SAAB News

Saab 9-4X: Rarity Meets Risk – The Swiss Driving School Car That’s Turning Heads

A rare Saab 9-4X turns from a driving school workhorse to a collector's dream.

A rare Saab 9-4X, once a Swiss driving school vehicle, now looking for its next owner.

The Unusual Choice: A Rare Saab 9-4X as a Swiss Driving School Vehicle

In the quiet Swiss town of Gähwil, a driving school “Drive and more” has made a fascinating choice of vehicle for its fleet—a rare and eye-catching Saab 9-4X. This decision is intriguing not just because of the rarity of the Saab 9-4X, but also due to the challenges and risks associated with using such a unique vehicle for driving instruction.

A Rare Gem in the Automotive World

The Saab 9-4X, produced between 2011 and 2012, represents one of Saab’s final ventures into the crossover SUV market. Built in collaboration with General Motors and assembled in Mexico, the model is known for its stylish design, luxurious interior, and advanced features. However, its production was short-lived, resulting in extremely limited numbers on the market today.

Continue reading after the ad
This rare Saab 9-4X, once used for driving lessons in Switzerland, stands out as a unique opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts.
This rare Saab 9-4X, once used for driving lessons in Switzerland, stands out as a unique opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts.

Given its rarity, the Saab 9-4X has become a sought-after model among Saab enthusiasts and collectors. Yet, for a driving school, which subjects its vehicles to the wear and tear of inexperienced drivers, this choice raises eyebrows.

The Risk of Driving Instruction with a Rare Car

Using a Saab 9-4X for driving instruction introduces a unique set of challenges. While the vehicle undoubtedly provides comfort and sophistication for learner drivers, its body panels, bumpers, lights, and other exterior parts are extremely difficult to replace. With no active production line for the model, any damage could result in prolonged downtime or costly repairs, as sourcing parts requires navigating the limited availability of used or aftermarket components.

Driving school cars are notorious for accumulating scratches, dents, and other minor damages, especially as learners get accustomed to the complexities of road navigation. For a rare model like the 9-4X, even a minor incident could lead to a repair headache.

Continue reading after the ad

The Saab 9-4X on the Market

The school is now selling its Saab 9-4X on Facebook Marketplace for CHF 20,000 (approximately $22,000 USD). The listing notes that the car will be reverted to its original state, removing any modifications made for driving instruction. While the price is reflective of its rarity, the fact that the car has been listed for nearly two months without a buyer highlights the challenges of selling such a niche vehicle.

A closer look at the Saab 9-4X interior: premium wood accents, advanced infotainment system, versatile storage solutions, and rear-seat controls with heated seat options.
A closer look at the Saab 9-4X interior: premium wood accents, advanced infotainment system, versatile storage solutions, and rear-seat controls with heated seat options.

The hesitation among buyers is understandable. Owning a Saab 9-4X is not just a purchase—it’s a commitment. Maintenance requires both dedication and resources, making this vehicle appealing primarily to Saab enthusiasts or collectors who appreciate its historical and automotive significance.

A Rare Opportunity for Saab Fans

For those passionate about Saab’s legacy, this 9-4X represents an exciting opportunity. Its history as a driving school vehicle adds a unique story to its provenance, and with proper care, it could become a standout addition to any collection.

Continue reading after the ad

However, prospective buyers should consider the potential costs and effort involved in maintaining a vehicle of this rarity. From sourcing replacement parts to ensuring its upkeep, the 9-4X demands attention and investment beyond that of a conventional car.

Final Thoughts

The choice of a Saab 9-4X as a driving school vehicle in Gähwil is both bold and unconventional. While it offers an exciting glimpse of Saab’s innovative design to learner drivers, its rare status and maintenance challenges make it a risky yet potentially rewarding acquisition. For Saab enthusiasts with a passion for preserving automotive history, this could be the chance to own a truly unique piece of Saab’s legacy.

For more details, you can find the listing here.

Continue reading after the ad
Goran Aničić
the authorGoran Aničić
For over 15 years, Goran Aničić has been passionately focused on Saab automobiles and everything related to them. His initial encounter with Saab cars took place back in 2003 when the first Saab 9-3 and sedan version were introduced. At that moment, he was captivated by the car's Scandinavian design logic and top-notch engineering, and everything that followed stemmed from that first encounter. Later on, through his work at the editorial team of the Serbian automotive magazines "Autostart" and later "AutoBild," he had the opportunity to engage more closely with Saab vehicles. In 2008, he tested the latest Saab cars of that time, such as the Saab 9-3 TTiD Aero and Saab 9-3 Turbo X. In 2010, as the sole blogger from the region, he participated in the Saab 9-5ng presentation in Trollhättan, Sweden. Alongside journalists from around the world, he got a firsthand experience of the pinnacle of technological offerings from Saab at that time. Currently, Goran owns two Saabs: a 2008 Saab 9-3 Vector Sportcombi with a manual transmission, and a Saab 9-3 Aero Griffin Sport Sedan from the last generation, which rolled off the production line in Trollhättan in December 2011.

1 Comment

Leave a Reply