SAAB 9-5 (2012)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 50 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
88%
Total Tests (2024)
50
Avg Mileage
91,077 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,247
Is the 2012 SAAB 9-5 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the SAAB brand average of 75%.
At 12 years old, 88% of SAAB 9-5s from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 50 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 91,077 miles.
How does the 2012 SAAB 9-5 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2012 SAAB 9-5 has 91,077 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
How much does a 2012 SAAB 9-5 cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
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 |
Checking a specific SAAB 9-5?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2012 SAAB 9-5
The 2012 SAAB 9-5 is a large car with a 2792cc petrol engine. 50 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2012, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 91,077 miles at 12 years old, 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2012 SAAB 9-5?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,247 (£187/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 5 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2012 SAAB 9-5
At 12 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. Note: with only 50 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 2012 SAAB 9-5
The SAAB 9-5 is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol large cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- BMW 3 SERIES (2014) 87% pass rate (-1%) from 63,059 tests
- VAUXHALL INSIGNIA (2011) 77% pass rate (-11%) from 42,781 tests
- BMW 1 SERIES (2013) 84% pass rate (-4%) from 34,105 tests
- HONDA CIVIC (2014) 86% pass rate (-2%) from 23,400 tests