Saab 9-3 Linear SE Turbo (2012)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 37 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,361

£197/month

MOT Pass Rate

86%

Good

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1998cc Petrol

Solid Option

86% pass rate, £2,361/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1998cc14 years old37 tests80k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1998cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,361

Per month£197/mo

Per week£45/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

86% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Saab brand average of 75%.

86% of MOT tests on Saab 9-3 Linear SE Turbos from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 37 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 80,250 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 models230th of 650(top half)

Rank among Saab models2nd of 73(top 3%)

vs average of all models+4%(82% avg)

vs 2012 models average+8%(78% avg)

vs Saab average+11%(75% avg)

Mileage Analysis

80,250

Average miles

88,800

Expected for age

The average 2012 Saab 9-3 Linear SE Turbo had 80,250 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Similar Cars to Consider

Ford Focus

2013 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

78%

-8%

Nissan Qashqai

2013 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,228/year

72%

-14%

Mercedes C

2012 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,511/year

79%

-7%

MINI

2010 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,078/year

80%

-6%

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About the 2012 Saab 9-3 Linear SE Turbo

The 2012 Saab 9-3 Linear SE Turbo is a family car. Our records list a 1998cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 37 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 2012, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 80,250 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Saab 9-3 Linear SE Turbo owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2012 Saab 9-3 Linear SE Turbo 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 £1,631 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2012 Saab 9-3 Linear SE Turbo?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,361 (£197/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 86% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Buying a Used 2012 Saab 9-3 Linear SE Turbo

At 14 years old, the Saab 9-3 Linear SE Turbo 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 37 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 14 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

Medium risk

With an average of 80k 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 2012 Saab 9-3 Linear SE Turbo stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Saab 9-3 Linear SE Turbo(2012)	86%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,361
Ford Focus(2013)	78%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£133
Nissan Qashqai(2013)	72%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£133
Mercedes C(2012)	79%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,511+£150
MINI(2010)	80%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,078-£283

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2012 Saab 9-3 Linear SE Turbo

Is the 2012 Saab 9-3 Linear SE Turbo reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 86% of MOT tests on 2012 Saab 9-3 Linear SE Turbos ended in a pass, from 37 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2012 Saab 9-3 Linear SE Turbo cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,361 a year (£197 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 Saab 9-3 Linear SE Turbo?

86% of 37 MOT tests on the 2012 Saab 9-3 Linear SE Turbo ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 230th of 650 models first registered in 2012 (top half).

What is the average mileage for a 2012 Saab 9-3 Linear SE Turbo?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 Saab 9-3 Linear SE Turbo is 80,250 miles, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.