Nigel Khine has listed his black 2011 Saab 9-5 Vector TiD4 for A$14,990, but the frequently quoted “one of 60” figure requires a precise explanation.
A 2011 Saab 9-5 Vector TiD4 has been offered for sale through the Australian Saab Enthusiasts Facebook group by its owner, Nigel Khine. Priced at A$14,990, the right-hand-drive sedan combines the 160-hp 2.0-liter diesel engine, six-speed automatic transmission, black bodywork and a light parchment leather interior.
Khine describes it as one of only 60 sold new in Australia. The number is connected to the correct production total, although it does not refer specifically to diesel-powered cars.
Sixty Australian-Specification 9-5NGs – Not Sixty Diesels
Henrik Zaar’s detailed Saab 9-5NG Production Report records 60 regular-production cars built in Australian specification:
- 43 Vector models
- 17 Aero models
The available report does not separate the 43 Australian Vectors by engine. Saab offered the Vector locally with either the TiD4 diesel or Turbo4 gasoline engine, so the exact number of Australian TiD4s cannot be confirmed from the published tables.
Khine’s car can therefore be accurately described as one of 60 Australian-specification Saab 9-5NGs and one of 43 Australian Vectors. SaabPlanet covered the production research when the first comprehensive Saab 9-5NG Production Report was published. The figures of 80 or 100 cars occasionally associated with Australia referred to Saab Australia’s projected annual sales, not completed deliveries. The importer launched the 9-5 locally in April 2011 with three versions: Vector TiD4, Vector Turbo4 and Aero Turbo6 XWD. Production stopped before those targets could be reached.
Australia’s Diesel 9-5NG
The Australian Vector TiD4 used the 1,956cc common-rail turbodiesel, producing 118kW – approximately 160 hp – at 4,000 rpm and 350Nm between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm.
Every Australian-market 9-5NG was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The TiD4 was front-wheel drive and had an official combined consumption figure of 6.7L/100km, with CO₂ emissions rated at 177g/km. Its original price was A$71,900 before statutory and delivery costs. The diesel’s fuel consumption also placed it below the relevant Australian Luxury Car Tax fuel-efficiency threshold. Saab Australia could therefore position the TiD4 below the Turbo4 Vector despite its extensive standard equipment.
This drivetrain was never offered in the United States. American buyers received the 9-5NG with the 2.0-liter Turbo4 gasoline engine or the 2.8-liter Turbo6, depending on specification. Saab’s U.S. brochure contains no TiD4 or TTiD4 option. That makes Khine’s car substantially different from the U.S.-market manual Turbo4 previously featured by SaabPlanet, the Laser Red 2011 Saab 9-5NG sold on Bring a Trailer for $9,000.
Black Bodywork and Parchment Leather
The sale photographs show a black exterior with a light parchment cabin covering the seats, door inserts, lower dashboard and carpeting. The pale interior provides a strong contrast to the darker cabins fitted to many surviving 9-5NGs.
Equipment listed by Khine includes: “heated front seats, an electric sunroof, Harman Kardon audio, factory navigation, Bluetooth, keyless entry and starting, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, front and rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, cruise control and alloy wheels.”
Period Australian road tests confirm that Vector models received an eight-inch infotainment display, satellite navigation, an 11-speaker Harman Kardon system with a 10GB hard drive, Bluetooth, USB connectivity and a head-up display.
Khine says the car has been maintained by Swedish Prestige, remains registered until August and is being sold because he needs to reduce the number of vehicles in his collection. The supplied advertisement does not state the mileage. That figure, together with the service history, will be essential when assessing the A$14,990 asking price.
What Should Be Checked Before Purchase?
Because this is a TiD4, the inspection should include the diesel particulate filter, EGR system, intake system and associated pressure and temperature sensors. A diagnostic scan can show stored faults and provide information about DPF regeneration history that may not be visible from the instrument panel.
SaabPlanet has examined both the wider Saab diesel DPF regeneration process and the specific “DPF Full – Continued Driving Mandatory” warning used by the Saab 9-5NG. The six-speed automatic should be tested both cold and fully warmed. Buyers should also operate the rear light bar, navigation screen, parking sensors, keyless system, xenon leveling, sunroof, seat heaters, climate control and both remote keys.
With only 43 Australian-specification Vectors recorded, finding another TiD4 with the same exterior, parchment interior and option package may take considerably longer than locating a mechanically comparable European car. Khine’s 2011 Saab 9-5 Vector TiD4 is offered at A$14,990, with inspections and test drives available by arrangement.
