Bored of Jets: 2008 Saab 9-3 Turbo X
This next Saab comes from late in the era of GM produced Saabs. The 2002-2014 Saab 9-3 had more in common with an Opel Insignia than it did with the original Saab 99…not that its a bad thing. But the interesting thing about the 9-3 Turbo X is that 280 horsepower from a turbocharged 2.8 liter V6 goes into a 6-speed manual gearbox and eventually to all four wheels. Find this 2008 Saab 9-3 Turbo X bidding for $6,000 in Orefield, PA via carsandbids.com.
From the seller:
Ending January 15 at 11:50am
View Vehicle History Report
Make Saab
Model 9-3
Seller brad108 brad108
Location Orefield, PA 18069
VIN YS3FM47R881150561
Mileage 185,200
Body Style Sedan
Engine 2.8L Turbocharged V6
Drivetrain 4WD/AWD
Transmission Manual (6-Speed)
Exterior Color Jet Black
Interior Color Black
Title Status Clean (PA)
Seller Type Private Party
Highlights
THIS… is a 2008 Saab 9-3 Turbo X sedan, finished in Jet Black with a black leather interior.This 9-3 is equipped with the sought-after 6-speed manual transmission.
The AutoCheck history report shows no accidents or body damage.
Modifications made to this 9-3 include a Hirsch sport suspension and an M-Tech short shifter. The original window sticker shown in the gallery reveals it’s also equipped with the Touring package and the Cold Weather package, among other features.
Service records shown in the gallery detail some of the maintenance, repairs, and modifications performed on this 9-3. It notably received a new clutch kit in August 2018 at 166,833 miles.
The Turbo X was a special 9-3. It was the first all-wheel-drive 9-3, and it sat at the apex of the line-up for 2008. The model got a 25-horsepower boost for its turbo V6, a stiffer suspension with a lower ride height, a boost gauge, and carbon-look trim. 600 sedans and SportCombi wagons were built, and all were painted in Jet Black.
Power for this 9-3 comes from a 2.8-liter turbocharged V6, which produces 280 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. It spins the 4 wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission and an electronic limited-slip rear differential.
Equipment
Touring package (rear parking sensors, driver’s seat with memory, auto-dimming mirror, Homelink transceiver)
Cold Weather package (heated front seats, headlight washers)
18-inch wheels
Adaptive Xenon headlamps
Carbon fiber interior trim
Leather upholstery
Power-adjustable front sport seats
Sunroof
Bose Centerpoint sound system
6-disc CD changer
Satellite radio
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The earlier V6s were unloved, but I wouldn’t kick 280hp out of bed for eating ryvita, or however that phrase goes. You’re right, it’s not very Saab-y—the overall shape, the GMneric gauges, bleh—but it does have the key in the right place and a Night Panel button.
The wheels are special for this model. Saab made great wheels, some of which could be used as cake pans. Fika time!
One word: Haldax!
Spelled Haldex. Apparently, there is something that the iPhone thinks I’m writing about called a haldax?
Great taximeters and typewriters.
Love this, and when aggressively bolstered seats still look that good after 180k miles, it screams “babied” for the rest of the car. Alas, it’s too recent since I was burned by a “cheap” Viggen that did its best to turn me off of Saabs forever—gotta get over this Scandinavian PTSD first.