CarCostCheck

SAAB 9-3 AERO 210 BHP AUTO (2008)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 41 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,197

£183/month

MOT Pass Rate

78%

Average

Road Tax

£315

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

2000cc Petrol

Check Carefully

78% pass rate, £2197/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Petrol2000cc18 years old41 tests105k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2000cc)

~36 mpg

£1,327
Road Tax

Based on 2000cc

£315
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£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

78% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%.

At 18 years old, 78% of SAAB 9-3 AERO 210 BHP AUTOs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 41 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 105,022 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2008 cars269th of 589(top 46%)
Rank among SAAB models21th of 73(top 29%)
vs national average-4%(82% avg)
vs 2008 cars average+5%(73% avg)
vs SAAB average+3%(75% avg)

Mileage Analysis

105,022

Average miles

vs

133,200

Expected for age

The average 2008 SAAB 9-3 AERO 210 BHP AUTO has 105,022 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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SAAB 9-3 AERO 210 BHP AUTO by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
200878%41105,022 mi
200783%46116,566 mi

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About the 2008 SAAB 9-3 AERO 210 BHP AUTO

The 2008 SAAB 9-3 AERO 210 BHP AUTO is a family car with a 2000cc petrol engine. 41 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2008, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 105,022 miles at 18 years old, SAAB 9-3 AERO 210 BHP AUTO owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2008 SAAB 9-3 AERO 210 BHP AUTO Fuel Costs

The 2000cc 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 2008 SAAB 9-3 AERO 210 BHP AUTO?

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 78% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Buying a Used 2008 SAAB 9-3 AERO 210 BHP AUTO

At 18 years old, the SAAB 9-3 AERO 210 BHP AUTO 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. Note: with only 41 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2008 SAAB 9-3 AERO 210 BHP AUTO's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 18 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.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

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 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 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 2008 SAAB 9-3 AERO 210 BHP AUTO stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
SAAB 9-3 AERO 210 BHP AUTO(2008)78%£1327£315Grp 18-32£2197
FORD FOCUS(2009)74%£1137£135Grp 12-25£1827-£370
NISSAN QASHQAI(2010)67%£1137£135Grp 12-25£2027-£170
MINI MINI(2010)80%£1137£135Grp 12-25£1677-£520
BMW 3 SERIES(2007)80%£1327£135Grp 18-32£1867-£330

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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