SAAB 9-3 (2000)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,189 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,197
£183/month
MOT Pass Rate
76%
Average
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1985cc Petrol
Check Carefully
76% pass rate, £2197/year to run. 6 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 6 points below the national average of 82%.
At 26 years old, 76% of SAAB 9-3s from 2000 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,189 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 104,512 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
104,512
Average miles
192,400
Expected for age
The average 2000 SAAB 9-3 has 104,512 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.
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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 2000 sits between the two at 76%.
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 2000 SAAB 9-3
The 2000 SAAB 9-3 is a family car with a 1985cc petrol engine. 1,189 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2000, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 104,512 miles at 26 years old, SAAB 9-3 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2000 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 2000 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 76% 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 2000 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%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2000 SAAB 9-3's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 26 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 105k 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 2000 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(2000) | 76% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2197 |
| MINI MINI(2002) | 78% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£370 |
| FORD FOCUS(2002) | 69% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £2027-£170 |
| HONDA CIVIC(2002) | 72% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£370 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2002) | 69% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £2027-£170 |
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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