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Curated Auction

1990 Saab 900i 16V

At a Glance

22 Years Ownership | Modest Miles | Original Car | Two Previous Keepers

  • Mileage~66,103 on clock
  • TransmissionAutomatic
  • Engine2.0-litre
  • LocationSawbridgeworth

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more


Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

CURATED AUCTION

Days
HRS
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CURRENT BID£1,100
See Bidding

AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£1,100

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy
Photographer and Editor

The last of the genuine Saabs - it can be pressed into service as a daily driver with ease.

The Saab 900 first arrived on the scene in 1978, but its lineage goes back further into the 1960s. Years of development and progression of the brand were signified by innovation, safety and common sense; the Saab 900 exemplifies a character that was unmistakably Saab.

The backwards-facing FWD engine was pushed far back to improve handling, aided by a clever suspension design. Yet its most prominent features were focused on the occupants. An impressive safety cell, with unrivalled dashboard ergonomics and clever touches such as the door design to allow easy entry and exit, ensured a loyal and dedicated following.

Sold in a variety of different body shapes, the 2-door saloon version's main advantage is providing body strength, with a bonus of allowing additional luggage security in the cavernous boot. Revised in 1988 with new fuel-injected normally aspirated 2.0-litre engines and updated styling, this generation of 900 was considered the last of the full-blooded Saabs.

This 1990 automatic transmission 900i is finished in Malachite Green with Grey Elmo interior. It has only had two previous keepers, the most recent one retaining the car for 22 years. The car has just ~66,103 on the clock and comes with its owner's wallet, which includes a service book and handbook, and is sold with a full year's MOT.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Danny the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

A reassuring drive and a decent alternative to the E30 BMW 3-Series.

Danny is a specialist trader with a keen eye for the unusual but well-cherished classic - he recently obtained this car from its third owner as it had stood unused in dry storage for 5 years and had only covered around 1,000 miles in the previous 10 years.

Danny will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Danny
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER

Exterior

Distinctive good looks and decent build quality, this example is also very solid too.

Wheels and Tyres

The steel wheels show mild signs of age but appear to be in good shape - the hub caps are clean.

The car is fitted with Pirelli tyres. The front pair are around 10 years old, the rears are older, however they exhibit a positive amount of legal tread.

image

Bodywork

The underside is clean, showing decent jacking points, floor pan and suspension mounts. The wheel wells, boot floor and engine bay all look visibly solid.

The exterior presents well, with no discernible signs of corrosion. The panels are in decent shape, with a handful of small dents noted on the boot and bonnet panels. The panels are flush to the body, the doors open and close with reassurance and have decent shut lines.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

image

Paint

The Malachite Green is consistent in hue with good coverage. The lustre is decent, with just mild swirling spotted in the sunlight.

There are a few surface marks across the body. We noticed marks and chips on the bonnet, a mark on the nearside front wing arch, and chips on the offside roof gutter. There are also some paint imperfections on the roof.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

image

Glass and Trim

The glass is in good shape with decent seals. There is a small chip on the offside front headlamp, however, the rest of the lights and lenses appear good.

The body trim is well mounted.

The bumpers and wheel arch trim show a few cosmetic scuffs and marks, but are flush to the body.

image

Interior

Clean and original, it needs a little finishing to the headlining to match the positive state of the cabin.

Seats and Carpets

The Grey Elmo leather seats are in good shape, with just some age-related bolster wear noted on the driver's seat.

The carpets are decent and damp-free with just the front mats show ageing.

The boot is in good shape, with signs of sympathetic use.

image

Dashboard

The dashboard has lasted well with minor scuffs around the lower sections. The facia and centre console look good, with decent switches and dials, which appear to all function as they should. Everything appears to be original, right down to the Blaupunkt tape/FM Stereo deck.

The door cards and cabin trim are clean.

The headlining is being held in place with drawing pins and does need some attention.

image

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel and gear lever are in good condition, and above the expectations of a car of this age.

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Mechanics

Robust with a reputation for longevity, this engine has seen evidence of good maintenance.

Engine and Gearbox

There were no issues with the cold-start process. It fires up immediately with no engine rattles or hesitancy. It idles smoothly as the dashboard warning lights and exhaust smoke remain clear. There were no signs of fluid leaks on the day.

The engine is cleanly presented with decent hoses and ancillaries. Some metal components and the exhaust show mild signs of age.

The automatic gearboxes change up and down smoothly, and the kickdown works as it should.

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Suspension and Brakes

The suspension is compliant and absorbs the road with no unwanted noises.

The ride is balanced and free of knocks.

It brakes efficiently, without squeals or judders.

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The Drive

Saabs have a reputation for their reassuring firm ride, comfort and well-weighted steering, which instantly provides confidence in their ability to deal with modern conditions. The normally aspirated 2.0-litre 16V engine also sounds healthy on the move. Its stately progress and solidity are endearing, yet not without charm and character.

The engine can be worked to offer decent performance, but it's happier to cruise with a gentle prod of the gas. It pulls well and smoothly up to speed, with no unwanted engine noises heard. The steering is free of significant play, and the power assistance guides the car with no knocks or strains. The handling provides a good road feel, and we didn’t notice any untoward knocks or thuds during the test drive.

The engine was left to run on a hot day, without negative effects. The fan periodically kicks in for a few seconds at a time. The oil pressure is said to be stable.

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Electrics and Other

All of the electrics are said to work as they should and the car has a recent battery fitted too.

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History and Paperwork

It comes with a good service history earlier in its life and has an MOT to June 2026.

First registered in March 1990 by a West London Saab dealer, it has spent all of its life in London under the ownership of three different owners. It has a service book which shows 17 main dealer stamps up to 2000, where it has a mileage reading of 48,463.

The car saw a new alternator in 2019 and a new battery in the same year. It has an MOT to June 2026 and comes with two keys, its owner's wallet and a hardback book.

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From Trade Classics:

This is an auction on behalf of a trade seller and normal auction rules apply, i.e. there is no warranty, no return policy and bids are binding with more info in our terms and conditions.

We’ve carried out our usual seller checks, including verifying photo ID, the V5C, and an HPI check. This confirms the car has not been stolen, written off, or has any outstanding finance. Please note: This check does not include mileage verification.

We’ve summarised the car based on the seller’s information above. As always, we go to great lengths to photograph and film the car in high-resolution detail so you can make your own informed assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So grab a cuppa, relax, and enjoy reviewing everything in this listing.

Viewings are welcome for all our listings. Please get in touch to arrange a time - we just need to speak with you first and receive valid photo ID before confirming.

If there’s anything you’re unsure about, no matter how small, please ask the owner in the comments section below before placing your bids, as bids cannot be retracted and form a binding contract if you win - just like in a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
25-06-2025 MOT 66,099
24-01-2020 MOT 66,081
04-01-2019 MOT 66,031
15-08-2017 MOT 65,866
20-05-2016 MOT 65,732
23-09-2014 MOT 65,560
13-09-2013 MOT 65,175
04-08-2012 MOT 65,031
13-12-2010 MOT 64,892
11-12-2009 MOT 64,795
27-08-2008 MOT 64,362
21-03-2007 MOT 64,014
10-04-2006 MOT 63,733
16-02-2000 Saab Service 48,463
24-02-1999 Saab Service 44,593
23-02-1998 Saab Service 40,257
19-03-1997 Saab Service 37,860
20-03-1996 Saab Service 34,172
16-03-1995 Saab Service 29,644
12-10-1994 Saab Service 28,587
17-03-1994 Saab Service 26,647
22-09-1993 Saab Service 24,295
15-03-1993 Saab Service 21,023
24-08-1992 Saab Service 17,690
02-02-1992 Saab Service 13,918
19-08-1991 Saab Service 10,894
27-02-1990 Saab Service 6,078
10-01-1991 Saab Service 4,990
11-05-1990 Saab Service 941
Key Details
  • Model 900 i 16V
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Reg. Date 16-03-1990
  • CC 1985
  • Mileage ~66,103 on clock
  • Colour Malachite Green
  • Interior Colour Elmo Grey
  • Interior Trim Leather
  • Chassis # YS3AC26D1L7017508
  • Engine # B202I1A00L051115
  • MOT Yes Exp. 24-06-2026
  • MOT Exempt No
  • Road Tax Exempt No
  • HPi Clear Yes - All Clear
  • Former Keepers 2
  • Tyre Brand Pirelli
  • Tyre Age 2015/2012/2003
  • # of Keys 2
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Visited Yes
  • Sale Type Trade (No Warranties)
  • Owned 22 Years
  • Key Feature Long-Term Ownership
  • Vehicle Registration G572 ALP
  • Driver’s Side Right
  • Fuel Type Petrol
  • Body Type 2 Door Saloon
  • Auction ID 2963


    Auction Bidding

    Live Bidding
    Current Bid £1,100
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    Auction Ends Thu 17th Jul at 8.40pm
    Bidding History
    Previous Bids  1
    £1,100 bid by theninja10.07.25 @ 07:46:59
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    Market View

    Seeing one of these on the roads today, let along coming up for sale, is a real rarity - this car has been with just 2 keepers so it's no wonder, a very hard car to price.

    We’re sure you have a good idea of the value of this vehicle by studying our thorough listing, however, you may be interested to see a selection of recent sales of the same and / or similar models.

    1988 Saab 900i

    Auction House -

    Sale Date 07 Dec 24

    Sold Price £3,815

    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a SAAB like this is £TBC via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Summer 2025.

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    Vehicle Location

    Sawbridgeworth

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    If the reserve isn’t met when the auction ends, we’ll work with the highest bidder to try and agree a deal with the seller.

    Whether the reserve has been met may / may not be disclosed during the auction — just like a traditional auction house. Bidders usually find out if they’ve won only when the auction ends.

    As a guide:
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    – If you attempt to outbid yourself and the system blocks it, then the reserve has been met.

    Why shouldn’t I leave bidding to the last minute?

    Auto-Extending Bidding – we’ve developed auto-extending auctions that mimic traditional auction house bidding; it’s a key feature to make sure classic vehicles achieve their true worth. Bids placed in the last one minute automatically extend the auction by two further minutes. So there is no need to leave bidding to the last second.

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