Is the 1991 SAAB 900 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 76% of SAAB 900s from 1991 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 693 tests. That's 6 points below the national average of 82%.

How much does a 1991 SAAB 900 cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), including £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1991 SAAB 900?

The 1991 SAAB 900 has a 76% MOT pass rate based on 693 tests in 2026. This ranks 117 out of 179 cars from 1991.

Which year SAAB 900 is most reliable?

The 1998 SAAB 900 has the highest MOT pass rate at 77%. The least reliable year is 1994 at 70%.

SAAB 900 (1991)

Q: What is the average mileage for a 1991 SAAB 900?

The average mileage for a 1991 SAAB 900 is 153,824 miles, which is below the expected 259,000 miles for a 35-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 693 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,197

£183/month

MOT Pass Rate

76%

Average

Road Tax

£315

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1998cc Petrol

Check Carefully

76% pass rate, £2197/year to run. 6 points below average.

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Petrol1998cc35 years old693 tests154k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1998cc)

~36 mpg

£1,327

Road Tax

Based on 1998cc

£315

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,197

Per month£183/mo

Per week£42/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

76% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the national average of 82%.

At 35 years old, 76% of SAAB 900s from 1991 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 693 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 153,824 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1991 cars117th of 179(top 65%)

Rank among SAAB models35th of 73(top 48%)

vs national average-6%(82% avg)

vs 1991 cars average-2%(78% avg)

vs SAAB average+1%(75% avg)

Mileage Analysis

153,824

Average miles

259,000

Expected for age

The average 1991 SAAB 900 has 153,824 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 259,000 miles for a 35-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 1998 model with a 77% MOT pass rate, while the 1994 model has the lowest at 70%. The 1991 sits between the two at 76%.

SAAB 900 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1998	77%	266	108,400 mi
1997	76%	871	109,805 mi
1996	74%	436	113,346 mi
1995	76%	247	104,218 mi
1994	70%	135	132,311 mi
1993	73%	1,312	144,756 mi
1992	75%	940	141,995 mi
1991	76%	693	153,824 mi
1990	75%	870	140,822 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

1991 · 1781cc Petrol

£1,867/year

80%

+4%

BMW 3 SERIES

1990 · 1990cc Petrol

£1,867/year

84%

+8%

FORD ESCORT

1990 · 1597cc Petrol

£1,677/year

85%

+9%

MAZDA MX-5

1991 · 1597cc Petrol

£1,827/year

78%

+2%

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About the 1991 SAAB 900

The 1991 SAAB 900 is a family car with a 1998cc petrol engine. 693 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 1991, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 153,824 miles at 35 years old, SAAB 900 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1991 SAAB 900 Fuel Costs

The 1998cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1991 SAAB 900?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 76% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

SAAB 900 Reliability Trend

The SAAB 900 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 0 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1991 SAAB 900

At 35 years old, the SAAB 900 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 1998 model has the highest pass rate at 77%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 1991 SAAB 900's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 35 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.

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 154k 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.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

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 1991 SAAB 900 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
SAAB 900(1991)	76%	£1327	£315	Grp 18-32	£2197
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1991)	80%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£1867-£330
BMW 3 SERIES(1990)	84%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£1867-£330
FORD ESCORT(1990)	85%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1677-£520
MAZDA MX-5(1991)	78%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£370

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.