Only 16 Built: This $6,800 Saab 9-5 Aero Wagon Is a Collector’s Dream Hiding in Plain Sight

A unicorn from Trollhättan

Among Saab enthusiasts, the 9-5 Aero SportCombi is already a cult car. But when it’s a 2004 model in black with a two-tone leather interior, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission and factory paddle shifters? That’s when it moves beyond desirable and into collector territory. According to eSaabParts data, just 16 units were produced for the U.S. market in this exact configuration.

This example, currently listed for $6,800 in Los Angeles, is more than just rare—it’s one of those cars that Saab die-hards whisper about on forums and dream of on Craigslist. With a well-documented maintenance history, tasteful upgrades, and a spec list that reads like a Saab wish list, this could be one of the best sleeper deals in the country right now.

Built to move, engineered to last

Under the hood is the legendary B235R 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four. This “HOT” (High Output Turbo) version cranks out 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, more than enough to hustle this Swedish wagon through the canyons or across the country. The power is routed through a 5-speed automatic transmission with Sport Mode and steering wheel paddle shifters, a setup that was only available for a blink of time in Saab’s lineup.

The Aero badge isn’t just marketing fluff. These models came equipped with sport suspension, upgraded brakes, and a more aggressive body kit, making them the most performance-oriented version of the 9-5 you could buy from the factory.

Tasteful upgrades, proper maintenance

What sets this specific Aero wagon apart isn’t just rarity or pedigree—it’s how well it’s been looked after. The seller has documented a laundry list of recent maintenance:

• New synthetic oil, spark plugs, coil pack cassette, air and fuel filters
• Fresh injectors, engine and transmission mounts, subframe bushings
• Updated front suspension: tie rod ends, lower control arms, sway bar
• New A/C compressor, balanced alignment, and Pirelli tires on all four corners

And it doesn’t stop there. The lighting has been fully upgraded to LED inside and out, including LED fog lamps and reverse lights. The Xenon headlamps have new bulbs and ballasts. Even the Saab emblems have been blacked out to match the paint—a small detail, but one that makes a difference in presentation.

This wagon also comes with both OEM floor mats and Saab all-weather rubber mats, a full owner’s manual, and even the OEM emergency kit still in the trunk. It’s rare to find a 9-5 Aero this complete.

Two-tone done right

Step inside and you’re greeted by one of the most visually striking interiors Saab ever offered: two-tone black and tan leather upholstery. The front seats are heated, and the dual-zone automatic climate control ensures long-distance comfort. A Harman/Kardon premium sound system with a factory subwoofer adds depth to the driving experience, delivering far more than just nostalgia on every commute.

Unlike many modern interiors, this one is refreshingly analog where it matters, yet refined in a way only Saab could achieve in the early 2000s. No creaking plastics or ripped seams here—everything looks tidy, tight, and well-preserved.

It even comes with a spare turbo

Here’s where the value proposition jumps from good to ridiculous. If you pay the full asking price, the seller is throwing in a spare turbo, dashboard trim, alternator, filters, OEM Harman Kardon speakers, and even an extra subwoofer. This is a mechanic’s dream and a collector’s insurance policy rolled into one.

The car also comes with a cover, new wipers, and even OEM black wheel center caps to complete the stealth aesthetic. For $6,800, you’re not just buying a rare Aero—you’re buying into a full Saab ownership ecosystem.

Market check: Are 9-5 Aero wagons really going up?

The seller claims these cars are starting to appreciate—and the numbers support that. Enthusiast platforms have seen clean, low-mileage Aero wagons list for $10,000 to $13,000, especially in rare specs. This isn’t a base model, and it’s not a project car. It’s a well-maintained, rare-configuration, ready-to-enjoy Saab with extensive documentation and extras.

And let’s face it—Saab isn’t coming back. The time to scoop up an appreciating icon is before the market fully catches up. Anyone who’s tried to buy a clean manual 900 Turbo or a last-gen 9-3 Viggen in recent years knows the drill.

Final thoughts: Is this Saab a smart buy?

You’re looking at one of just 16 cars like it ever built, in excellent condition, from a brand whose best cars have proven resilient to time—and whose cult status only continues to grow.

For a true Saab enthusiast, this is a rare opportunity. For a wagon lover? Even better. And for someone looking to stand out in a world of cookie-cutter crossovers, it’s probably the best $6,800 you could spend this year.

Listing link and contact

This 2004 Saab 9-5 Aero Wagon is listed on Craigslist in Los Angeles, CA for $6,800.
Direct link to ad: Craigslist Listing

Looking for another standout 9-5 Aero with a unique story?

A European-spec 2005 Saab 9-5 Aero 2.3T with a 5-speed manual and rare Espresso Black Metallic finish is now live on Bring a Trailer. This one-owner sedan, custom-built for the European market and fully documented, is already drawing serious attention from Saab enthusiasts.

Read the full feature and follow the auction here:
Euro-spec 2005 Saab 9-5 Aero 5-speed hits Bring a Trailer