Is the 1999 SAAB 9-5 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 79% of SAAB 9-5s from 1999 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 601 tests. That's 3 points below the national average of 82%.

How much does a 1999 SAAB 9-5 cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,577 (£215/month), including £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1999 SAAB 9-5?

The 1999 SAAB 9-5 has a 79% MOT pass rate based on 601 tests in 2026. This ranks 127 out of 375 cars from 1999.

Which year SAAB 9-5 is most reliable?

The 2012 SAAB 9-5 has the highest MOT pass rate at 88%. The least reliable year is 2002 at 71%.

SAAB 9-5 (1999)

Q: What is the average mileage for a 1999 SAAB 9-5?

The average mileage for a 1999 SAAB 9-5 is 126,506 miles, which is below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 601 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,577

£215/month

MOT Pass Rate

79%

Average

Road Tax

£430

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 30-42

2962cc Petrol

Check Carefully

79% pass rate, £2577/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Petrol2962cc27 years old601 tests127k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2962cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592

Road Tax

Based on 2962cc

£430

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,577

Per month£215/mo

Per week£50/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

79% 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%. It also outperforms the SAAB brand average of 75%.

At 27 years old, 79% of SAAB 9-5s from 1999 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 601 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 126,506 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1999 cars127th of 375(top 34%)

Rank among SAAB models15th of 73(top 21%)

vs national average-3%(82% avg)

vs 1999 cars average+4%(75% avg)

vs SAAB average+4%(75% avg)

Mileage Analysis

126,506

Average miles

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1999 SAAB 9-5 has 126,506 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

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%.

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

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW 3 SERIES

2001 · 3000cc Petrol

£2,397/year

77%

-2%

BMW Z3

1999 · 3201cc Petrol

£2,397/year

78%

-1%

PORSCHE BOXSTER

2001 · 3200cc Petrol

£2,247/year

83%

+4%

PORSCHE 911

1999 · 3387cc Petrol

£2,247/year

87%

+8%

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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 2026, 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 27 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 £2,577 (£215/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 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 27 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%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 1999 SAAB 9-5's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 27 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 127k 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.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

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 1999 SAAB 9-5 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
SAAB 9-5(1999)	79%	£1592	£430	Grp 30-42	£2577
BMW 3 SERIES(2001)	77%	£1592	£250	Grp 30-42	£2397-£180
BMW Z3(1999)	78%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2397-£180
PORSCHE BOXSTER(2001)	83%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2247-£330
PORSCHE 911(1999)	87%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2247-£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.