My 9-3 Aero Coupe

[Max M4X WW]

Hi everyone, Never really introduced myself on here before but after ditching the diesel run-around 306 HDi for the following I thought I'd stick this up.

I'm building a Mk3 Fiesta with a Zetec Turbo engine and fancied something a bit comfier for the winter!

Its a 2000, Aero, 205bhp, Full black leather with heated and electric memory front seats. Climate with working aircon (unlike the 306!) and I am half way through fitting cruise control as this was another thing on my tick list.

So far I'm quite happy, a lot comfier than the 306 and quieter. Will be doing a few things to try and tame the torque steer a bit as it is really bad. Especially in seccond gear in wet weather - but I knew this before I bought it.

Few pic's after its first wash, With aero wipers, my plate and smoked side repeaters..

[AyBee]

I have no idea why, but I actually quite like that What's it coming to, I'm 22 and like a SAAB

[Major Stare]

Its a future classic.

A lot better than the current model which is a Vectra that falls apart!

[rednotdead]

...and some of the comfiest seats ever......

[AndyBe]

Nice. But it's a hatchback isn't it ?

[A M G]

Is it actually an Aero? It doesn't have Aero body kit, suspension or seats.

I had an SE 3dr a few years back, midnight blue mica with sand leather - what a lovely car to munch miles in. Lots of mods available to tighten up the front end if you fancy.

[y2blade]

looks nice

[Si_steve]

Major Stare said:

Its a future classic.

A lot better than the current model which is a Vectra that falls apart!

Sorry to have to break it to you but this model is a vectra underneath, which works out well for me as I can use the aluminum front arms and the engines fit as a cheaper alternative to a C20LET engine

I do like these, one fo the lads at work have one

[Max M4X WW]

Thanks for the replies, In response to some comments..

AyBee said:

I have no idea why, but I actually quite like that What's it coming to, I'm 22 and like a SAAB

I'm 22!

AndyBe said:

Nice. But it's a hatchback isn't it ?

Yes, I guess - but people tend to call these a coupe as they are 2 door.

A M G said:

Is it actually an Aero? It doesn't have Aero body kit, suspension or seats

The later aero's have the viggen kit and seats. The earlier models have the airflow kit with a different spoiler. My interior is different to an SE spec one.

Si_steve said:

Sorry to have to break it to you but this model is a vectra underneath

As far as I know, Its a Cavalier!

[adam85]

Lovely motors these, yours looks in great order too!

[A M G]

Max M4X WW said:

A M G said:

Is it actually an Aero? It doesn't have Aero body kit, suspension or seats

The later aero's have the viggen kit and seats. The earlier models have the airflow kit with a different spoiler. My interior is different to an SE spec one.

You learn something new every day! I have great memories of hundreds if not thousands of miles spent on business, in Sweden, in my colleague's black Aero, in all sorts of conditions (including being just a few hours south of the Arctic Circle, down to about -20C). You do not need a jacked up 4x4 to drive in snow - we coped in a (lowered) Aero coupe with studded tyres just fine!

[Mr Ben]

Hmmm... That's the first time i've ever looked at a Saab and thought 'What a lovely looking car'

Good job sir!

[clonmult]

AndyBe said:

Nice. But it's a hatchback isn't it ?

It is definitely a hatch.

The RS500 was a 3 door hatch, and never described as a coupe. Likewise with the Escorth Cosworth.

Damn fine looking car though - I was close to getting one earlier on in the year, but couldn't find one in good enough condition or spec, eventually went for an A6 Avant.

[Red Firecracker]

Max M4X WW said:

Si_steve said:

Sorry to have to break it to you but this model is a vectra underneath

As far as I know, Its a Cavalier!

Common misconception. It uses a GM generic platform, which is shared with the Vectra (amongst others). However, the wheelbase is different and Saab made modifications to it specifically for the 9-3.

It didn't come with cruise already fitted? Thought that was standard fitment?

[Maty]

I don't particularly care whether its based on a Vectra or not, or whether it's a Coupe or if it is actually an Aero, it's a bloody lovely looking car and I bet it goes like stink! Plus it's far nicer to look at than any Vectra and it looks like a far better place to sit, so why does it matter?

There's one of these driving round here (driven by an absolute tit but thats not the point), when he booted it past me the other day I couldn't help but smile as it sounded exactly not what you would expect from a Saab!

So, whats the MPG like on it?

[y2blade]

Maty said:

I don't particularly care whether its based on a Vectra or not, or whether it's a Coupe or if it is actually an Aero, it's a bloody lovely looking car and I bet it goes like stink! Plus it's far nicer to look at than any Vectra and it looks like a far better place to sit, so why does it matter?

There's one of these driving round here (driven by an absolute tit but thats not the point), when he booted it past me the other day I couldn't help but smile as it sounded exactly not what you would expect from a Saab!

So, whats the MPG like on it?

very well said


why do some people feel the need to pick holes in another mans pride and joy?

Edited by y2blade on Monday 23 November 15:54

[Max M4X WW]

Cheers for the somewhat random comments! Mostly positive

Its currently averaging about 26-27mpg, Which isn't great. But I have only had it a couple of weeks! I was hoping it would be more like 29mpg, as my mates one does this and has an abbot map. Though his has 75k on it, not 124k!

I thought they all had cruise, As my mates does! But it seems not. I've seen a couple of late ones with the viggen kit that dont have heated seats as well.

[spaceship]

That is really nice. Like that a lot. Think i'd prefer a 5-door model though.

[Red Firecracker]

Max M4X WW said:

I thought they all had cruise, As my mates does! But it seems not. I've seen a couple of late ones with the viggen kit that dont have heated seats as well.

So did I, certainly never seen one of SE trim or above without cruise. Heated seats I know were an option in this country.

The carbon effect dash from the later 9-3 diesel SE's is a nice change from the faux wood but a bit of a mare of a job, I must admit. It's well worth getting the sump dropped and cleared of sludge as well.

ETA: eBay auction for carbon dash (not mine)

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Genuine-Saab-93-hatchback-Ca...

Edited by Red Firecracker on Monday 23 November 21:11

[Alfahorn]

Love these, driven a few. I've owned two 9000's in the past as well.