Table of Contents
- 1 A Road Trip That Started It All
- 2 AutoWeek Steps In: The Dutch Benchmark Test
- 3 Under the Hood: TTiD Still Punches Hard
- 4 The Weak Points: Suspension, Rust, and Rubber
- 5 The Interior: Well-Loved and Thoughtfully Upgraded
- 6 Real-World Reliability: Numbers Don’t Lie
- 7 A Youngtimer in the Making
- 8 Final Thoughts: Not Just Surviving, But Thriving
- 9 What the Saab Community Is Saying
A Road Trip That Started It All
Back in early 2025, we shared the remarkable story of Melvin Könings, a lifelong Saab enthusiast from the Netherlands, who celebrated his Saab 9-3X TTiD reaching 500,000 kilometers with a pilgrimage to Trollhättan, the brand’s spiritual home. That journey, a wintry 2,500 km tribute road trip from Ophemert to Sweden, was an emotional homage not just to a car but to a legacy. The 9-3X, a rare Aero Griffin model with a manual transmission and a twin-turbo diesel heart, had proven its resilience through snow, age, and long-distance commitment.
But what comes after such a monumental trip? More scrutiny, naturally.
AutoWeek Steps In: The Dutch Benchmark Test
The editorial team at AutoWeek Netherlands, known for its “Klokje Rond” series that evaluates high-mileage vehicles, picked up Melvin’s story and took his 9-3X under the microscope. With 504,946 km now on the odometer, it was time to put the car through a rigorous inspection—engine bay, suspension, electronics, undercarriage, and all.
In a detailed YouTube feature, journalist Marc Klaver and inspection expert Tim de Leeuw take viewers on a no-nonsense deep dive under the hood, over the lift, and behind the story of a Saab that just won’t quit. Spoiler alert: the 9-3X passed with more than just nostalgia points.
Under the Hood: TTiD Still Punches Hard
Melvin’s 9-3X is powered by the 1.9-liter Fiat-sourced JTD engine, upgraded by Hirsch Performance to around 200 hp and 430 Nm of torque. Despite half a million kilometers of hard driving—including numerous European road trips—the engine is still delivering a strong, smooth pull.
Tim, the mechanic from Carrec Technocenter, pointed out that although minor oil sweat and aging insulation are visible, the twin-turbo system is operating flawlessly. Start-up is instant, power delivery is lively, and there are no major mechanical complaints beyond expected wear.
“It’s clearly been well cared for. A few leaks and a tired engine mount, but this engine is absolutely healthy.”
The Weak Points: Suspension, Rust, and Rubber
As expected from any car with this kind of mileage, rubber and metal fatigue have started creeping in. The most prominent issues include:
- Worn engine and transmission mounts
- Radiator leak beginning to show
- Handbrake cables no longer seating properly
- Corroded subframes, especially at stress points
- Torn dust boots on several ball joints
- Noticeable pull to the right while driving, likely due to misaligned suspension geometry or shock absorber imbalance
Despite this list, Tim noted that none of the issues are dealbreakers. In fact, the overall health of the chassis and drivetrain was above expectations.
The Interior: Well-Loved and Thoughtfully Upgraded
Inside, Melvin has added a custom Hirsch leather dashboard and upgraded the infotainment to a Pioneer CarPlay unit. Despite over 500k kilometers, the cabin remains in remarkable condition. Some cosmetic wear is present—a faded airbag light has been blacked out for night driving comfort—but structurally, the seats, dash, and trim are holding up.
“This isn’t just a car—it’s a rolling office, a family tourer, and a music studio on wheels for this double bass player.”
Real-World Reliability: Numbers Don’t Lie
Melvin has spent over €32,600 in maintenance over the last 14 years, including wear-and-tear items like brakes, tires, glow plugs, a clutch, and dual-mass flywheel. Importantly, there’s no record of catastrophic failures.
He’s also burned nearly 29,000 liters of diesel, proving just how efficient the TTiD engine is, even over long distances.
That equates to an average fuel consumption of approximately 5.7 liters per 100 kilometers over its lifetime—remarkably close to factory specs even after half a million kilometers.
A Youngtimer in the Making
As of early 2026, Melvin’s Saab will officially qualify for the Netherlands’ youngtimer tax regulation, reducing his fiscal liability on the car. That means lower costs and a second life for a vehicle that still outperforms many newer models in terms of character, build quality, and practicality.
AutoWeek’s verdict? With a few necessary repairs and rust treatment, this car has what it takes to easily surpass 600,000 km! And it will likely do so with style.
Final Thoughts: Not Just Surviving, But Thriving
What began as a heartfelt tribute drive to Trollhättan has now evolved into something much more: a rolling testament to what Saab engineering, when paired with dedicated ownership, can achieve. Melvin’s Saab 9-3X is more than a high-mileage survivor. It’s a symbol of Saab’s enduring spirit and an example of how build quality and passion can outlast planned obsolescence.
Want to see the full inspection and Melvin’s interview? Watch the full AutoWeek video review here:
Read the original Dutch feature on AutoWeek.
What the Saab Community Is Saying
Beyond the admiration for Melvin’s dedication, many readers expressed how this Saab rekindled their own memories and appreciation for a brand known for its individuality. Several commenters highlighted how rare it is to see such well-preserved examples still on the road, emphasizing that this car embodies what made Saab so beloved—uniqueness, durability, and soul.
Some readers pointed out that despite a long list of minor flaws, the car’s condition was impressive for its mileage. They noted that a few worn bushings, a sweating radiator, and some cosmetic imperfections didn’t diminish the car’s value—but rather confirmed its authenticity.
There was a consensus that the Fiat-sourced 1.9 TTiD engine deserves more credit, with many noting how it continues to deliver solid performance well past the 500,000 km mark. A few mechanics chimed in with technical insights, stating that proper oil changes and routine care make this powerplant nearly bulletproof.
Others reflected on the broader fate of Saab, lamenting the brand’s demise and wondering aloud what might have been if the market had allowed more room for a carmaker that dared to be different. For them, Melvin’s 9-3X is more than just a well-kept car—it’s a rolling protest against automotive conformity.
And finally, many simply smiled at the details: the bold white stripe, the subwoofer in place of a spare tire, and Melvin’s unmistakable grin in front of the Saab Car Museum. For them, this story isn’t just about kilometers—it’s about passion that refuses to fade.
