SAAB 9-3 (2004)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 4,386 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
74%
Total Tests (2024)
4,386
Avg Mileage
114,319 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 2004 SAAB 9-3 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%.
At 20 years old, 74% of SAAB 9-3s from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 4,386 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 114,319 miles.
How does the 2004 SAAB 9-3 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2004 SAAB 9-3 has 114,319 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-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 2004 sits between the two at 74%.
How much does a 2004 SAAB 9-3 cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
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 2004 SAAB 9-3
The 2004 SAAB 9-3 is a family car with a 1998cc petrol engine. 4,386 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 114,319 miles at 20 years old, SAAB 9-3 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2004 SAAB 9-3 Fuel Costs
The 1998cc 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 2004 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 74% 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 2004 SAAB 9-3
At 20 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 2004 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:
- FORD FOCUS (2006) 73% pass rate (-1%) from 56,257 tests
- MINI MINI (2005) 71% pass rate (-3%) from 45,707 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (2006) 80% pass rate (+6%) from 40,353 tests
- RENAULT CLIO (2006) 68% pass rate (-6%) from 31,061 tests