Saab 9-3

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 15 model years from 71,407 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

76%

Total Tests

71,407

Highest Pass Rate

2012 (85%)

Years Covered

About the Saab 9-3

The Saab 9-3 was MOT tested 71,407 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 15 model years (1998 to 2012), with an average pass rate of 76%. That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data, so check the year-by-year data carefully before buying. Our records list petrol versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 model has the highest pass rate at 85% from 287 tests. The 2002 model has the lowest at 74%. The 11 point gap means pass rates vary somewhat between years, but no year is dramatically different. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

The Saab 9-3 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1998) averages 111,223 miles, while the newest (2012) averages 81,722 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1998cc)

£1,631

Road Tax

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,361

Per month£197/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2012 details

How reliable is the Saab 9-3?

vs average of all models-6% (82% avg)

vs Saab brand average+1% (75% avg)

Best to worst year spread11 percentage points

Reliability trendStable over years

Saab 9-3 by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2012	85%	287	81,722 mi
2011	78%	4,053	114,410 mi
2010	78%	6,046	112,032 mi
2009	77%	6,910	112,962 mi
2008	76%	11,261	123,944 mi
2007	76%	13,261	119,760 mi
2006	74%	10,345	119,528 mi
2005	75%	6,757	116,894 mi
2004	74%	4,386	114,319 mi
2003	74%	1,723	114,793 mi
2002	74%	1,520	108,993 mi
2001	76%	1,286	105,575 mi
2000	76%	1,189	104,512 mi
1999	77%	1,486	107,528 mi
1998	75%	897	111,223 mi

Questions about the Saab 9-3

Is the Saab 9-3 reliable?

Across its 15 model years in our data (1998 to 2012), the Saab 9-3 averages a 76% MOT pass rate, from 71,407 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2012 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 85%.

Which year Saab 9-3 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 Saab 9-3 has the highest MOT pass rate at 85%, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 74%, a 11 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.