Saab 9-5 (2004)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,364 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,641

£220/month

MOT Pass Rate

73%

Average

Road Tax

£410

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2170cc Diesel

Check Carefully

73% pass rate, £2,641/year to run. 9 points below average.

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Diesel2170cc22 years old1,364 tests132k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2170cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£410

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,641

Per month£220/mo

Per week£51/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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

73% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data.

73% of MOT tests on Saab 9-5s from 2004 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 20 years old. That's based on 1,364 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 131,575 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 models238th of 470(bottom half)

Rank among Saab models54th of 73(bottom half)

vs average of all models-9%(82% avg)

vs 2004 models average+1%(72% avg)

vs Saab average-2%(75% avg)

Mileage Analysis

131,575

Average miles

148,000

Expected for age

The average 2004 Saab 9-5 had 131,575 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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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%. The 2004 scores 73%. 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

Volkswagen Golf

2006 · 1896cc Diesel

£2,227/year

72%

-1%

Honda Civic

2006 · 2204cc Diesel

£2,641/year

71%

-2%

Land Rover Discovery

2006 · 2495cc Diesel

£2,641/year

78%

+5%

Vauxhall Astra

2003 · 1700cc Diesel

£2,227/year

72%

-1%

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About the 2004 Saab 9-5

The 2004 Saab 9-5 is a family car. Our records list a 2170cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,364 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 131,575 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Saab 9-5 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2004 Saab 9-5 Fuel Costs

The 2170cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2004 Saab 9-5?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,641 (£220/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 73% 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 2004 Saab 9-5

At 22 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 2011 model has the highest pass rate at 85%.

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.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

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 132k 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 2004 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(2004)	73%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,641
Volkswagen Golf(2006)	72%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227-£414
Honda Civic(2006)	71%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,641same
Land Rover Discovery(2006)	78%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,641same
Vauxhall Astra(2003)	72%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227-£414

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 2004 Saab 9-5

Is the 2004 Saab 9-5 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 73% of MOT tests on 2004 Saab 9-5s ended in a pass, from 1,364 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2004 Saab 9-5 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,641 a year (£220 a month): £1,676 fuel, £410 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 2004 Saab 9-5?

73% of 1,364 MOT tests on the 2004 Saab 9-5 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 238th of 470 models first registered in 2004 (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 2004 Saab 9-5?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2004 Saab 9-5 is 131,575 miles, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.