Saab 9-3 Aero Convertible

According to Saab, the second generation Saab 9-3 incorporated over 1,100 improvements on the preceding model. With the prodigious power outputs of their turbo-charged engines, the upgrades to the front suspension geometry were the most welcome, making these solid and well built machines more than capable of handling their power.

That power also came with responsibility – as one would expect from Saab. One of just 3 cars to obtain a full score in the Euro NCAP rating, the 9-3 incorporated side airbags, side impact bags and passed the gruelling pole test whereby a car was subjected to a simulated impact on its flanks from a telegraph pole. Typical Saab in many respects, it retained the centrally mounted key start and the rather nice Saab ‘Night Panel’, whereby all interior lights can be doused at the touch of a button, leaving the driver with just the essential information, a practice carried over from Saab’s aircraft manufacture.

Not really a classic car yet perhaps, but one of a number of vehicles entered from the same vendor and one of four silver convertibles that he owns (even he thinks that is a bit excessive!), this 205bhp manual version shows just two previous owners in the logbook. It has an excellent service record dating between 2004 and 2008 which was obtained by the vendor on a print-out from Hereford Saab and has been well maintained by him since.  It has covered 109,000 miles from new.

Fitted with four good Continental tyres and a new battery, it will carry a 12 month MOT by the time of sale, having seen very little usage over the past few years. The hood works perfectly, the vendor confirming that it is water tight, adding that the only thing not working on the car are the headlight wipers which he has never got round to fixing.

This fast, practical, comfortable and surprisingly economical four seater convertible looks like some summer fun for pocket money.