Introducing my big, old, fast, dog barge... Saab 9-5 AERO

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Hi everyone,

Due to my constant growing male German Shepherd I did not think he appreciated being stuffed down the footwell of my Impreza anymore. This led to a lot of research and I finally decided to source a Saab 9-5 estate, in particular the 'Aero' version (2.3 litre turbo, 250bhp), model year 2002+ for the facelift, manual transmission and FSH.

Features: Rare electric optional sunroof, rare upgraded optional 9x speaker Harmon Kardon audio system + 6CD changer, optional retractable dog guard, optional rubber boot mat, optional rubber floor mats, optional tow bar, rear parking sensors, full leather, electric front heats with 3 programable memory settings, dual air con climate control, auto dim mirrors, cruise control, xenon lights.

I've owned her for just over 6 months now and since purchase it's had 2 full engine oil and filter changes, new MOT, replaced rear Saab badge, replaced weathered shark fin ariel and new plain number plates. It's also had a proper detail including removing all tar spots and claying the paint. I've then sealed all the bodywork and windows and it's now gleaming. I've cleaned all the interior and cleaned/conditioned the leather too.

As it's 14 years old, there are a few scuffs here and there but overall it is in very good condition and its never seen paint. It's on 114k miles which is pretty low for a big old estate and the previous owner had the alloys refurbished so that they are mint. The alloys are actually from a pre-facelift model but they are much cooler than the newer ones. More importantly, my dog is happy as larry in the back .




















All this for how much I hear you ask? A measly sum of £1525. Your German equivalent (BMW E39 530 Sport, manual (if you can find a good and I did try!)... Around £3500....

Enjoy!

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Agreed on the front number plate. The smaller style suited my classic Impreza perfectly but doesn't suit the big barge. Can't be bothered to buy a new one though but maybe one day I will!

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Thanks guys!

I'm aware of the sump drop and breather pipe mod (mine hasn't had it) but the Aero's are spec'd for fully synth oil and they are much less likely to die of oil starvationed if they've been serviced properly with correct oil, however it's something I will probably get done within the year for peace of mind.

I believe the Saab can definitely pull off the 3-spokes; they scream cool

Dog pic as requested.... just shy of 11 months old (you can see the problem I had regarding boot space)

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ajb85 said:

Superb cars. I miss mine. Increasing oil consumption became a bit of a concern, just beware that that gutsy turbo does use a bit. I hear you like the wheels, but the later 9-3-esque Aero wheels can be picked up off eBay very cheaply and transform the look of the car into something far more modern in my opinion.

I still search frequently for a face lift 260bhp Aero estate manual, alas finding a decent one at sensible money is an impossibility. Anyway, enjoy!

Just did a quick google of 9-3 aero alloys (brings up quite a few different types) but I think I've sussed out which ones are which. I think I'd agree with you and I'm sure they'd look great on my estate. However there is something cool about the pre-facelift 9-5 aero wheels. I can't quite put my finger on it but they are definitely quirky.

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Some recent pictures after an 8 hour detail this week .

Bodywork washed, de-tarred, de-ironised, clayed with clay mitt, machine polished, protected werkstat prime, 2 layers of werkstat jett, final layer of werkstat gloss. Black plastics protected with aerospace 303. Glass sealed with werkstat prime. Wheels cleaned with megs wheel brightener and tyres dressed with AF tyre gel. Exhaust tip quickly polished with britemax metal polish/sealant.

By the way, I'm in the market for an E39 BMW 540i sport touring if anyone knows anyone with one who wants to sell. I need to own a V8 .