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SAAB 9-5 (2011)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 622 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,707

£142/month

MOT Pass Rate

85%

Good

Road Tax

£265

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1956cc Diesel

Solid Option

85% pass rate, £1707/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Diesel1956cc15 years old622 tests110k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1956cc)

~48 mpg

£1,037
Road Tax

Based on 1956cc

£265
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£1,707
Per month£142/mo
Per week£33/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

85% MOT pass rate(Good)
0%National avg: 82%100%

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 15 years old, 85% of SAAB 9-5s from 2011 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 622 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 110,433 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2011 cars201th of 615(top 33%)
Rank among SAAB models4th of 73(top 5%)
vs national average+3%(82% avg)
vs 2011 cars average+8%(77% avg)
vs SAAB average+10%(75% avg)

Mileage Analysis

110,433

Average miles

vs

111,000

Expected for age

The average 2011 SAAB 9-5 has 110,433 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-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 2011 sits between the two at 85%.

SAAB 9-5 by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
201288%5091,077 mi
201185%622110,433 mi
201083%1,096112,776 mi
200979%1,050116,189 mi
200879%1,659122,813 mi
200777%1,891123,119 mi
200675%1,825130,088 mi
200574%1,671129,775 mi
200473%1,364131,575 mi
200374%869134,877 mi
200271%828125,369 mi
200177%620122,330 mi
200076%519127,259 mi
199979%601126,506 mi
199873%322118,343 mi

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About the 2011 SAAB 9-5

The 2011 SAAB 9-5 is a family car with a 1956cc diesel engine. 622 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2011, the average MOT pass rate is 77%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 110,433 miles at 15 years old, 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 £1,037 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (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 £1,707 142/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 5 percentage points.

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. If you're flexible on year, the 2012 model has the highest pass rate at 88%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2011 SAAB 9-5's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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 annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
SAAB 9-5(2011)85%£1037£265Grp 18-32£1707
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2013)85%£905£135Grp 12-25£1445-£262
VAUXHALL ASTRA(2013)79%£1037£135Grp 18-32£1727+£20
VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2010)74%£905£135Grp 12-25£1595-£112
BMW 3 SERIES(2013)85%£1037£135Grp 18-32£1577-£130

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.

Related Saab Models

Explore other Saab cars or similar models in the same category.

Related Guides

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