Highlights

Very low mileage example of well respected Saab 9-5
One family owned from new
Full Saab and specialist service history
MOT to January 2024
High specification including cruise and heated seats
New clutch and full service within last 12 months

The Appeal

The 9-5 was Saab’s tilt at the executive car sector, a lucrative market that it had previously dallied with but failed to crack. Where the earlier 9000 was jointly developed with Fiat, resulting in compromises that disappointed Saab, the 9-5 was a Saab-only design. Yes, there were some GM bits under the svelte lines, but they were minimal and well hidden. Most used Saab’s proven four cylinder engine, first introduced in the 99.

The 9-5 quickly gained a reputation as a supremely capable and comfortable big executive car. There was also a capacious estate, which took the dog- and antiques-carrying fight to Volvo. Enthusiasts of modern classics value the car’s individuality and solidity.

This 9-5 estate is a rare survivor from the first few years of production. A family owned, very low mileage car, it has the highly durable 2.0T B205 Saab engine developing 150bhp. The full service history includes significant recent work, including a new clutch. There are some cosmetic issues to be aware of but otherwise this looks like a very solid, very well looked after example of Saab’s excellent executive estate. It seems to offer the new owner many miles of distinctive travel ahead.

The History And Paperwork

First registered 28th January 1999
MOT to January 2024 with small number of advisories
Fully stamped service book by Saab and specialists
Last serviced at 52,351 miles in May 2022
New clutch and £1,200 expenditure in May 2022
Two Saab keys and factory fobs
All service books and handbooks

The Interior

Grey cloth interior in very good condition
Heated front seats
Saab SID perfect with no pixellation typical of model
Air conditioning and cruise control
Carpets and overmats in very good condition

Step into this 9-5 and it could only be a Saab. The chunky dashboard, clad in attractive wood-effect finish, groups the main dials and switchgear all within the driver’s eyeline while the big, soft seats are comfortable in a way that the car’s German rivals never quite managed.

Clever Saab features abound, like the ignition switch located in the centre console to avoid knee injury in the event of an accident. The car also has to be put into reverse to release the key – another safety feature designed to prevent the car rolling forward on hills.

The interior of this car is in very good condition, reflecting the low mileage and longstanding family ownership. Saabs were particularly well specified and this one has heated seats, air conditioning and cruise control as well as a quality sound system. The carpets throughout the car and in the boot and the overmats are all in very good condition. We understand from the Seller that all the fittings work correctly, including the beautifully elegant front cup holder.

The car is supplied with its original handbooks and tool set, including the space saver spare wheel. The photographs indicate they the tools appear unused.

There are two factory keys and fobs supplied with the car.

The Exterior

Attractive dark grey metallic paintwork
Various cosmetic scratches and scrapes to bodywork
Factory alloy wheels in good condition

The 9-5 design cleverly references the earlier 900 in its sweeping rear window line and clamshell bonnet. It is a handsome shape that has aged well.

This one family owned car is finished in an attractive shade of dark grey metallic. The body appears rust free but there are various cosmetic points around the car for the buyer to be aware of.

On the offside the there are scuffs to the rear bumper and wing and the offside rear light has begun to deteriorate as shown in the photographs. The front bumper and front wing on this side of the car are also heavily scuffed. The offside front wheel is scratched and kerbed and the offside rear wheel has a small bloom of corrosion on the edge.

The nearside of the car shows damage to the driver’s door, front bumper corner and front wing and the same on the rear wing and bumper at the corner. The nearside rear light has a hole that has allowed moisture to enter.

There is a long dent and scratch on the boot.

The MOT in January 2023 showed advisories for two front tyres – which are close to the limit – and the rear number plate, which the photographs show is beginning to discolour.

The Mechanics

B205 ‘slant four’ Saab engine with low pressure turbo generating 150bhp
5-spd manual gearbox
Full service history
Last serviced at 52,351 miles in May 2022
New clutch and gearbox flush in May 2022, part of £1,200 expenditure
All servicing by Saab or same local specialist

The B205 four cylinder engine at the heart of this 9-5 was an evolution of a Saab engine first developed in 1981. Like all Saab engines it has a reputation for considerable longevity so the low mileage of this car in Saab terms is barely run in. In this car it is mated to a 5spd manual gearbox.

The 2litre motor in this car is fitted with Saab’s ‘Eco Power’ light pressure turbo. The firm pioneered turbocharging in the late 70s with the 99; by the time of the 9-5 they had virtually perfected it, eliminating the lag characteristic of forced induction to create a smooth engine with gradual and wide power band.

Saab engines may be durable but they respond well to regular maintenance. This car has received that, its fully stamped service book by Saab dealers and specialists indicating fastidious ownership. It was most recently serviced 4,000 miles ago in May 2022 at a cost of over £1,200. This work included the service as well as a gearbox fluid flush and new clutch.

The underside of the car appears very solid, just the usual surface rust typical of the age of the car. The MOT did not throw up any structural advisories. The MOT does indicate that the front discs may need replacing before the next test and there is corrosion on the offside front coil spring. Both should be relatively easily fixes.

Summary

The Saab 9-5 is one of the firm’s most accomplished cars: quirky, spacious and very comfortable, it hints at what might have been had the company survived. Enthusiasts love them but good, low mileage examples early examples like this one are increasingly hard to find.

This low mileage car does have some cosmetic issues to be aware of but the full service history, one family ownership and long MOT indicate that mechanically and structurally it is in very good condition. Look beyond the aesthetics and this seems to be a car with a lot of life left in it.

Notice to bidders

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