Why 3 times 95 plus deer results in 9000 that is still far from being felt…

Part 3: 1000 km in a row to Croatia

Dear readers, as I wrote in the first and second reports some time ago, it was a long road to the Swedish brand for me. By now I was the proud owner of two Saabs.

23 years
23 years

An 95 Aero built 06 and a 92er Saab 9000.He came quite secretly. And became my favorite. Scarab green metallic with Pamir leather trim. Since he was in the household, I often read the 95er. Deliberately.

He ran and ran. Without problems.

Summer 2015. Holiday is announced.

Yes, even if we feel the deepest autumn. Yes, we were able to drive in the T-shirt Saab two months ago.

Back to the summer.

Destination: Croatia. With three children it was logical - I had to drive a car. Driving a long car. My decision was made - can you risk that in a 23 year old car? Sometimes I'm crazy, but I'm far from tired of life. That's why we went to the Saab Center in Zwickau. Inspection and review - so that everything runs in the green.

Short call came back - all ok. Except for the V-belt. He would be extremely vulnerable. So quickly ordered and exchanged. So prepared he was ready. And all the circle of friends looked at me with big eyes.

You want…????

Yes I do. Basta. The End. Eventually it started. The children in the back with the toys and coloring books in a good mood. It should be very hot. The climate ran and ran. Sometimes almost too cold. Although many do not understand - the 2.3-16 V without turbo is not a lame journeyman.

180, 190 and he just needs his 10 liter.

Many wonder if you suddenly appear with your dinosaurs in the rearview mirror. 1.2 TSI- well, thank you Mr. Neighbor- was a nice try. Uphill. Go mow the lawn and don't drive it! First stopover - Austria. 600 km are gone. The tank almost empty. We get out - no back pain.

The next day it continues. It gets very hot. Traffic jam - traffic jam everywhere. Karawanken tunnel. And uphill in stop and go. The clutch is still the first at 205.000 km. And I don't notice any slip.

Interim results.

So far, no older car has overtaken me. If I have ever seen one. I do not think so. The next day the outdoor thermometer shows 37 degrees. Actually, we only drive 400 km today and should be there 13: 30 loud Navi.

But it turned out quite differently.

In Slovenia from the highway down is nothing more. Traffic jam. Fast stop. We are in the Adriatic sun unprotected - armed only with the air conditioning. She runs and cools. At some point I make the mistake and regulate a little warmer, so that the temperature difference is not too high between interior and exterior.

Result?

It does not cool anymore. At some point I get cold water on my feet when disengaging. Luckily, the seats are bright and we still have a sunroof. It is progressing extremely slowly. Its getting warmer and warmer.

And the coolant temperature keeps rising. I watch her closely.

Off and engage uphill. Already two hours like that. The first vehicles are at the edge with the bonnet open. None of them are older than 10 years.

And my green?

Runs and cools. The needle is increasing more and more. Is slowly getting close to red. And there it stays. I hope for the best. He holds on. Until evening 20: 00 clock. 10 hours for 400 km. The kids are all. Me too. In the two weeks he always runs inconspicuously. Also the air conditioning.

Towards the end of the holiday, I worry about whether I have to do this again - Saturdays. This traffic jam in the return journey. And the heat.

The Saab wrapped in dust runs and runs. And reap respectful looks there as well. Because he still drives and that very well. So it was my will, Friday evening to night. Then it's cooler, less traffic and the kids sleep.

On Friday is also crazy hot. 39 degree. I fill it up to the brim.

17: 00 clock start! My little Talladega - Run has started!

It is a bit tough at the beginning. Then on the highway - always what is legally allowed. The trunk is full - also with wonderful Croatian schnapps.

Highly recommended

It runs like clockwork. The Tank? Will not be empty. At night at twelve in Austria short check. Refueling? I want to see how far I'm getting.

Go on.

In Germany I let him run. Always 180. Unfortunately, the H1 light is not the world - not even with the best accessory bulbs on the market.

But he drives.

After 770 km I have to raus- refueling in Bavaria. 60 liter. Under 8 liters! I've never used that much. The 2.3 purrs like a kitten. It goes past Munich, Nuremberg and Hof.

I'm at home shortly after four in the morning.

I turn off the engine and look back - all sleeping - with the reading lamp switched on. I wonder about this car. 23 years old? I get out and feel the warm summer night. 1000 km in one go. Nonstop. Without seat complaints.

At home on long journeys ...

Sequel follows…

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ORE Saab
ORE Saab
7 years earlier

Probably the 9000er were qualitatively better than the new models of Saab. Mein9-5
Built in 2006, it didn't even make it home from Schleswig Hollstein on vacation - and that at just 96000 km. The whole thing happened on the day of the return trip, a Saturday. The vehicle was fully packed and three bicycles on the trailer coupling (the “friendly” tractor driver didn't even want to take me with him). The family went home by train and I had an extended weekend in Kiel. Thanks to the professional u. Very friendly help from the Lafrentz car dealership, I was able to continue my journey home on Monday afternoon. Diagnosis: high pressure hose of the power steering burst and ignition cassette defective. That was another big grab into the vacation budget.

Herbert Hürsch
Herbert Hürsch
7 years earlier

And once again I think reading how little the car has developed since the 9000.
A quarter of a century shutdown. A whole generation!

This is also a generation of copywriters who year after year have again stylized gadgets and technical trifles to nothing less than a revolution. 23 revolutions later, people still drive their 9000ers daily, as if nothing has happened. And it was almost nothing.

Alex
Alex
7 years earlier

A very nice story and so realistic. Since I have not been able to get past him since my first ride with an 9000der, 1993, 2,3t CSE in black with Crosbok rims and beige leather, this only tells more.
When I was allowed to enter the Ruhrpott last week, back and forth 1300km I also had the choice between 9-5, 9-3 convertible and the Uwe, 9000CD. Now guess what I drove with!
Not only I would be very happy if you would be there with us on our next Saabausfahrt things in the spring!
I'm looking forward to the sequel!
PS: The 2,3 must really be very economical, 8l I never manage!

Bukki 2001
Bukki 2001
7 years earlier

Well, then I'll have to add my mustard as well. 1981 Golf 1; South of France and back; Back pain! That went on for years. 1989 Lancia Delta Turbo; Spain and back; Back pain! This also went on for years. 1995 Audi A4 Turbo; Austria, Italy etc; Back jokes! Unfortunately for years. Until 2006 some Alfa 156; Italy Austria etc. And what can I say, back pain of course after 200km at the latest! From 2010; the first SAAB; lots of tours and vacations also z. T. with 1000km in one go; and of course no back pain. Since then only SAAB and although not that young anymore, fortunately no more back pain! Conclusion: The SAAB that I have driven so far are more or less “mobile back schools” for me and it should stay that way for a long time.

900S16V
900S16V
7 years earlier

Even if I write about a 901: A SAAB like the 901 or the 9000 are at home on long journeys and there without significant problems, provided that it has been properly maintained! Was true again with my last 901. Shortly after the purchase, with said 901 a good 40 km with snowfall and summer tires on it, first downhill and later on the return trip the same route, uphill in serpentines. Comfortable warmth thanks to seat heating, the ingenious heating and that at an age of almost 22 years and almost 230000 km with the first engine ... I would have had concerns with the age and a model of another brand (except for Volvo), this route in these weather conditions to drive.

Gerald
Gerald
7 years earlier

I can only confirm this experience ...
Regardless of whether Trollhättan, Husum, Eisenach or Dinhard ... My 21-year-old 9000 is my number one touring limousine and so far has always brought me safely everywhere and healthy and relaxed back to Austria. And that with a level of comfort and consumption that couldn't be better with a “new one” ...

greetings
Gerald

4-ever
4-ever
7 years earlier

Hello,
Since you read it again, there is NOTHING about a SAAB. The old principle ... on long journeys at home ... still fits after 23 years. Hope that he still does not let you down ... true to the motto ... He came ... SAAB ... and won.

Pascal
Pascal
7 years earlier

Very cool story. The seats are unbeatable!
Now go north in winter and you will see that not only the climate but also the heating is designed for +/- 40 degrees…. For me the 9000 is the best car. It's a shame (not yet) the cult status of the 901.