2006 Saab 9-3 Aero with Super Low Miles and a 6-speed Manual
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For November 15, 2021, our used car find is this super low-mileage 2006 Saab 9-3 Aero sedan with just 18k on the odometer and equipped with a rare six-speed manual gearbox. It’s offered on Craigslist by a private seller in the Reno area for $14,995 or best offer.
Here’s what makes this one special.
Introduction
One of the last great Saabs, the 9-3 Aero is a direct descendent of the legendary 900 Turbo from the 1980s. The original Aero was a high-performance version of the 900 Turbo. A copyright issue with GM forced the first iteration of the car to be known in the US as the SPG, while everywhere else it was known as the Aero.
Each successive generation of Saab’s compact executive car continued the original Aero’s tradition of aggressive engine tuning, beefier suspensions, and slick bodywork. And by the time the 900 became the 9-3 (for the 1999 model year), GM was part owner of the Swedish automaker, which meant the Aero moniker could be applied here, too.
The Listing
This particular car comes from towards the end of the 9-3 Aero run. By then, Saab had worked out most of its kinks (such as massive torque steer) while leaving in enough quirks (such as the center console-mounted ignition) to maintain its Swedish charm.
It also sports a 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 engine — new for 2006 — that churns out 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of twist. Power is routed to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. According to MotorTrend, the combo is good for 0-60 runs in about six second flat, which made the 9-3 Aero Saab’s fastest-ever production car at the time.
If you’ve been hunting for a nice example, it’s hard to imagine there’s a better one out there than this. With not even 20,000 miles, it looks almost new inside and out, and it also sports a terrific color: Chili Red.
In the words of the seller…
Mike purchased this Saab new in Reno in 2006 – Always garaged / Always covered when garaged/ One Owner / 17,700 miles document supported.
‘Like New Condition’ Must See To Believe!
No accidents / no repaints / zero rust / no scratches / no wheel rash / no interior stains or scratches / YES car has been professionally maintained / Maintenance Records / Yes car is factory high performance AERO Six Cyl Turbo charged Engine / Six Speed manual shift / Yes car is loaded with Options including Borbet Alloy wheels were on the car when purchased / disc brakes / Navigation/ multi disc / Traction Control / cold weather package : heated leather seats / trunk – cabin pass through opens for ski transport / Moon roof / Red Paint / Leather Interior / Borbet Wheels / Continental 18’’ tires new/ all perfect condition!
This car competes with; exceeds the competition! Mercedes, Lexus, Jaguar, BMW, Porsche, Toyota, Chevrolet, Ford, Chrysler, Dodge, Nissan, Aston Martin, Rolls-Royce, Bentley,
Call original owner Mike purchased off the showroom floor at Allison Saab Dealership Reno / to see the nicest one owner 4 door Sedan high performance Saab Aero 9.3
If we had to find fault, it does seem that the driver’s seat leather is showing some signs of creasing, which is typical of Saabs from this era, especially in a light color like Parchment. It’s quite minor, though.
With most 9-3 Aero prices sitting well below ten grand, the ask here of almost $15,000 does seem rather steep. However, we think the crazy low miles, excellent spec, and outstanding condition will likely command a significant premium. The closest comparable we can find on Bring a Trailer is quite a bit newer (a 2011 model) but has double the miles and doesn’t sport a manual gearbox. It sold earlier this year for about this same price.
Here’s a link to the 9-3 Aero listing on Craigslist.
Details and Specs
- 17,871 miles
- 2.8-liter turbocharged six cylinder engine
- 250 hp @ 5,500 rpm
- 258 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm
- six-speed manual transmission
- front-wheel drive (FWD)
- Chili Red exterior
- Parchment leather interior
- for sale by owner
- $14,995 (or best offer)
- Reno, Nevada
- YS3FH46U461033776
Photos