Saab 9-5 (2011)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 622 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,077

£173/month

MOT Pass Rate

85%

Good

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1956cc Diesel

Solid Option

85% pass rate, £2,077/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Diesel1956cc15 years old622 tests110k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1956cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,077

Per month£173/mo

Per week£40/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

85% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Saab brand average of 75%.

85% of MOT tests on Saab 9-5s from 2011 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 13 years old. That's based on 622 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 110,433 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2011 models194th of 595(top half)

Rank among Saab models4th of 73(top 6%)

vs average of all models+3%(82% avg)

vs 2011 models average+8%(77% avg)

vs Saab average+10%(75% avg)

Mileage Analysis

110,433

Average miles

96,200

Expected for age

The average 2011 Saab 9-5 had 110,433 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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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

2013 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,794/year

85%

same

Vauxhall Astra

2013 · 1700cc Diesel

£2,227/year

79%

-6%

Volkswagen Polo

2010 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,944/year

74%

-11%

BMW 3 Series

2013 · 1995cc Diesel

£2,077/year

85%

same

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About the 2011 Saab 9-5

The 2011 Saab 9-5 is a family car. Our records list a 1956cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 622 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2011, the average MOT pass rate is 77%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 110,433 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Saab 9-5 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2011 Saab 9-5 Fuel Costs

The 1956cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,397 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 2011 Saab 9-5?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,077 (£173/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 85% 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 2011 Saab 9-5

At 15 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.

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.

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 110k 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.

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 2011 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(2011)	85%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,077
Volkswagen Golf(2013)	85%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,794-£283
Vauxhall Astra(2013)	79%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227+£150
Volkswagen Polo(2010)	74%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,944-£133
BMW 3 Series(2013)	85%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,077same

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 2011 Saab 9-5

Is the 2011 Saab 9-5 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 85% of MOT tests on 2011 Saab 9-5s ended in a pass, from 622 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2011 Saab 9-5 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,077 a year (£173 a month): £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2011 Saab 9-5?

85% of 622 MOT tests on the 2011 Saab 9-5 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 194th of 595 models first registered in 2011 (top 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 2011 Saab 9-5?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2011 Saab 9-5 is 110,433 miles, which is in line with the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.