Last we heard from Shed, he was even more curmudgeonly than usual. He was being dragged to Gatwick to enjoy (endure?) an annual vacation of Mrs Shed's choosing. Normal service will be resumed in a couple of weeks but, for now, it is the task of your humble reporter to deliver a worthy Shed. Here goes...
A fast, cheap, manual estate? Excellent
Though this Saab 9-5 Aero Estate has been chosen this Friday, it's actually been on our Shed wires for a while. Often on the shortlist, the Saab has missed out a quite a few times thanks to the presence of cars that are more exciting, rarer, more relevant to that week's content or a combo of all three.
Furthermore, it's been for sale a good few months now, the vendor relisting it quite frequently to drop it at the top of sub-£1K cars in the PH classifieds. I remember seeing it probably back in August now; one of the dash photos shows the image is from May.
So why hasn't it sold? It appears to be a case of the familiar high miles prejudice, unfortunately. On first inspection, I'd have classed this 9-5 as over 100,000 miles (it is twelve years old and there is some wear on the seats). But the body seems clean enough, there are no ungainly scrapes inside or out and the wheels look fairly blemish-free. It looks precisely how you would want a 2001 Saab 9-5 to look, perhaps slightly better
Smile, the SID has been replaced
In fact this Aero has covered 224,000 miles, or an average of 18,500 a year. Doesn't seem believable, does it? The full Saab specialist history is welcome, and any man replacing four tyres with branded rubber at the same time (quoting the size also) is surely one who cares for his Shed. A recent new clutch is a bonus too.
Without dates, it's impossible to ascertain the months left on the MOT and tax. Given how long the car has been for sale, they are probably both useful negotiating points. If memory serves correctly, the asking price has come down also.
And think what your £695, perhaps a bit less, buys. A comfortable, interesting, relaxing, 150mph family wagon with all the equipment that could be reasonably expected. It's also another Saab to make 3-spoke alloys acceptable and stylish. That's no mean feat.
A roadtester would call this 'voluminous'
For those not hung up on mileage, this Aero looks an absolute bargain. Encouragingly, the advert is articulate, detailed and honest; there are plenty of pics as well, something not always guaranteed at this price level.
Still can't get over 224k? How about a lower-powered 9-5 2.0t Vector then? A veritable spring chicken at just over 164,000 miles. But Speed Matters on PH, so I'd take a punt on the leggier Aero every day of the week.
This Aero Estate has covered a high mileage at 224000 miles but has an excellent and recent Saab specialist service history and has a recent MOT and four months tax. It has a brand new full set of Avon ZZ3 225/45/ZR17 tyres. It has also recently had a new clutch and SID display.
I have owned this for the last six months or so, and the logbook is in my name. It is a fast and effortless cruiser, that has a tremendous turn of pace when needed. It has a very high specification, and all the equipment on it works, even the heated seats. It is generally good condition - for the mileage it is incredible, especially the interior, as the pictures show. There are a few marks and scuffs on the bodywork, but nothing you wouldn't expect on a used vehicle - when clean it is a very presentable car. , , It has an enormous boot, and is a very comfortable place to cover long distances, with economy when being sensible - just dont expect 35mpg when flat out! Priced at a very sensible level given the recent expenditure, this car has plenty of life in it yet. I am only selling it as it is currently the third estate car I personally own, and I just don't need three of them, and I have far too many other cars myself.
SILVER, Upgrades - Wood veneer facia, Leather upholstery, Heated front seats, in 3 heat levels, Cruise Control, Standard Features - 150W Radio/CD/cassette, 17" 3 spoke alloy wheels, Anti theft alarm+remote, Automatic climate control, Cruise control, Electric heated exterior mirrors, Electric windows, Headlight wash/wipe, Height/depth adjustable steering wheel, Immobiliser + theft security locking, Manual fully adjustable drivers seat, Roof rails, Steering wheel mounted audio/telephone controls, Traction control.