2010 Saab 9-3 Turbo TID 150 *Sold £4,200*

Description

• Low Mileage
• Recent paintwork treatment
• Refreshed interior
• Only 2 previous keepers
• Purchased from Hagstrom Saab
• Recent battery
• NB: the number plate in the images has been removed and the original age related plate assigned – YD59 ZYZ

The first generation 9-3, an updated Saab 900, was launched in 1998 for the 1999 model year. It is sometimes referred to as the ‘OG’ (old generation) 9-3 and internally as body style 9400.

Saab claimed that 1,100 changes were made between the outgoing 900 and the 9-3 such as revised suspension with more wheel travel and quicker steering. The 9-3 MkII, which we have here, received revised styling with some models including a rear spoiler while the underbody mounted ‘snow & gravel flaps’ were removed. It was available as a three or five-door hatchback, and as a two-door convertible.

Further improvements of the Saab 900 included better crashworthiness courtesy of more extensive A-pillar reinforcements, stronger door sills and frames, standard torso/head side airbags, and Saab Active Head Restraints. Other changes included a bigger AC compressor, higher flow cabin ventilation system, and CAN bus based electrical architecture similar to the one in the 9-5.

History

Having owned Saabs previously and being a somewhat self-proclaimed aficionado, upon giving up his company car, our vendor decided that he would go back to owning another Saab. With his heart set on owning a slightly more modern Saab he set out to find the best example of the 9-3 Turbo that he could find.

He spent months looking and eventually found this stunning low mileage example at the renowned Saab dealership, Hagstrom Saab in Norfolk. After a thorough once over the deal was done and it was soon heading home with him.

Enjoyed and mollycoddled since its purchase our vendor eventually found his circumstances change once again. This time his change of circumstance meant he needed to cover large distances and believing it to be sacrosanct to run such a sweet example of this fantastic car, he decided to keep it as his weekend car and purchased a daily runaround. As often happens that weekend usage failed to materialise so he has reluctantly decided to pass it on to someone who will enjoy it as much as he has.

• First registered 12th January 2010
• MOT’d until July 2024
• Original Sales Brochure supplied with the Saab
• Both Keys supplied
• 34,000 mileage
• Used sparingly in 2023

Outside

Now let’s be honest, everyone secretly loves a Saab. The Swedish manufacturer has somehow developed a world-famous reputation for safety and at the same time created a quirky but somewhat elegant design. Most will be aware that Saab have been building aeroplanes since the 1930s and that knowledge is one of the reasons these cars are so good; the reliability and aerodynamic designs are clearly born from this sector of the business.

Whatever you believe the origins of these cars are, you cannot argue that the 9-3 is a stunning car with a very impressive reputation. Let’s be honest, in this colour combination and almost perfect condition it still looks the part, even at fourteen years of age.

Spend some time looking through the gallery and you will see that there really isn’t much to complain about, close scrutiny will alert you to a very superficial scuff to the nearside front bumper that may possibly disappear with a good polish.

Our vendor explained that the condition was always this good, hence his decision to purchase it but he still chose to spend close to £500 treating it to a full valet prior to applying a professional paint protection treatment (Diamondbrite).

He also then purchased a fifth alloy wheel; everyone’s bugbear is the lack of a spare wheel. Before refurbing all five, the fronts were then fitted with brand new Avon ZV7s tyres with the rear already showing plenty of tread.

Inside

Again, looking through the gallery will show how clean and tidy the interior is, our vendor explained that although the cream leather was in great condition there was a slight hue in the driver’s seat, most likely dye from the dreaded Levi’s.  Either way he had the two front seats professionally redyed the correct shade prior to them being treated with the rest of the Diamondbrite pack.

Yep, a thorough valet and then protective treatment across the leather, plus all the carpets and over mats have been scotch-brited so will look as good as they do now for many more months and years to come.

We’re advised “all the dials and switches work as they should” and the stereo has been upgraded to a modern double din unit with Android and Apple play connectivity. Added to that, a DAB aeriel has been fitted to the screen. All that kit has been fitted professionally at great expense and the original kit was not damaged during removal. This will be supplied with the car to the next lucky owner.

The boot area is just as well presented and has a fitted protective mat in place to boot. Yep, we just said that…

Mechanicals

What can be said about the bulletproof 1.9 turbo diesel other than it pulls strongly and smoothly, it starts on the button and will pretty much go forever. At 34k mileage it is barely run in, even so, our vendor felt it necessary to have the turbo unit professionally serviced and cleaned by Ace Remaps.

Having been used less and less over recent months our vendor felt it prudent to replace the battery – not that the car really needed it, it was just comforting to know it would start on the button as and when he periodically started and ran it around the block.

To confirm, the car drives just as you would expect a car of this mileage, with no knocks, squeaks, or rattles and as we said earlier it has that fantastic Swedish reliability and build quality behind it. What’s not to like?

Summary

Superbly developed in every detail, these cars are famously safe, fantastically built and wonderfully designed.

It’s not often you see such a modern car in our auctions but when they are this good, we would be foolish not to list it.

Yes, there are plenty around but, in this condition, with this mileage, and at a very reasonable reserve? We doubt you will find a better one on the market at this time.