SeriousSAAB is an independent, not for profit website, set up in 2009 by one of the UK's leading SAAB enthusiasts. My mission statement is "to share a wealth of information about SAAB cars that we have gained over the course of a decade buying, owning, operating and repairing hundreds of these cars over a total distance approaching one million miles". In constructing the web site, the author has applied a basic principle of computer programming (don't re-invent the wheel) by gathering up information in a set of Buyer's Guides, technical data and workshop procedures which answer a number of frequently asked questions that appear on car club forums. In addition, SeriousSAAB aims to keep readers up to speed with news that is relevant to SAAB owners and enthusiasts and the site also offers a range of articles on general motoring issues.

SeriousSAAB - first year key stage review

From fairly modest beginnings and attracting only a handful of visitors mainly from the UK, the site frequently attracts over 900 hits per day from all over the world. The volume of e-mail has increased substantially but the author still manages, wherever possible, to reply personally to all queries (unlike some other web sites). Most first year targets were achieved, although progress has been slower than anticipated. Feedback from readers has been overwhelmingly positive and it is this element that makes it all worthwhile.

About SeriousSAAB - what is so special about SAAB?

SAAB cars have a history of achieving notable firsts: the first turbo charged production car, the first car with seatbelts fitted as standard equipment and SAAB pioneered the way with asbestos free brake linings and CFC free climate control systems in cars and many other firsts too. Innovation, though, is matched by a preoccupation with safety and attention to detail, so, with cars looking increasingly similar (due to computer aided design and the use of wind-tunnels), the discerning buyer and driver would find much to like in SAAB cars. Volvo is a maker whose name is synonymous with safety but the truth of the matter is that there are few safer cars to drive or travel in than a SAAB. Most owners -thankfully- will never discover just how strong their cars are but the author, having stripped ALL models down to bare shells is convinced that there is no safer place to put your nearest and dearest in. The massive construction and dedication to safety only becomes apparent under the skin, as the outer panels are lifted off. Anorak fact: one of the few components not listed for a SAAB in the parts system is a replacement bodyshell. The rationale is simple: the structure is designed not to protect itself but the driver and passengers- if a car is so badly damaged that it needs a new shell, then it is time to buy another car. A very high proportion of owners who have had accidents while driving their SAAB cars simply refuse even to consider buying anything else. Safety apart, the author, however, believes that the most appealing characteristic of the marque is affordability - these cars surely represent the best value prestige car in the used car sector.

Why just SAAB cars since 1992?

The author and his brother have owned just a single classic 900. Our adventures with SAABs started in the 1990s with the 9000 and NG900 and continue into this century with the 9-3 and 9-5. Although the classic 900 certainly comes onto the equation, the range is not one with which we are familiar or feel we have the right to talk about with any degree of authority. We are, of course, fans of all SAAB cars and at SAAB car shows, the author, while certainly looking at more recent products, would likely spend most time looking at the two strokes, Sonnets, V4s and 90.

How the author discovered SAAB

In the mid 1990's, a need arose for an affordable used car that could cover high monthly mileages with good availability and reliability but without incurring excessive fuel or maintenance costs. After less successful trials with other vehicles, a SAAB 9000i was acquired. This sparked an interest in the breed that some would say has become an obsession and led to the author becoming known as 'the Mad 9000 Enthusiast'. As our cars were regularly covering 3000 miles a week, shortcomings and weaknesses were exposed quickly and it was unusual for cars to be 'on the team' for more than 3 months.

Product knowledge was amassed quite quickly and when we converted an automatic 9000 turbo to manual transmission, using a 'spares' car, someone else offered another 9000 at a price we couldn't refuse. Now, well over a decade later, we have owned well over 300 9000, NG900, 9-3 and 9-5 models including saloons, estates, convertibles and diesel variants. Quite a few cars have been stripped to bare shells for spares and the author believes this way more than any other provides a good insight into construction and the best way to approach repairs. We feel the knowledge we have amassed deserves a wider audience because what we know may help or be of interest to owners, potential owners and enthusiasts. Much of this knowledge has been incorporated into the three Buyers Guides for the 9000, NG900 & 9-3 and 9-5. The guides detail production history, model variants, performance and of course pitfalls to be aware of.

The 9000 Buying Guide came about after the author began to receive a steady trickle of enquiries and SAAB 9000 related queries. Whereas true enthusiasts like nothing more than to talk about their hobby, there was an increasing sense of déjà vu. As an occasional contributor to the SOC forums, it became clear that the same old chestnuts kept cropping up and there was a definite need to be addressed. Writing the 9000 Buying Guide (kindly hosted by Bill J at www.saab9000.com) was the first step but it has taken some years to take the next one in launching this website.

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