As an automotive journalist with over a decade of experience, Nicolas Ruis has had the privilege of driving and reviewing countless cars, ranging from cutting-edge electric vehicles to high-performance sports cars. Yet, his enduring love for his 2000 Saab 9-3 Aero Convertible tells a different kind of story—one of passion, loyalty, and a connection to a car that transcends mere performance specs. In his recent update on Autoblog.nl, Nicolas reflects on the highs and lows of owning this Swedish convertible, affectionately named “Jaap.” From costly restorations to exhilarating road trips across Spain, this article offers a deep dive into Nicolas’s enduring bond with his Saab.
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The Commitment to Restore and Preserve: A Testament to Saab Quality
When Nicolas purchased his Saab 9-3 Aero Convertible in 2023 for approximately €6,500, he knew he was getting a car that had seen its fair share of miles—about 275,000 kilometers to be exact. Despite its good condition, it needed significant repairs to be brought back to its former glory. As Nicolas candidly admits, restoring the car became a passion project, and like many Saab enthusiasts, he was willing to invest more than just money to ensure his Aero stood the test of time.
The first major overhaul was the convertible top, which had suffered from years of wear. “I initially thought I’d just need to replace the fabric,” Nicolas recalls, “but it turned out much worse. The inner lining was disintegrating, metal components were rusting, and the hydraulics were failing.” For the full repair, Nicolas turned to Cabrio Care in Naarden, who replaced the entire roof with a brand-new dark blue one that functioned flawlessly. The cost? A hefty €4,500. But for Nicolas, it was essential to bring the car back to life. “With the new roof, I could finally have a conversation while driving with the top up—a small but essential victory.”
In addition to the roof, Nicolas invested in new drive shafts, brake discs, and pads all around, not to mention a new turbocharger and a variety of other maintenance items. All this work was carried out by J&B Auto’s, a renowned Saab specialist in Bussum. The total bill? Around €10,000—a sum that Nicolas acknowledges is far beyond the car’s resale value. “I’ll never get that money back, but I don’t care. I wanted the car to be perfect, and now it is.”
Road Trips and Adventures: The Saab 9-3 Aero in Action
One of the joys of owning a Saab—especially a convertible like the 9-3 Aero—is the sheer pleasure of driving it. For Nicolas, his restoration efforts were quickly rewarded when he took the car on a road trip to Northern Spain in 2023. “The trip was flawless. No issues, just pure enjoyment,” he reflects. While his Saab may not handle like the Porsche Boxster he also owns, Nicolas was still impressed by its performance, comfort, and surprising agility.
“For a car of its age, the 9-3 Aero is still quick, and the sport seats are incredibly comfortable even after all these years,” he notes. The Aero’s heated seats and recently installed wind deflector made driving with the top down a joy, even in colder weather. “With the heating set to max and the seat warmers on, I could easily drive with the roof down in freezing temperatures.”
In 2024, Nicolas took his Saab on another ambitious trip, this time a 5,000-kilometer road trip through Spain, including an off-road excursion in Ibiza and a top-speed run of 240 km/h on Spain’s AP7 highway. “The car performed admirably, even after a minor collision with a wild boar and navigating the narrow medieval streets of a Spanish mountain village. It’s not just a pretty face—this car can handle just about anything.”
The Real Cost of Saab Ownership: Is It Worth It?
When asked whether all the investments he’s made into his Saab 9-3 Aero are worth it, Nicolas offers a nuanced response. “Yes, I’ve spent more on the car than it’s technically worth, but for me, it’s about more than just numbers. I’ve restored a piece of automotive history, and it brings me joy every time I drive it.”
One of the common concerns with owning a classic Saab is fuel efficiency, and Nicolas is candid about the Aero’s thirst for fuel. “It’s not built for fuel economy. On average, I get about 9 kilometers per liter, and in city driving, it’s closer to 6 kilometers per liter. It drinks a lot of E5, but I don’t mind because I don’t drive it daily.”
Despite the financial commitment and occasional inconvenience, Nicolas firmly believes that owning a Saab 9-3 Aero Convertible is a uniquely rewarding experience. “I think the world would be a much better place if everyone drove a Saab 9-3 Aero Convertible,” he muses, half-serious. “It’s hard to explain, but there’s something about this car that makes driving feel special.”
The Future of Nicolas’s Saab: What Comes Next?
With winter approaching, Nicolas is once again preparing to store his Saab, this time in a facility for classic cars in Alphen aan den Rijn, where it will sit alongside other enthusiasts’ prized possessions. The future of his beloved convertible, however, remains somewhat uncertain. “I’ve got another classic car waiting to join the Autoblog Garage, and I’m not sure if I have room for both,” he admits.
But parting with the Saab seems unlikely, at least for now. “It’s such a well-preserved example, and it’s cost me almost nothing in maintenance this year aside from a few minor fixes. I’d be crazy to let it go.”
Why Nicolas’s Saab 9-3 Aero Convertible Represents More Than Just a Car
For Nicolas Ruis, the Saab 9-3 Aero Convertible has become more than just a mode of transportation—it’s a symbol of craftsmanship, passion, and dedication. From extensive restorations to unforgettable road trips, Nicolas’s journey with his Saab encapsulates the very essence of what it means to be a Saab enthusiast.
At its core, this story is about more than just a car—it’s about maintaining a connection to a brand that refuses to fade into obscurity, and a commitment to preserving an automotive legacy that resonates with fans worldwide. As Nicolas says, “I’m not done with my Saab yet, and I’m pretty sure it’s not done with me either.”
