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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Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Based on 1956cc
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 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?
Mileage Analysis
110,433
Average miles
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
| 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 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 outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
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 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 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 2011 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(2011) | 85% | £1037 | £265 | Grp 18-32 | £1707 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2013) | 85% | £905 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1445-£262 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2013) | 79% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727+£20 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2010) | 74% | £905 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1595-£112 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2013) | 85% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 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.
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