SAAB 9-5 (2010)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,096 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,047
£171/month
MOT Pass Rate
83%
Good
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1985cc Petrol
Solid Option
83% pass rate, £2047/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1985cc
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the SAAB brand average of 75%.
At 16 years old, 83% of SAAB 9-5s from 2010 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,096 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 112,776 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
112,776
Average miles
118,400
Expected for age
The average 2010 SAAB 9-5 has 112,776 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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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 2010 sits between the two at 83%.
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
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About the 2010 SAAB 9-5
The 2010 SAAB 9-5 is a family car with a 1985cc petrol engine. 1,096 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2010, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 112,776 miles at 16 years old, SAAB 9-5 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2010 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 £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2010 SAAB 9-5?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,047 (£171/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 83% 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 2010 SAAB 9-5
At 16 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 2010 SAAB 9-5's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 16 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 outAt 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 outRubber 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 outWith an average of 113k 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 riskHigh-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 riskAlways 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 2010 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(2010) | 83% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2047 |
| FORD FOCUS(2012) | 78% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£220 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2012) | 70% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£220 |
| MERCEDES C(2012) | 79% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£30 |
| MINI MINI(2010) | 80% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677-£370 |
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.
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