Saab 9-5 (2002)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 828 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,511

£209/month

MOT Pass Rate

71%

Average

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1985cc Petrol

Check Carefully

71% pass rate, £2,511/year to run. 11 points below average.

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Petrol1985cc24 years old828 tests125k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1985cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,511

Per month£209/mo

Per week£48/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

71% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Saab brand average of 75%.

71% of MOT tests on Saab 9-5s from 2002 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 22 years old. That's based on 828 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 125,369 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2002 models241st of 391(bottom half)

Rank among Saab models60th of 73(bottom 20%)

vs average of all models-11%(82% avg)

vs 2002 models average-2%(73% avg)

vs Saab average-4%(75% avg)

Mileage Analysis

125,369

Average miles

162,800

Expected for age

The average 2002 Saab 9-5 had 125,369 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-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?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2011 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 85%, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 71%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

MINI

2004 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,228/year

71%

same

Ford Focus

2004 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,428/year

69%

-2%

Renault Clio

2004 · 1998cc Petrol

£2,711/year

68%

-3%

Mercedes C

2004 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,511/year

72%

+1%

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About the 2002 Saab 9-5

The 2002 Saab 9-5 is a family car. Our records list a 1985cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 828 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2002, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 125,369 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Saab 9-5 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2002 Saab 9-5 Fuel Costs

The 1985cc 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 2002 Saab 9-5?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,511 (£209/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 71% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Saab 9-5 Reliability Trend

Newer Saab 9-5s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 4 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2002 Saab 9-5

At 24 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.

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 24 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

Watch out

With an average of 125k 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 2002 Saab 9-5 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 9-5(2002)	71%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,511
MINI(2004)	71%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£283
Ford Focus(2004)	69%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,428-£83
Renault Clio(2004)	68%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,711+£200
Mercedes C(2004)	72%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,511same

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 2002 Saab 9-5

Is the 2002 Saab 9-5 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 71% of MOT tests on 2002 Saab 9-5s ended in a pass, from 828 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 11 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2002 Saab 9-5 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,511 a year (£209 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2002 Saab 9-5?

71% of 828 MOT tests on the 2002 Saab 9-5 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 241st of 391 models first registered in 2002 (bottom half).

Which year Saab 9-5 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2011 Saab 9-5 has the highest MOT pass rate at 85% and the 2002 the lowest at 71%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2002 Saab 9-5?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2002 Saab 9-5 is 125,369 miles, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.