Highlights
- Genuine 35,566 miles
- High specification ‘Vector’ model
- Full service history
- MOT to July 2023
The Appeal
Saab always did things a little differently to other manufacturers, and even in the latter days of the company, they were producing interesting and well finished cars with some great features.
This 9-3 Vector is a perfect case in point. FInished in lovely Ice Blue paintwork, with a comprehensive service history, long MOT and genuinely low mileage, it makes for a great daily driver that’s just a bit different from the norm.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in June 2009
- 3 owners from new
- Full service history (independent) - 12 stamps
- Last service July 2021 @ 35,351 miles
- Original owner’s handbook included
- Two sets of keys
- Less than 1,000 miles covered since June 2019
The Interior
- Cream leather upholstery
- Electric windows and mirrors
- Cruise control
- Hands-free phone connection
- Radio with CD and Aux connection
- Dual zone climate control
- Heated front seats
As with all ‘Vector’ models, this car benefits from a high factory specification, making it a very comfortable place to spend time.
The cream leather upholstery is inset with contrasting black panels, which makes for a little more style. All of the leather presents well, with some light evidence of wear, but no signs of tearing or significant wear that we could see. The rear bench looks to be a little water-marked. But a good leather clean may address this issue.
Black carpets and over-mats run through the cabin and provide a nice contrast to the light upholstery and paintwork. They appear to be in good condition, with wear commensurate with the vehicle’s low mileage. Similarly, the owner assures us that the headlining is secure and undamaged.
The driving controls and internal trim look to be in good condition, with no notable damage. The smart looking black and silver dash looks modern and clean in its design, and all of the switchgear is complete and we’re told by the vendor that everything works as it should. The only issue we noted was that the adjustment lever on the passenger side air vent appears to require reattaching.
At the rear the boot area is nice and big, trimmed with dark grey carpet, and presents in very nice condition with no damage or staining.
The Exterior
- Metallic Ice Blue (304) paintwork
- Original 17” 10-spoke alloy wheels
- Integrated front fog lights
With its smart Metallic Ice Blue finish, the 9-3 is a handsome and well proportioned saloon. The paint looks to be in fine original condition, with a few minor scratches, stone chips and lights blemishes, as you’d expect. We couldn’t see any evidence of corrosion or damage though, and all of the panels look nice and straight, with factory gaps.
Complementing the smart bodywork are an original set of 17” 10-spoke Saab alloys. They present fairly well, with a few blemishes and some lacquer peel, but overall are perfectly serviceable. They are shod in Continental tyres that look to have a good level of tread remaining.
Any new owner may wish to replace the ‘shark fin’ aerial, which is made of rubber and has begun to perish. But otherwise the exterior of the car is in very fine fettle, with all of the trim, glass and light lenses being complete and undamaged.
Underneath, the vehicle presents similarly well, looking to be clean, straight and undamaged. Clearly, it’s seen little use over its lifetime. There is the usual light surface corrosion in a couple of places, but nothing that would concern us.
The Mechanics
- 1,910cc 4-cylinder turbo diesel
- 5-speed automatic transmission
- Full independent service history
- MOT to July 2023
With a reliable and frugal 1.9-litre TiD powerplant and relaxing automatic transmission, this 9-3 would make a great daily driver, especially for anyone that covers significant motorway miles. With 150bhp and 320Nm on tap, there’s plenty of power in reserve whether you;re cruising or tackling your favourite B-road.
The exhaust appears to be wearing some fairly significant surface corrosion, but otherwise the owner tells us that the car drives very well. They report that there are no leaks, smoke, unexpected noises or vibrations.
We noted that there are no warning lights present on the dash, and with a long MOT, low mileage and comprehensive history, this Saab should provide many more years of faithful service.
Summary
For anyone seeking a comfortable, highly specified and smartly styled daily driver, we think this low mileage 9-3 could be a great solution. It’s clearly been kept very well and has been well maintained, and should provide its new owner with relaxing and capable transport for many years to come.
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