SAAB 9-3 (1998)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 897 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,197
£183/month
MOT Pass Rate
75%
Average
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1985cc Petrol
Check Carefully
75% pass rate, £2197/year to run. 7 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1985cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%.
At 28 years old, 75% of SAAB 9-3s from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 897 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 111,223 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
111,223
Average miles
207,200
Expected for age
The average 1998 SAAB 9-3 has 111,223 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-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?
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%.
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
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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 2026, 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 28 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 £2,197 (£183/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 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
Based on the 1998 SAAB 9-3's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 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 outAt 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 outRubber 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 outWith 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 riskHigh-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 riskAlways 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 annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SAAB 9-3(1998) | 75% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2197 |
| MAZDA MX-5(1999) | 73% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£370 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1999) | 71% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£180 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(1998) | 79% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£180 |
| BMW Z3(1997) | 75% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£180 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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