SE Auto

Remarkably Good Car.

I have owned and driven most premium European makes but have always liked SAABs. First was a Swedish built 99 GL in my 20s, then a Finnish built 99GL (one of the last) and a Swedish built 900 GLs Auto when we needed two cars. These were wonderful, beautifully made, quirky cars that drove better the worse weather conditions got.

The GM-based models had mixed reviews and the love-affair had subsided. However, after a period working abroad, I realised I was suffering SAAB withdrawal so, 7 years ago, bought a 2000 reg, 2.0 litre SE LPT 4-speed Auto with heated Leather (still smelled new!) and all toys, Also still had the trademark SAAB headlight wipers (so useful for muddy rural roads round us …deleted from 2001 MY on).

I then went abroad again so car stood under a cover for 9 months. Connected a battery on my return, and it started first turn of the key ...a good sign I thought.

The previous owner had it as a company car for a year before retiring and kept it on, to do 1,800 miles a year (I bought it for a little over £2K as a 10 year old car with 25,000 miles on the clock). The car has now done 56,000 miles (still hardly run-in for the old models). It is a wonderfully comfortable, spacious, nicely screwed-together car.

Whilst fuel economy was much better than my 3 speed 900, I thought I could improve it. Installing a Swedish BSR Stage 1Tuning kit was a revelation, improving power, delivery and economy. Using a program of brim-to-brim checks (though the fuel computer seems pretty accurate), overall fuel economy has improved from 27mpg to 31mpg, with 39mpg easily achieved on a motorway run at the legal limit (even achieved a diesel-like 46mpg on a trip on the M5/M6 to Cumbria).

The only faults have been the engine management light coming on (proved to be a small hose that had come adrift), a broken front fog light (front bumper is easy to remove), a sticking heater control (bit of a pain to get to but easy to change) and a failed headlight bulb (cheap after market so replaced all headlight bulbs with Lucas that are still going).

In addition to service items, I have connected the second rear fog (easy as the board, etc. is in place) and fitted after-market (much cheaper!) reversing sensors (just had to take the bumper off ...all is pre-marked and pre-moulded so simple enough).

At almost 17 years old, getting in still brings a smile to my face! When it finally dies (if it ever does) I will simply buy another …probably a diesel auto (2007 plate, 50K milers still available for £3K). Must be the best-kept secret in executive motoring!

Report as offensive