The amazing Saab 9-5 NG and its fans
A few days ago I asked readers for their opinion on the blog. Is the Saab 9-5 NG an everyday car or one of those collectibles that you usually keep in air-conditioned garages? The result of the survey was amazing, and so was everything else.
Apart from many comments and a lively vote, I found an unusually large number of emails on this topic in my mailbox in the following days. All about the 9-5 NG, from people who already own one or who want to buy one. That surprised me, as I had the feeling that the topic was waning. I was wrong!
It's such a thing with the 9-5 NG owners. They love their Saab, they invest an amazing amount of money. Upgrades, improvements, conservation. The bills sit loose when it comes to the last Saab, and it is written about it openly. A medium 4-digit amount is the rule, slightly 5-digit amounts are no exception when it comes to care and maintenance. Or about retrofitting the desired equipment. The motivation for action seems to be the same everywhere: the last vehicle of the brand, no chance of replenishment.
The last Saab is far from being an ordinary used car. Comparable vehicles from competitors are often half traded and there is a large selection on the used vehicle markets. The 9-5 NG, on the other hand, is rare and king of residual values in its segment. The prices are stable, maybe even rising.
Saab 9-5 NG. Collectible or everyday car?
- Built to drive. An everyday car. (79% 240 Votes)
- Clearly collector's item. Too bad for everyday life. (21% 64 Votes)
Total Voters: 304
Loading ...This is a surprisingly good snapshot and makes me hope for the future. The gratifying commitment of its owners ensures that we will still have Saab 9-5 of the last generation among us in a few years' time.
Pilots wanted 2018?
One question, beyond our survey, has been asked repeatedly by email in the last few days. Will there be a new edition of “Pilots wanted”, the international Saab 2018-9 NG meeting in Kiel in 5? As things stand, it will be like that. The final decision will be made at the end of the year; the Lafrentz family will have the last word. But it looks good and there will be news on the blog.
Which 9-5 NG do our readers want?
The number of requests from readers who want to buy a 9-5 NG was surprising. I was able to answer almost all emails, even if it took a few days. Interest seems unbroken, more than 6 years after the last Saab rolled off the production line. The only problem could be the low availability of desired configurations. The trend is clear. Gasoline instead of diesel, automatic rather than switch. The large panoramic roof is at the top of some wish lists. Unfortunately, it is very rare. The aero equipment has many friends, but it can be retrofitted without any problems. The Drive-Sense chassis no longer seems to be that important. There is a willingness to compromise here.
It is gratifying that our readers, by a large majority, classify the last big Saab as an everyday car. Because it is right that cars belong on the road. Especially those that have the Saab letters on the radiator. Showing presence, holding the flag high, that's more important than ever. Which applies to all models of the brand, regardless of series and age.
It is very pleasing that the enthusiasm for the 9-5 NG is not waning. Probably almost all of the vehicles registered outside of Sweden are already in collectors' hands. In Sweden there are certainly still some vehicles that are driven by “normal drivers” and they will sooner or later part with their vehicles. How many of the 11.280 cars have actually been sold in Sweden? I guess 20-30%? Just tried to find out, but couldn't find the information about the model in the registration statistics.
we were last WE at the Int Saab in Dinslaken. Great occasion. One counted seven 95 NG, one of them a SC. That's a very good rate.
We were also traveling with my 95 NG TiD. Unfortunately, he had twice a total failure on the highway! No really great experience at 170 Km / h overtaking and then suddenly no more power! Anyway, it seems to be a problem of tank ventilation. (the tank was half full both times!). Let's see if my Saab garage finds out. Or does anyone from the Saab faction know more about this grievance? ( aero50@gmx.ch, I'm glad for every tip) The soot particle filter is not, we've already checked.
Otherwise, the 95 NG is already a really great car. You drive very relaxed and really confident, has space without end and so much of individual. We have not encountered a second 1200 NG on the entire 95 km.
I will keep it safe, the diesel are not so much value at the moment anyway
I've been driving a 9.5 Aero Turbo 6 XWD for a few years now and have the same questions as almost everyone: drive or store? I solved the problem very pragmatically: half-yearly approval. In winter I drive my “old” 9.5 station wagon, in summer the 9.5 NG. On the one hand, I have fun driving and on the other hand, I don't drive too many kilometers.
I drive my 9-5 Turbo6 with enthusiasm and conviction in everyday life.
Of course, special care and value retention are top of the ToDo list for him. Conservation has been a matter of course, regular and (over) punctual service anyway. Haldex maintenance at the latest all 30tkm.
If you take care of the big Swedes and treat them well, then he thanks you with a driving pleasure on every kilometer driven.
My interior resembles that of a year-old car - despite meanwhile over 100 miles. No signs of wear and tear (I admit I am extremely careful with it - which is not difficult!)
Fortunately, the equipment corresponds to my desired configuration. From Harman Kardon sound, panoramic roof and DriveSense to the head-up display. Missing equipment such as reversing camera and lane departure warning / sign recognition as well as the chic dashboard in mashed metallic was retrofitted by Lafrentz. Hirsch exhaust & springs and trailer hitch as well.
He is the perfect everyday companion for me (I forgive him the slightly higher fuel consumption of the V6), which causes a stir almost everywhere. Not that that matters to me! But I would have reluctant to drive a uniform vehicle current production that looks after a short time by several model care and facelifts after "old model".
That is the only "advantage" that we can book. Years ago, Saab created a damn sexy and still up-to-date and modern-looking total work of art with the 9-5 - and at least we don't have to be afraid of a facelift. But he actually doesn't need that ...
I do not even think about what would happen if someday he is not anymore. But I do not think so far. And the fear of accident, wear or total loss is also no reason for me, the 9 5 rather not in everyday life to move. I enjoy driving with him too much.
Day after day it's always nice to see curious, admiring and even envious glances at the sight of my 9-5 NG. What could have made this wonderful car yet career. Unfortunately, it was different and so happy owners of such a beautiful and distinctive Eycatchers only the certainty to move something unique in daily traffic.
When Pilots Wanted is reorganized in 2018, I'll do anything to be back. The Lafrentz families are always so beautiful and their hospitality is remarkable.
We need new SAABs ...
100% approval. It would be time. From NEVS is nothing more. Tom?
Currently it looks as if nothing could be expected from this direction.
But that's exactly what motivates us all ...
... to look after our SAABs and maybe even “upgrade” here and there.
So the money for the old sits looser, the love for SAAB heritage is greater. Maybe not so bad?
there are about 500 in D, 305 have participated in the survey good odds !!
Apple carplay or Android car to retrofit would be a real added value!
What good is the most beautiful SAAB in the garage if you can not feel it driving us every day!
Hello.
So I handle it with my 2011'er too.
It is an everyday car that is still possible.
(Unfortunately, I already have a small list of the next desired items, or somehow always… for example, the flaking labels on the buttons of the navigation, air conditioning & sound unit cloud the “overall impression” very much).
And when buying similar things were important:
Automatic, turbo, gasoline engine, panorama roof, “last newly developed” Saab (to be able to drive Saab as long as possible), ... but for me spec. also ventilated seats (a must)!
PS:
Our family had a visit from Switzerland this week.
He did not know that I drive a beautiful 2011'er.
As soon as he saw him in the yard, he jumped out of his Ford Mondeo, jumped around my car wildly and enthusiastically and for a long time looked at it enthusiastically inside and outside and had it shown in detail. ... and the guy is around 50! 😉
He said he knows the car from reports from back then, was / is a big fan of it, but unfortunately has never seen such a thing in Switzerland.
Apparently his visit to us in the north was worthwhile for him!
And of course, I am always pleased when others still enjoy the Saab brand!
That you hops around your Saab enthusiastically is just too understandable. Would I do so during a visit