SAAB 9-5 (1999)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 601 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
79%
Total Tests (2024)
601
Avg Mileage
126,506 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,397
Is the 1999 SAAB 9-5 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the SAAB brand average of 75%.
At 25 years old, 79% of SAAB 9-5s from 1999 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 601 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 126,506 miles.
How does the 1999 SAAB 9-5 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1999 SAAB 9-5 has 126,506 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a SAAB 9-5?
The most reliable year is the 2012 model with a 88% MOT pass rate, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 71%. The 1999 sits between the two at 79%.
How much does a 1999 SAAB 9-5 cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
SAAB 9-5 by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 88% | 50 | 91,077 mi |
| 2011 | 85% | 622 | 110,433 mi |
| 2010 | 83% | 1,096 | 112,776 mi |
| 2009 | 79% | 1,050 | 116,189 mi |
| 2008 | 79% | 1,659 | 122,813 mi |
| 2007 | 77% | 1,891 | 123,119 mi |
| 2006 | 75% | 1,825 | 130,088 mi |
| 2005 | 74% | 1,671 | 129,775 mi |
| 2004 | 73% | 1,364 | 131,575 mi |
| 2003 | 74% | 869 | 134,877 mi |
| 2002 | 71% | 828 | 125,369 mi |
| 2001 | 77% | 620 | 122,330 mi |
| 2000 | 76% | 519 | 127,259 mi |
| 1999 | 79% | 601 | 126,506 mi |
| 1998 | 73% | 322 | 118,343 mi |
Checking a specific SAAB 9-5?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1999 SAAB 9-5
The 1999 SAAB 9-5 is a large car with a 2962cc petrol engine. 601 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 1999, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 126,506 miles at 25 years old, SAAB 9-5 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1999 SAAB 9-5 Fuel Costs
The 2962cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1999 SAAB 9-5?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 79% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
SAAB 9-5 Reliability Trend
Newer SAAB 9-5s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 5 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1999 SAAB 9-5
At 25 years old, the SAAB 9-5 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 88%.
Alternatives to the 1999 SAAB 9-5
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- BMW 3 SERIES (2001) 77% pass rate (-2%) from 9,406 tests
- BMW Z3 (1999) 78% pass rate (-1%) from 8,191 tests
- PORSCHE BOXSTER (2001) 83% pass rate (+4%) from 4,134 tests
- PORSCHE 911 (1999) 87% pass rate (+8%) from 3,668 tests