A Continued Story from the Autovisie Comparison
Earlier this year, Dutch magazine Autovisie staged an unusual comparison: the Saab 9-5 NG against the Honda Legend. Two unconventional luxury sedans went head-to-head, each offering exclusivity and advanced engineering. While the Honda impressed with bulletproof reliability and smooth V6 refinement, it was the Saab that ultimately won the presenters’ hearts.
The verdict was clear: the 9-5 NG may not have been the commercial success Saab needed in 2010, but it still radiates charisma, presence, and individuality that set it apart. This was more than just a video duel—it was a reminder that Saab’s final flagship sedan has matured into a “youngtimer” with lasting appeal.
That naturally leads to the next question: if the Saab 9-5 NG still turns heads, what does the Dutch used-car market look like today for those who want to bring one home?
Availability on the Dutch Market
Despite its short production run between 2010 and 2012 and a total of around 11,000 units built worldwide, the Saab 9-5 NG has carved out a surprisingly strong presence in the Netherlands. According to Autovisie, there were as many as 18 examples listed on Gaspedaal.nl at the time of their report, making the Dutch market one of the healthiest Saab environments in Europe.
This is no coincidence. The Netherlands has always been fertile ground for Saab – clubs like Saab Club Nederland remain highly active, specialists are abundant, and the brand’s Scandinavian engineering philosophy resonates strongly with Dutch drivers who value individuality. Saab gatherings, from local meetings to cross-border events like IntSaab, continue to draw large crowds.
On the market itself, prices vary significantly:
- Diesel TiD versions start at around €7,000, making them the most affordable entry point.
- 2.0 Turbo petrol models with 220 hp dominate the middle of the market, usually between €10,000 and €15,000.
- Top-spec 2.8 V6 Turbo XWD Aero models, especially in pristine condition, command up to €20,000–21,000.
In other words, the 9-5 NG is no longer a cheap alternative to the Germans it has moved firmly into collectible territory.
Engines and Strengths
When new, Saab offered a wide spectrum of engines for the 9-5 NG, and Dutch buyers can still choose from all of them today:
- 1.6 Turbo (160 hp) – adequate on paper, but not well-suited for the 1.6-ton body.
- 2.0 Turbo (220 hp) – widely considered the sweet spot, balancing performance, efficiency, and reliability.
- 2.8 V6 Turbo (300 hp) – thrilling with its AWD system, but notorious for oil consumption and timing chain stretch.
- Diesel TiD (160 hp) and TTiD (190 hp) – popular in Europe for long-distance use, though prone to EGR and DPF issues.
Autovisie highlights the 2.0 Turbo petrol as the most sensible choice. It delivers responsive power without the complexity of the V6 or the long-term risks of diesel. Enthusiasts also appreciate that it stays true to Saab’s tradition of turbocharged four-cylinder engines.
What to Watch Out For
The Saab 9-5 NG is a rare and attractive machine, but it is not without its quirks:
- LED light bar failures: the dramatic rear signature can sometimes stop working, though DIY repair guides and affordable solutions are widely available.
- V6-specific risks: oil consumption, coolant leaks, and stretched timing chains are well-documented.
- Interior plastics: while ergonomically Saab-like, some materials feel cost-cut compared to earlier 9-5 models.
On the positive side, parts support remains encouraging. Dutch Saab specialists ensure that spare parts supply and technical know-how are still alive, and the international Saab network makes it possible to source even rare components. It’s no coincidence that many Saab restoration and parts businesses are still thriving in the Netherlands and neighboring Belgium.
Saab vs the Germans
In the Dutch executive car market, the “big three” Germans—Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, and Mercedes E-Class—dominate. Yet, the Saab 9-5 NG continues to stand out as a stylish, slightly rebellious alternative. Its Scandinavian design language, distinctive rear light bar, and unique cockpit philosophy set it apart from the uniformity of German sedans.
This individuality is exactly what Autovisie praised in their comparison with the Honda Legend. While the Legend offered serenity, it lacked emotional engagement. The Saab, by contrast, has the kind of soulful presence that Dutch enthusiasts appreciate. It is both a business car and a statement of character.
A Youngtimer with Momentum
The Saab 9-5 NG has firmly established itself as a scarce but attainable piece of Swedish automotive history. In the Netherlands, it enjoys strong community support, steady demand, and a reputation as a future classic.
Whether you’re tempted by a budget-friendly diesel, a balanced 2.0 Turbo, or a high-performance 2.8 V6 Aero XWD, the message is clear: the Saab 9-5 NG remains one of the most distinctive and rewarding executive sedans available on the Dutch market.
And in a landscape dominated by predictable German choices, that individuality counts for more than ever.
Read next: A rare early-build Saab 9-5NG Aero heads to auction
A beautifully preserved 2011 Saab 9-5NG Aero, number 513 of just 11,000 built, is now on the block at Bilweb Auctions Sweden. With only 115,000 km, full service history, and an emotional backstory from its original owner, this Glacier Silver example captures the very essence of Saab’s final luxury sedan.
