Is the 2006 SAAB 9-3 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 74% of SAAB 9-3s from 2006 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 10,345 tests. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2006 SAAB 9-3 cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), including £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2006 SAAB 9-3?

The 2006 SAAB 9-3 has a 74% MOT pass rate based on 10,345 tests in 2026. This ranks 280 out of 575 cars from 2006.

Which year SAAB 9-3 is most reliable?

The 2012 SAAB 9-3 has the highest MOT pass rate at 85%. The least reliable year is 2002 at 74%.

What is the average mileage for a 2006 SAAB 9-3?

The average mileage for a 2006 SAAB 9-3 is 119,528 miles, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

SAAB 9-3 (2006)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 10,345 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,197

£183/month

MOT Pass Rate

74%

Average

Road Tax

£315

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1796cc Petrol

Check Carefully

74% pass rate, £2197/year to run. 8 points below average.

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Petrol1796cc20 years old10,345 tests120k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1796cc)

~36 mpg

£1,327

Road Tax

Based on 1796cc

£315

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,197

Per month£183/mo

Per week£42/wk

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

74% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

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 2006 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 10,345 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 119,528 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2006 cars280th of 575(top 49%)

Rank among SAAB models45th of 73(top 62%)

vs national average-8%(82% avg)

vs 2006 cars average+1%(73% avg)

vs SAAB average-1%(75% avg)

Mileage Analysis

119,528

Average miles

148,000

Expected for age

The average 2006 SAAB 9-3 has 119,528 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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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 2006 sits between the two at 74%.

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

FORD FIESTA

2008 · 1388cc Petrol

£1,722/year

72%

-2%

FORD FOCUS

2008 · 1596cc Petrol

£1,827/year

73%

-1%

BMW 3 SERIES

2007 · 1796cc Petrol

£1,867/year

80%

+6%

MINI MINI

2008 · 1598cc Petrol

£1,827/year

74%

same

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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 2026, 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 20 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 £2,197 (£183/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 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 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%. With 10,345 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2006 SAAB 9-3's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 20 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 out

At 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 out

Rubber 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 out

With an average of 120k 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 risk

High-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 risk

Always 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 2006 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(2006)	74%	£1327	£315	Grp 18-32	£2197
FORD FIESTA(2008)	72%	£1137	£30	Grp 8-20	£1722-£475
FORD FOCUS(2008)	73%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£370
BMW 3 SERIES(2007)	80%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£1867-£330
MINI MINI(2008)	74%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£370

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.