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September 12, 2020 2:55 pm by

6-speed Manual Saab 9-3 Aero SportKombi

For September 12, 2020, our used car find is this one-owner 2006 Saab 9-3 Aero SportKombi with relatively few miles (92k) and a rare manual gearbox. It’s listed on craigslist by a private seller in the Dallas area for $7000.

Here’s what makes this one special.

Introduction

Introduced in 2002 (for the 2003 model year), the second generation Saab 9-3 is the spiritual successor to the legendary Saab 900 from the 1980s, though with underpinnings from GM’s German subsidiary, Opel. With an emphasis on fun, utility, and safety, it carried forward many of Saab’s quirky traditions, including front-wheel drive, turbocharging, and even a between-the-front-seats ignition.

Two years later, the wagon version debuted, dubbed SportKombi — an homage to the original Saab hatchback from the 1970s. At the time, Car and Driver praised it for delivering the feel of Saabs of lore, “right down to the front-drive power delivery: hints of turbo lag, hints of torque steer, slightly rubbery shifting, but plenty of willing spirit at the apex, when the driver summons everything the engine’s got to pull out of a corner.”

The Listing

This particular car is everything you could hope for in a 9-3 of this vintage. It’s a one-owner, accident-free example in great spec and with relatively low miles.

The Aero SportKombi trim was the top-of-the-line for the day and includes most every option available, including a 2.8 liter turbo V6 sending 250 hp to the front wheels through a 6-speed manual gearbox. That’s good for 0-60 runs in the low 6 second range, which is plenty quick even by today’s standards.

Add to that the great looking Laser Red paint, which still shines nicely, plus a well-preserved interior (a rarity in older Saabs), and it adds up to one of the coolest Saabs we’ve seen for sale in quite a while.

The asking price of $9500 is not unreasonable for such a clean example in this condition. In fact, we think that’s a pretty low entry price into a very compelling chapter of Saab’s storied past.

Details and Specs

  • 2006 Saab 9-3 Aero SportKombi
  • 92k miles
  • 2.8 liter turbocharged V6 engine (250 hp)
  • 6-speed manual transmission
  • Laser Red on Parchment leather
  • for sale by owner for $9500
  • Arlington, Texas
  • YS3FH56U461110376

 

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