How did I really become a Saabist?

The company I worked for in the early eighties did offer management always Audi 100 cars.
However when Audi launched the ultra-modern Audi 100 with the totally new look the CEO decided that our customers would not be amused to see us drive such new modelled cars and gave us all the Peugeot 504.

My 3 Saabs

That was a big change and none of the managers was really happy. After two years the decision was then taken to let management choose their own cars as long as it stayed within defined budgets. We were with three managers who were fond of Saab and so negotiated with the leasing company that we could choose our Saab car and with some arguing we could all three choose our Saab and stay within the strict budget the company had given. This was in the year 1991.

One took a Saab 900 Turbo and my colleague and I did choose the 9000 CD. We had to drop the Turbo while that was too much but when test-driving this 9000 we were completely blown off our feet.
What a fine car, what a seats, what a fine interior, what a secure feeling and even without the Turbo; what a driving experience. This was a totally different driving experience compared with all cars we drove before.

Since that first Saab we all three never went for company car of another brand. I myself had after the CD three 9000 CSE’s and this, in fact, is still the best Saab I ever drove. I still regret that I had to give the CSE Anniversary back to the leasing company after 120.000 KM while that was such an extraordinary car which was beloved not only by myself but by the whole family.

When I changed company I had the luck that Saab had a VIP program and that citizens working in a European country but with a citizenship of another European country could have their Saab being ordered in Sweden. That program did result in quite a discount so I decided to buy my first Saab in 2000; a Saab 9-5 Estate.

Marcus and myself at French border

And more Saab did follow under the same program and so I really became a Saab enthusiast while these Saabs were mine and no leasing company could decide that the car had to be returned for resale.
In the mean time I also infected my wife, or better said she had no choice, while the special program did count as well for the purchase of her cars.

My current Saab is a 9-5 NG from the last production months and I so want to drive that car as long as possible. Unfortunately this car will never become an old-timer while the software in modern cars can most probably not be supported as long as the mechanics do held. But even if the lovely 9-5 NG will come to his end I do continue with my Saab 96 and Saab 900. These two real old-timers will allow me to continue to enjoy the driving experience which a real Saabist cannot find anywhere else.

Thanks Jan-Eric for sharing! We`ll send you one of our limited Saab folders.

Your personal Saab story is greatly appreciated ! pls submit if you like !

4 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Hans S.
Hans S.
6 Jahre zuvor

Tolle Autos! Vor allem der 95er in Java Metallic ist einfach hammerhaft!

Christian
Christian
6 Jahre zuvor

Thank you for sharing your great story!!

GP362
GP362
6 Jahre zuvor

Nice Story and a very nice collection. I can imagine that You regret to give the 9000 away.

Herbert Hürsch
Herbert Hürsch
6 Jahre zuvor

What a beautiful collection ! ! !

One must admit, your 3 SAABs arouse envy. From early SAAB to 900 cabriolet and on to 9-5 NG, the very last SAAB.
All of which are important milestones in SAAB’s history … Just nice ! ! !

And of course, the 9000 is not missing in your story either. Every one who ever drove one knows exactly what you mean, what you felt while driving her and how you miss her today …