2001 Saab 9-3 Viggen Hatchback 4-door 2.3l on 2040-cars

Black 2001 Saab Viggen

This is a rare 2001 Saab 9-3 VIGGEN w/ 5-speed manual transmission. Saab only manufactured this high-performance car for 4 years. 

Only 1251 were manufactured in 2001, and only 129 were imported to the USA that year. This car was over $40,000 new. Every part of this car was specifically designed for performance and handling. 

Here are some of the performance upgrades outlined by Saab for the Saab 9-3 Viggen:
A high-powered version of the Saab 9-3 is the "Viggen" (English: Thunderbolt). It is named after the Saab 37 Viggen fighter jet aircraft. Production ended in 2002. It comes with a turbocharged 2.3 L engine, (B235R) giving 230 bhp on 20 psi of boost from its Mitsubishi turbocharger and 252 lb/ft torque. Acceleration from 0-60 mph was tested at 6 seconds, coming in first in its class at 0-100 mph and 0-120 mph.

To provide and handle the high power and performance, the following elements were factory upgraded:
Higher capacity intercooler
Higher performance tuned ECU
Larger flow-through exhaust system
Heavy-duty clutch and pressure plate
Stiffened and lowered springs
Firmer dampers
Stronger CV joints and driveshafts 

Not only did Saab produce a great performance sports car, they also designed an amazing interior for safety, comfort and accessibility. The drivers' seat and controls were literally designed after the cockpit of a jet fighter. This car provides a wonderful driver experience with all controls fashioned for beauty as well as maximum driver function. This car was also built with ultimate safety in mind. It still ranks very high for safety even among today's standards with its side airbags. 

Here are some of its key features:
Power locks and windows
Leather interior
Air conditioning - digitally programmable climate control
Security Alarm
Remote door locks
Driver and passenger airbags
Side airbags
Programmable power seats
Heated Seats
Power Sun Roof
Traction Control System
Headlight wipers
All VIGGEN trim and markings
And much more!

My daughter originally purchased the Viggen in Dallas, TX in 2003 when the owner traded it in on a Corvette. . When she got a company car a few years later it became mine. It has been garaged the almost all the time since then.  I work from home so it only made a couple of trips to the post office and some errands and mostly short trips each week.   

I replace the engine last year (I blew a rod). I also replaced the clutch assembly at the same time. This car has never been beaten although on a few occasion would be driven with enthusiasm. The new Viggen engine is stronger than even the old one was and it has lower mileage. It had 47k when it was put in about 10k ago.   This car runs and handles almost like it is new. It has Goodyear Eagle RSA's on it with only about 10k on them.  It always starts immediately, has responsive acceleration and amazing handling.

Most things on this car work great however the air conditioning currently does not work but that is only because I did not get if recharged. I believe its fine other than the recharge needed.  The radio works but some of the LED's on the radio are out. For a while, the LED's would flash then they just went out.  I never liked the radio anyway so I was going to put a new one in but did not get around to it. 

It was recently inspected and emissions tested. It has a recent synthetic oil change and I replaced the ignition module at the same time. There is a slight and I mean slight ding under the gas cap. There is also a slight ding on the driver's side door from someone opening a card door. That is about it. 

I am selling the Viggen because I had a 2011 Audi A3 given to me. I have not driven the Viggen much since. I did drive it on a 150-mile trip on a recent Sunday and it ran like a top. It has about the best seats I have ever sat in and the bottom line is that it is a really fun car to drive. If it was not for the Audi, I was planning to drive the Viggen, affectionately known as "Viggy" for another 5 to 10 years. 

It has classic looks so it just does not look like an older car. It certainly still looks good enough to park at the country club or wherever you would like to go. It does still get compliments. 

Please feel free to contact me with any additional questions. Thank you.