Description
This is a good, solid Saab 99 GL which has recently had a bit of light mechanical work to get it back up to scratch. Being a very late 99 it has the arguably much better 8 valve 'H' type engine from the 900 which means there is no complicated jackshaft driven water pump to contend with. Being a GL, fuel is delivered via a single Stromberg carburettor which has recently been serviced with a new diaphragm and tune up. The car starts immediately from cold with a bit of choke, and there are no hot starting issues either.
The car drives extremely well, I have recently installed a new offside CV joint and steering rack gaiter, rebuilt the rear brake calipers with new pistons and seals and fitted new exhaust rubbers to the nearly new exhaust system.
Rust wise, the only annoying bit I can see is a slight bit on the front offside inner wheel arch lip where is meets the wing in front of the wheel (as pictured), other than that there is a slight patch starting on some of the door bottoms but the car is otherwise remarkably solid.
This car is MOT and tax exempt, although I see no reason why it shouldn't pass and I can put it through an MOT before sale if wanted.
Good points:
- Great engine and gearbox, former of which still has the factory blue paint and a radiator that's like new
- Very little wear on the seats/ carpets etc
- Two keys, all lock barrels seem to be matched
- Very little rust, scuttle is perfect along with the arches, apart from a small area on the front offside inner arch lip
- Reverse lock works along with all heater controls, gauges and windscreen wipers etc
- 5 speed gearbox (4+E)
- Exhaust system was new not long ago
Not so good points:
- Headlining isn't the best, although I can re-trim it before sale if wanted
- Does have an aftermarket sunroof fitted but it doesn't seem to leak
- Various dents and scrapes but not hugely noticable
- Bit of rust on the inner arch lip as pictured
- Door bottoms are just starting to rust but largely solid
- Headlight wipers inoperative, but usually the motor just needs stripping down, cleaning and re-greasing
- The wood effect dash strip has been changed to something odd, but I'll try and re-trim it before sale
- Ignition barrel a bit worn and wobbly, but works every time
- Wheels have been banded prior to my ownership which does make for a very good ride, but may not be to everyone's taste
- Unexplained mileage discrepancy according to the patchy MOT history
- No vehicle history
The MOT history is a bit confusing since the mileage was around 212k in 2005 and then in 2012. The next MOT was 2017 where the mileage dropped to 92k, so the odometer must've been replaced, although I find it hard to believe since the car genuinely doesn't seem to have done that many miles with regards to wear and tear.
I got this car at the end of last year because it's a very solid basic 99, and after having a 99 Turbo and subsequently a very early 900 Turbo I really fancied something a bit more simple and missed my first 99. However, the honest truth is I just prefer a 900 now. That said, this car drives brilliantly and is good fun, but I miss the refinement of my early 900 so will be on the lookout for another one in time. I do admire that this car starts first time every time, whatever the weather or engine temperature. It does turn heads, and the black paintwork, despite a few dents, has a good deep shine.
If you fancy a 99 which you can just get in and drive, with no work required in the immediate future then this is for you!
