Time to knock the Turbo X off the front page, just for a day

Our mate in Europe, WooDz, recently picked up a rare UK spec Saab 9-3 Viggen at a fairly good price, a bit lower than usual, actually. That was partly due to the state it was in. Many would pass it by, but WooDz explains his purchase in a way that I can well and truly understand:

There are things in life that just creep up on you and before you know it you’re lost in this world that many around you just don’t understand. Naturally I’m talking about the world of Saab. Talk to most people about your passion for this brand, the heritage and philosophy and you get a questionable look on their faces.

I think the reason why so many journalists have trouble rating a Saab well is because it doesn’t have a defining characteristic. They’re fast but won’t scare the living daylights out of you. They have good design but aren’t ostentatious. They have comfort but are not decadent. Virtually every feature is slightly subdued.

Well, thank God they are still around and if you love Saab as much as you think you do, then don’t let the opportunity pass ever to own one.

…..especially if it’s a Viggen!!

Here’s a few of WooDz’s issues when he first picked up his thunderbolt:

And there were some issues under the hood, too, that were remedied thus:

The engine’s been pulled to bits, as you can see above. Everything that can be has been cleaned up or replaced, including the clutch. The engine’s done 100,000 miles so far and should be well and truly set up for its next 100,000 now.

Helping to get the power down in a useful and comfortable way are a new set of Bilstien dampers and springs in all four corners.

And the end result, with all the cosmetic work done as well – BEAUTIFUL!!

A job well done!

Makes me yearn just that little bit more about getting mine back on the road again.

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