Saab 9-3 Aero Wagon
Discussion
Having owned my CX-7 for 3 years, I started getting an itchy trigger finger and decided it was time for a change.
I have always wanted to try a Saab and had been watching the usual places for something suitable when this one popped up in Aberdeen.
I went up last weekend to test drive it and was delighted that the journey was all worth it. I got the train back up on Saturday and drove it home.
It's a 2008 (edited as per below) 9-3 Aero estate (wagon) and is not only my first Scandinavian car but also my first automatic.
It's done 51k miles, has heated leather, 6 disc in-dash changer, and all the other toys and drives very well.
The seats are so comfy!
It's Nocturne blue and will Polish up great when I get time to attack it with my DA rotary.
Immediate plans are rear tints, roof bars for my road bike & maybe a remap of some flavour.
Now I just need someone to buy my Cx-7 off me!
Cheers.
I have always wanted to try a Saab and had been watching the usual places for something suitable when this one popped up in Aberdeen.
I went up last weekend to test drive it and was delighted that the journey was all worth it. I got the train back up on Saturday and drove it home.
It's a 2008 (edited as per below) 9-3 Aero estate (wagon) and is not only my first Scandinavian car but also my first automatic.
It's done 51k miles, has heated leather, 6 disc in-dash changer, and all the other toys and drives very well.
The seats are so comfy!
It's Nocturne blue and will Polish up great when I get time to attack it with my DA rotary.
Immediate plans are rear tints, roof bars for my road bike & maybe a remap of some flavour.
Now I just need someone to buy my Cx-7 off me!
Cheers.
Edited by AmiableChimp on Monday 23 January 13:38
Lugy said:
That looks a nice thing, which engine does it have? I'll keep an eye out for it (I'm a bit of a Saab geek and tend to spot them a mile off 
).
If you haven't already, I'd recommend having a look on UKSaabs, plenty info on there and many knowledge users!
2.0T petrol).If you haven't already, I'd recommend having a look on UKSaabs, plenty info on there and many knowledge users!
I was concerned that my lack of use wouldn't work with a diesel (and dpf) so opted for petrol.
Thought i'd better post an update as my Saab has had a couple of changes.
Firstly, I got my standard alloys refurbished in anthracite grey. I am really chiffed with how these turned out, and fitted some new centre badges at the same time.
I then fitted some Team Heko wind deflectors. I am still undecided on whether to fit the rear ones or not.
And finally, I got the side and rear windows tinted which I am really happy with.
Next up is some matte red paint for the brake callipers and some matte black for the centres of the disks as the new Mintex discs are chronic for rusting when they get wet!
Firstly, I got my standard alloys refurbished in anthracite grey. I am really chiffed with how these turned out, and fitted some new centre badges at the same time.
I then fitted some Team Heko wind deflectors. I am still undecided on whether to fit the rear ones or not.
And finally, I got the side and rear windows tinted which I am really happy with.
Next up is some matte red paint for the brake callipers and some matte black for the centres of the disks as the new Mintex discs are chronic for rusting when they get wet!
Edited by AmiableChimp on Wednesday 28th June 00:18
So I have been showing the Eunos (https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=47&t=1576296) a lot of love recently and have been neglecting the Saab.
I have also been planning to do a proper job of detailing her once I got the time.
The Saturday before Fathers Day was my chance, here are some photos:
Started with a foam wash:
Then a 2 bucket wash:
I then clayed the car to get rid of any surface contaminants:
Followed by another wash and then a dry with waffle weave towel:
Then it was time for some food:
Before taping the trim off and parking the car under the gazebo to keep direct sunlight off:
Then I got a range of different polishes out along with my DA:
The whole car got a going over with the Menzerna PowerFinish: with the DA
I then applied a coat of Poorboys Black Hole by DA
This was then topped with a coat of Nattys Paste Wax
And the tyres were dressed with Meguiars Tyre Gel:
Finished off with a well earned beer:
All-in it took me 10.5 hours, 10am - 8:30pm but it's a once a year thing, if that, as long as I look after the paint with regular washing and a top up with the wax now and then.
Here is an image showing the contrast in the bonnet before and after - top one has lots of marring, buffer trails, etc:
I have also been planning to do a proper job of detailing her once I got the time.
The Saturday before Fathers Day was my chance, here are some photos:
Started with a foam wash:
Then a 2 bucket wash:
I then clayed the car to get rid of any surface contaminants:
Followed by another wash and then a dry with waffle weave towel:
Then it was time for some food:
Before taping the trim off and parking the car under the gazebo to keep direct sunlight off:
Then I got a range of different polishes out along with my DA:
The whole car got a going over with the Menzerna PowerFinish: with the DA
I then applied a coat of Poorboys Black Hole by DA
This was then topped with a coat of Nattys Paste Wax
And the tyres were dressed with Meguiars Tyre Gel:
Finished off with a well earned beer:
All-in it took me 10.5 hours, 10am - 8:30pm but it's a once a year thing, if that, as long as I look after the paint with regular washing and a top up with the wax now and then.
Here is an image showing the contrast in the bonnet before and after - top one has lots of marring, buffer trails, etc:
TotalControl said:
Looks much better. Was considering getting a detail done on my 93 but I may need to sell now.
How good is the poor boys stuff?
It's good, but my wax is quite old so I've just bought some Infinity Wax hybrid to try out instead. How good is the poor boys stuff?
I also use Collinite for over the winter as it affords better protection (at the detriment of a little wet shine).
HybridAero said:
Very nice! Any plans for a Noobtune remap?
Love the detailing work, looks like you've got some proper kit there.
Saab seats are by far the best in any car I've experienced.
Thanks guys.Love the detailing work, looks like you've got some proper kit there.
Saab seats are by far the best in any car I've experienced.
If I go for a remap, i'll probably go for a Maptun one so I can order the wee Maptuner box from Neo Brothers.
I know it's much more expensive but the whole package and backup works better for me (I also cannot be bothered posting my ECU off to Noobtune)..
AmiableChimp said:
Thanks guys.
If I go for a remap, i'll probably go for a Maptun one so I can order the wee Maptuner box from Neo Brothers.
I know it's much more expensive but the whole package and backup works better for me (I also cannot be bothered posting my ECU off to Noobtune)..
Just email him through UKSaabs and then go and see him in Nottingham, He took my 9-5 Aero Estate to Stage 3+ which gives 300bhp and 480nm and a fit of the giggles everytime you press the loud pedal and despatch yet another German TDi in your rear view mirror, and what it does to the local Barry Boys and their tired old Scoobys and Golf GTi's is even funnier..If I go for a remap, i'll probably go for a Maptun one so I can order the wee Maptuner box from Neo Brothers.
I know it's much more expensive but the whole package and backup works better for me (I also cannot be bothered posting my ECU off to Noobtune)..
The whole process took about 20 minutes, it was the best £80 i've ever spent...
tdm34 said:
Just email him through UKSaabs and then go and see him in Nottingham, He took my 9-5 Aero Estate to Stage 3+ which gives 300bhp and 480nm and a fit of the giggles everytime you press the loud pedal and despatch yet another German TDi in your rear view mirror, and what it does to the local Barry Boys and their tired old Scoobys and Golf GTi's is even funnier..
The whole process took about 20 minutes, it was the best £80 i've ever spent...
I can vouch for that also, wouldn't go anywhere else; Karl is a certified wizard, his maps are pure sorceryThe whole process took about 20 minutes, it was the best £80 i've ever spent...
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