Used 1997 Saab 9000 Aero - cars & trucks - by owner - vehicle automotive... for sale in Aptos, CA

The 1997 Saab Aero was the last year that Swedish motor car company Saab manufactured the 9000 Aero. It was an exceptional car for the time and remains an amazing vehicle. Mine has 168,000 miles on it and, with proper care, is probably good for another 100K. Saab's engineering was second to none at the time. I've had it since it had 38,000 miles and it has never had an expensive breakdown. One of the great tragedies of the automotive industry was when GM bought Saab and destroyed the company.

Those who know the 9000 know that it has great geometry, a low profile and substantial torsional rigidity making it a great handling car. It was my daily driver over HWY 17 for a few years and it was a champ in all conditions. It loves those turns, especially when I'd take Old San Jose Road home to avoid traffic on Hwy 1.

Saab literally invented the turbo for aircraft they manufactured to improve performance at high altitude. It's no surprise then that the Saab 9000 Aero's 225 horsepower turbo charged engine delivers amazing performance. In 1997 Car and Driver said it's speed down the quarter mile was just one second slower than the Porsche 911 of the same year. After all these miles, it's still a beast, a BMW eater.

It's also a very comfortable car. The driver's area was designed by Saab's aerospace guys, so it's comfortable, with every control and gauge right where it should be for max performance. It's a four door with plenty of backseat room for long legged adults in the back. It's also a hatchback. I drive with my 9'6" longboard tucked along the passenger's side of the vehicle just by reclining the front passenger seat. I've also hauled a chest of drawers in the car by folding down the back seats.

Great car. But it's old, so it has minor issues. There is clear coat beginning to separate on the hood and there are numerous nicks in the hood finish from road gravel. The front grill was painted black at one point and the underlying chrome is showing through. The driver's seat has stitching coming apart (did I mention it's Recarro style leather seats front and back?). It's been my surf car for the last few years and I haven't detailed the thing, so it's not concourse, by any means.

It's rock solid mechanically, though. I've taken good care of it, having it regularly serviced at Pearce European, which is a Saab specialty shop. Call Chris at Pearce European and he'll give you an honest opinion about the car.

I'm hoping someone who likes Saabs as much as I do buys it.