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If you happen to own an old SAAB (and by old I mean “really really old” :-) ) that you are the original owner of, check out this promotion from SAAB, you might be getting a free car replacement.

Convinced of the jet-like performance and endurance of its products, Saab Automobile USA is announcing that it will offer a free new Saab to any U.S. customer who covers the distance of one million miles (or more) in a Saab that he or she originally purchased new.

The offer is valid from December 15, 2006 through December 31, 2007 and you will have to verify that the vehicle’s odometer hasn’t been tampered with.

This whole deal sounds like a joke (or a smart PR move) but somehow I am ready to believe that there are a few SAAB’s out there that have (or are close to) that magic number on the odometer.

Feeling adventurous?

Let’s do a brain exercise and calculate what would it take for a SAAB owner to catch up with the limit if they were determined to do so at any cost. For simplicity let’s assume that the car has 200,000 miles and it’s value is insignificant. Lets also assume that a SAAB on a test stand is capable to spin its wheels at 80 mph with fuel efficiency of 60 mpg (any auto mechanics out there that can confirm this?).

800,000 miles at 60 mpg will burn 13,333 gallons. At the current national average gas price of $2.25 it would cost $30,000 to cover the “trip” which leaves us with roughly $8,000 left in our pocket (the offer is for a new 2007 Saab 9-5 Aero MSRP $38,735). Not bad, huh?

There is one problem though. It will take us over a year to “cover 800,000 miles” at 80 mph even if we run the car 24 hours a day 7 days a week. And then, how about those trips to the gas station, oil changes, and most importantly, is it really THAT reliable? Well, sounds like not this time, SAAB. Meanwhile I will stick to my Honda. ;-)