SAAB 9-3 (2006)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 10,345 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
74%
Total Tests (2024)
10,345
Avg Mileage
119,528 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 2006 SAAB 9-3 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%.
At 18 years old, 74% of SAAB 9-3s from 2006 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 10,345 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 119,528 miles.
How does the 2006 SAAB 9-3 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2006 SAAB 9-3 has 119,528 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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 2006 sits between the two at 74%.
How much does a 2006 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 2006 SAAB 9-3
The 2006 SAAB 9-3 is a family car with a 1796cc petrol engine. 10,345 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2006, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 119,528 miles at 18 years old, SAAB 9-3 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2006 SAAB 9-3 Fuel Costs
The 1796cc 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 2006 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 2006 SAAB 9-3
At 18 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%. With 10,345 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2006 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 FIESTA (2008) 72% pass rate (-2%) from 109,443 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2008) 73% pass rate (-1%) from 90,659 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (2007) 80% pass rate (+6%) from 55,686 tests
- MINI MINI (2008) 74% pass rate (same) from 54,730 tests