Saab 9-3 (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 897 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,561

£213/month

MOT Pass Rate

75%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1985cc Petrol

Check Carefully

75% pass rate, £2,561/year to run. 7 points below average.

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Petrol1985cc28 years old897 tests111k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1985cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,561

Per month£213/mo

Per week£49/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

75% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data.

75% of MOT tests on Saab 9-3s from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 897 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 111,223 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models151st of 325(top half)

Rank among Saab models41st of 73(bottom half)

vs average of all models-7%(82% avg)

vs 1998 models average+0%(75% avg)

vs Saab average+0%(75% avg)

Mileage Analysis

111,223

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Saab 9-3 had 111,223 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 85%, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 74%. The 1998 scores 75%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Saab 9-3 by Year

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

Similar Cars to Consider

Mazda MX-5

1999 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,328/year

73%

-2%

Volkswagen Golf

1999 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

-4%

BMW 3 Series

1998 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,561/year

79%

+4%

BMW Z3

1997 · 1900cc Petrol

£2,561/year

75%

same

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About the 1998 Saab 9-3

The 1998 Saab 9-3 is a family car. Our records list a 1985cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 897 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model matches that benchmark.

With an average of 111,223 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Saab 9-3 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1998 Saab 9-3 Fuel Costs

The 1985cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1998 Saab 9-3?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,561 (£213/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Saab 9-3 Reliability Trend

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

Buying a Used 1998 Saab 9-3

At 28 years old, the Saab 9-3 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2012 model has the highest pass rate at 85%.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 28 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 111k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 1998 Saab 9-3 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Saab 9-3(1998)	75%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561
Mazda MX-5(1999)	73%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328-£233
Volkswagen Golf(1999)	71%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561same
BMW 3 Series(1998)	79%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561same
BMW Z3(1997)	75%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561same

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1998 Saab 9-3

Is the 1998 Saab 9-3 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of MOT tests on 1998 Saab 9-3s ended in a pass, from 897 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1998 Saab 9-3 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,561 a year (£213 a month): £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Saab 9-3?

75% of 897 MOT tests on the 1998 Saab 9-3 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 151st of 325 models first registered in 1998 (top half).

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% and the 2002 the lowest at 74%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1998 Saab 9-3?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Saab 9-3 is 111,223 miles, which is below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.