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.
Check a specific SAAB 9-3 AERO 210 BHP AUTO
Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.
Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 2000cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Get an insurance quote for this SAAB 9-3 AERO 210 BHP AUTO
Compare quotes and find the best deal
Reliability Verdict
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.
Got a SAAB 9-3 AERO 210 BHP AUTO you're looking at?
Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.
How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
105,022
Average miles
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.
Looking at a specific SAAB 9-3 AERO 210 BHP AUTO?
Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
SAAB 9-3 AERO 210 BHP AUTO by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
Check a Specific Saab 9-3 aero 210 bhp auto
Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.
Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.
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 outAt 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 riskLarger 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 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 2008 SAAB 9-3 AERO 210 BHP AUTO 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 AERO 210 BHP AUTO(2008) | 78% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2197 |
| FORD FOCUS(2009) | 74% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£370 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2010) | 67% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £2027-£170 |
| MINI MINI(2010) | 80% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677-£520 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2007) | 80% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 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.
Related Saab Models
Explore other Saab cars or similar models in the same category.
SAAB 9-3
2007 · 2792cc Petrol
SAAB 9-5
2007 · 1985cc Petrol
SAAB 900
1993 · 1985cc Petrol
FORD FOCUS
2009 · 1596cc Petrol
NISSAN QASHQAI
2010 · 1598cc Petrol
MINI MINI
2010 · 1598cc Petrol
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Saab 9-3 aero 210 bhp auto.
Cheapest Cars to Run in 2026: Real Data from 19.8 Million MOT Tests
9 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Insure in the UK: Insurance Groups 1-10
9 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Run in the UK: A Complete Cost Breakdown
11 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
ReliabilityFord Puma Problems: 7 Issues Owners Report (2026)
13 min read
Check a specific SAAB 9-3 AERO 210 BHP AUTO
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a SAAB 9-3 AERO 210 BHP AUTO? Our premium check covers:
- Stolen check (PNC)
- Outstanding finance
- Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
- Previous owners count
Competitors charge £10-£20 for the same data