Saab 9000 Anna Project. Everything will be fine.

If there is general advice on how to deal with youngtimers and classics, then this: never give up! Anna came to us as a nursing case in April 2013. Then stood in the hangar for almost 2 years until we tackled the restoration.

Saab 9000 Anna Project

The conditions were not good, the care problem was felt and felt everywhere. Since the summer 2015 the Saab is back on the road. After this Winter Test With cheap tires, the 9000 now rolls with Michelin tires on Super Aero rims through the summer. And it feels a lot better.

Because things are developing promisingly, despite individual frustration attacks. The appraiser certifies the 9000 is in a condition of 2 - 3, which is quite decent for an almost 20 year old everyday car. And the anniversary passed the TÜV in spring straight away without any complaints.

Small defects. But nothing serious.

A trifle can be reported as a lack on the edge. The EDU sometimes had no function at startup. Not always, but always. The disassembly of the dashboard cover to check the speedometer unit promoted an incorrectly attached plug to light. Since then, the old Saab works as reliably as expected.

Old cars mean that you often solve small problems yourself. You screw your way through your car, get to know it, and in the case of the Saab 9000 it's fun because you get to know a lot about the philosophy behind the brand. The 9000 is of high quality. Everything is designed for a long life and a high level of repair friendliness. Plug connections are designed as one would expect in an airplane. Likewise the wiring harnesses, which are thicker than in modern cars. Screws and other components did not come from the Far East at that time; they don't give up if you touch them with a screwdriver.

Who has the pleasure and has several Saab 9000 years of construction, can follow the continuous evolution of the series. Many improvements, several changes and from the 9000 CC to the last years of construction, the Saab was increasingly transformed into a mobile high-security cage. If you go for the 9000 yourself, then you should treat yourself to one of these fabulous original Saab workshop manuals, which are offered again and again in the known portals.

The project has been running for more than 2 years now. The Saab matured into a good car during this period and is getting better and better. It is worth having perseverance. It is maintained at Saab Service Frankfurt, and Gerard Ratzmann has a keen eye on the Saab. Of course, there are still things to be done, or again. The used air conditioning compressor must be replaced. And there is the thing with the chassis. The previous owner installed shock absorbers that do their job but do not really fit the Saab. The 9000 rolls unharmoniously, there is a need for further action.

New rear cover, new radio.

In between there was still time for a few little things. Most Saab 9000s drive through everyday life with rear covers that have been faded from the sun for 20 or more years. Not nice ! At some point I got tired of the faded part, it didn't match the rest of the condition of the car. A new cover by our saddler, with an anthracite-colored fabric, which was also used elsewhere by Saab, eliminated the deficiency.

Unfortunately, the good Blaupunkt radio had to be replaced after a defect. Since Blaupunkt no longer exists, the spare parts are scarce or, as in our case, no longer available. The optically acceptable alternative was a DAB + radio from Continental in the 9000. Its appearance corresponds to the Becker models that Saab offered for a while as an accessory on the 9-5. Whether it remains permanent, or is replaced by another 90er years radio will show the coming months. In any case, the sound and reception performance are right, and it blends harmoniously into the cockpit of the 9000.

All good? Yes, the Saab is on a good way. And I, too, feel good about it. Maybe in recent years my perspective on cars has changed in general. But it can also be due to the current emissions and mobility discussion. You can see classic cars and classics with different eyes.

The Saab 9000 Anna project had the most massive CO2 emission around 20 years ago during production. It is well maintained and in good condition. The Saab uses between 1 and 2 liters more fuel than a current, comparable vehicle would. In its current state it will last for another 20 years. At least! How long would you have to move a new car before its ecological balance was better than that of the old Saab?

Moving a youngtimer occasionally demands some compromises from us - but it is a lived, sustainable reality. No matter what you want to tell us about the future of mobility.

22 Comments
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kochje
6 years earlier

One of the finest Saabs I know.
Oh, why did not I keep the 9000 Anniversary?
Why does one see this 9000-he so little on the street?
That's why, Tom, well done !!

pulfrich
pulfrich
6 years earlier

Great article! I love the Saab 9000 and I'm the proud owner of 5 vehicles (2 Aero, Anni, CD, CC) It's like a positive addiction, which always brings joy and passion! This car really combines everything you need and I find the power delivery as much more impressive than with newer vehicles (it only matters to me)
Thank you Tom! greetings from Switzerland

Herbert Hürsch
Herbert Hürsch
6 years earlier
Reply to  pulfrich

The good feeling.

Oh yes, the feeling counts. I do not think the market will see any cars in the future that make you feel as good as in a SAAB or a nice vintage car.

GP362
GP362
6 years earlier

There will soon be another assistance system for this. The chassis gets a “vintage button” and the scent of old leather is sprayed at the same time. Is of course TÜV-relevant and one more knockout criterion for the premium product after the warranty has expired.

Herbert Hürsch
Herbert Hürsch
6 years earlier
Reply to  GP362

The idea is funny ...

Especially the vintage button in an SUV. Suddenly, 125 slows down and the steering is so spongy that you need at least the entire track from 100. And in the crosswind, head off to the guardrail!

Arndt Mitwer
Arndt Mitwer
6 years earlier

Thanks for the nice article. The car looks really fantastic. That of course arouses my interest in buying a 9000 one day. However, even in Sweden it is no longer so easy to get a vehicle in good condition. Or ... restore!

Anddeu
6 years earlier
Reply to  Tom

That would be worth an article, especially for those who don't know what to do with FB ...

Daniel HELLBUNT
Daniel HELLBUNT
6 years earlier

I can only agree with that. Now drive the second 9k after stupidly selling my first one years ago.
(See driving report here in the blog scarab green !!)
The 95er continued to run as my main vehicle, but I missed the all-round visibility and great workmanship.

Last year, I saved Anny 97er from the recycler.
Is a great car. For real.
The comfort beats while sitting the 95er
Around worlds.
And everyone who drives is enthusiastic about the course.
There is also a disassembled cabinet fits in easily.

Unfortunately, I have to say that mine tends to rust despite regular maintenance.
Although he is five years younger than my old former 92er. Even under the rear seat.
Will have to do a lot there.

I can only recommend the 9000er - even as a 2.3 liter vacuum cleaner. Drives super and economical.
Absolute buy recommendation !!!!

Bajuware
Bajuware
6 years earlier

A very nice 9k. Every € is well spent money! Quality like this will never be there, and 9k in this condition are hard to find. Maybe they are inherited in the family and not sold?

saab_owl
saab_owl
6 years earlier

I'm always amazed at how much I like the 9000 in silver, a color that I would otherwise avoid. It's great that this copy has been entrusted with so much patience and passion. To a long car life! If the previous owner saw the car like that now ...

saab_owl
saab_owl
6 years earlier
Reply to  Tom

Interesting. But the color code is 247 silver, right? The 9000 has been replaced by an EOS? Of course, that says a lot ... ;-( Nice that he has now found a real home.

saab_owl
saab_owl
6 years earlier
Reply to  Tom

Interesting. I'm happy to teach you a better one, but for me these are two different color codes for the same color. With the introduction of the 9-5, Saab has redefined 247 for reasons unknown to me, the Silver Metallic, which was previously marketed under the code 268. Until MY97 there was the 9000 and the 900NG in 247 silver. In the last model year 98 there was then the 9000 and the 900NG in 268 silver. However, the color must still be identical, since the paint pen 12799108 is marketed for both color codes, even if the packaging is only 268. Swedish parts, Skandix, etc. give both color codes as a reference.

saab_owl
saab_owl
6 years earlier
Reply to  Tom

As I said, strange that the paint pen mentioned above is then marketed for both silver color codes ...

Besmir9000CSE
Besmir9000CSE
6 years earlier

I can only agree with Tomm, there is no better feeling than driving a long-term car like the SAAB 9000. Built for eternity and intended as a general-purpose weapon (intended as a work, family, long-distance, bad and noble business car). Although man has to make small compromises now and then, but the feeling, the noise (the sound of a REAL turn signal ralais), the comfort of seats instead of optics (and back pain) designed seats, the smell of almost lavishly thick leather, that's like one addiction!

As a Proud 18 year old 9000 rider I had (unfortunately) a golf 7 gtd as a driving school car. Is a real nice car but it all felt so synthetic. Zero live in the car. You get in, drive, get out again and do not want to drive longer. Perfectly lifeless.

And also economically it is an aspect to drive a Youngtimer:

Comparison: man buys a new car for eg 30000 €

If you buy instead a Youngtimer for about 5000 € would man 25000 € (!) For the receipt of the car.

And the pollutant emissions in the production of a new car (especially in hybrid, and electric cars) is much higher than the receipt of a Youngtimers (technically good condition assumed!). And man really does not want to support today's money-hungry managers.

Man knows also with a Youngtimer that he runs to 100% and only after the 250000km retracted first. With a new car, there are many manufacturers already at low mileage and maintained service and gentle driving style already have problems. You just do not know what you're buying (I do not want to scissors all over the place, there are also really great and reliable new cars).

And above all: IT HAS STYLE

dersaabler
6 years earlier

in between of course there is a…. us ... to

dersaabler
6 years earlier

Hello Tom, another nice article about the 9000er. With me, as a self-confessed 9000er driver, of course 100% approval. The car as a whole is hard to beat. And of course the ecological aspect plays a very important role. I just hope that they leave up there and drive these vehicles for a long time. Yes, and you learn to live well with the little things….

GP362
GP362
6 years earlier

Great statement Tom, I can 100% agree. I also made the same statements when it came to screwing, everything is solid and “carved from solid” for eternity 🙂

Patrick, the great technology is not built to your advantage, but primarily for the service industry. If it then says it is no longer worth it, you should quickly buy a new one. We now with the diesels, many of which can be retrofitted with hardware - is not wanted ..

Patrick
Patrick
6 years earlier

Yes, you can make a few meaningless compromises when moving a classic car. But the driving experience, the good seats, the simple, but (mostly) functioning technology more than compensate in my view.

Last week air pressure test after an error message on the BMW 2er ActivTourer my wife: 20 minutes duration, many error messages, a calibration ... and a lot of creeps of two people ... I do not see the advantage of the whole technology, I just do not see him ... I'm curious what the 2er displays everything in 5 years ...