SAAB 9-3 (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 897 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
75%
Total Tests (2024)
897
Avg Mileage
111,223 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 1998 SAAB 9-3 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%.
At 26 years old, 75% of SAAB 9-3s from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 897 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 111,223 miles.
How does the 1998 SAAB 9-3 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 SAAB 9-3 has 111,223 miles on the clock, 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.
Best year to buy a SAAB 9-3?
The most reliable year is the 2012 model with a 85% MOT pass rate, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 74%. The 1998 sits between the two at 75%.
How much does a 1998 SAAB 9-3 cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
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 |
Checking a specific SAAB 9-3?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 SAAB 9-3
The 1998 SAAB 9-3 is a family car with a 1985cc petrol engine. 897 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 111,223 miles at 26 years old, 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 £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1998 SAAB 9-3?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,017 (£168/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 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 26 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%.
Alternatives to the 1998 SAAB 9-3
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (-2%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (-4%) from 8,442 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1998) 79% pass rate (+4%) from 6,287 tests
- BMW Z3 (1997) 75% pass rate (same) from 5,268 tests