Saab 9-5 (2012)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 50 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,808

£234/month

MOT Pass Rate

88%

Good

Road Tax

£445

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2792cc Petrol

Solid Option

88% pass rate, £2,808/year to run. 6 points above average.

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Petrol2792cc14 years old50 tests91k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2792cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£445

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,808

Per month£234/mo

Per week£54/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p 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

88% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Saab brand average of 75%.

88% of MOT tests on Saab 9-5s from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 50 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 91,077 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 models181st of 650(top half)

Rank among Saab models1st of 73(top 2%)

vs average of all models+6%(82% avg)

vs 2012 models average+10%(78% avg)

vs Saab average+13%(75% avg)

Mileage Analysis

91,077

Average miles

88,800

Expected for age

The average 2012 Saab 9-5 had 91,077 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-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 2012 scores 88%. 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

BMW 3 Series

2014 · 3000cc Petrol

£2,808/year

87%

-1%

Vauxhall Insignia

2011 · 2792cc Petrol

£2,958/year

77%

-11%

BMW 1 Series

2013 · 2979cc Petrol

£2,808/year

84%

-4%

Honda Civic

2014 · 2400cc Petrol

£2,808/year

86%

-2%

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About the 2012 Saab 9-5

The 2012 Saab 9-5 is a large car. Our records list a 2792cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 50 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 2012, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 91,077 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Saab 9-5 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2012 Saab 9-5 Fuel Costs

The 2792cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2012 Saab 9-5?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,808 (£234/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 88% 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 2012 Saab 9-5

At 14 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%. Note: with only 50 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 14 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.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 91k 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 2012 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(2012)	88%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,808
BMW 3 Series(2014)	87%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,808same
Vauxhall Insignia(2011)	77%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958+£150
BMW 1 Series(2013)	84%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,808same
Honda Civic(2014)	86%	£1,958	£445	Grp 25-38	£2,808same

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 2012 Saab 9-5

Is the 2012 Saab 9-5 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 88% of MOT tests on 2012 Saab 9-5s ended in a pass, from 50 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2012 Saab 9-5 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,808 a year (£234 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 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 2012 Saab 9-5?

88% of 50 MOT tests on the 2012 Saab 9-5 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 181st of 650 models first registered in 2012 (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 2012 Saab 9-5?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 Saab 9-5 is 91,077 miles, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.