and from 80 to 120 in 5th gear they're both the same!

It obviously reacts faster and this is noticeable in daily use. You don't feel like you're underpowered. You certainly don't have to drive races with it, but the common company car is sometimes left amazed.

This is also due to the actually low curb weight (weighed myself) of only 1360 kg.

In addition, the 2,0t runs very quietly, even at high speeds. As a result, however, you occasionally take part in the photo shoot because you didn't notice it again.

Consumption has settled on average at 9,1L / 100, where on long-haul sometimes even a 7 may be in front of the comma, with trailer it can be 10,5.

Now, with the term and the 47.000 km covered, the comparison to a leased vehicle or the depreciation of a new car comes to mind. Joe has cost €35 in 7360 months, that's €210/month. But you can certainly lease a new car at the current junk prices.

However, after three years that is gone and everything starts over again on new terms.

On the other hand, I don't have the feeling that Joe will give up any time soon. He's incredibly fit and I think the major repairs are done. With such an old car, it's not completely pain-free, like Tom did with Anna (Link) also described. All suspicious hoses, seals, etc. were replaced before failures or leaks occurred.

It has always done its job unobtrusively, even under extreme conditions (Latvia, Berlin traffic jam at 42°, etc.).

To show where the numbers might go in the long term, take a look at our 9000 CSE from 98. He is currently in his winter quarters and is 18 years with us in the spring (1 hand). During this time, 14335 € was incurred for service and repairs, which is almost 800 € / year - I can live with that.

Priceless is the feeling of being on the road with an 9000 in everyday life. Uncoupled from the automobile show company you are somehow above the things and looking forward to every ride.

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

The story of an unforgettable vacation trip, a restoration, the first contact with the brand from Trollhättan or simply why Saab is part of automotive life. Whatever it is, write to us. We are looking forward to it!