Saab and Volvo Spotting - Fall 2021

Despite being at school, I was able to find a fair amount of Swedish cars around. Some were found on campus, and I did go home a few weekends, so I was able to find some elsewhere too. Most of the finds are modern cars, but again, there are some classics sprinkled in. Enjoy!

September 23, 2021: 2002 Saab 9-5 Sportcombi

This early 2000s 9-5 was spotted on campus in the Kingston Emporium strip mall. Look at that parking job, the owner must've been in a rush!

September 23, 2021: 2006 Saab 9-3 Aero

This Saab belongs to another Saab enthusiast at URI. I got to meet the owner of this car too. It's an '06 9-3 Aero that's been modified a bit. This car has 247k original miles, but still runs strong. The owner has upgraded the exhaust, brakes, and suspension. 

October 23, 2021: Volvo 240 Estate

Sam has once again delivered us a lovely old Volvo still earning its keep. 

Sam: "This was spotted on my return to campus from Fall Break.  On my trips to and from campus, I usually encounter at least one 240 on the highway."

 November 6, 2021: 2003 Saab 9-3 SE Convertible with Our 9-3X

This was spotted late one evening on a run to Target in Seekonk. When I pulled into the lot, I was greeted by the body shape of the first generation 9-3 convertible. Sadly, my iPhone camera does not work well at night, despite what the advertisements may tell you, so sadly, you can't make this 9-3 'Vert out too well. 

Above: November 30, 2021: 2001 Saab 9-3 Hatchback w/ Five Speed Manual

Out on a late night stroll on campus, I came across this first gen Saab 9-3 at one of the residence halls. This is a common car I see around campus that belongs to one of the students. It also has a 5 speed manual transmission. I don't think I've mentioned this, but this body style is one of my favorite modern era Saabs, along with the Saab 9-5 wagon. This body style was carried over from the second gen 900 (1994-98), and was used as the 9-3 until 2002. I would really love to have one of these in my Saab collection someday.

December 7, 2021: 2010 Saab 9-3X Sportcombi

This is a real Saab treat! To the untrained eye, it's just a 9-3 wagon with some extra trim, but these cars are pretty rare. The 9-3X was a one year only trim offered by Saab to compete with the Volvo XC70 as a AWD wagon with the protective plastic trim around the wheel arches and bumpers. It was not offered in the sedan body style. 

My family's 9-3X is another example, as you've seen several times on here. It belonged to my grandparents until my grandfather passed and my grandmother gave up her license, and we inherited it. I plan to do a story on the car at some point, where I'll explain in more depth the car's story.