Saab 900 (1997)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 871 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,561

£213/month

MOT Pass Rate

76%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

2000cc Petrol

Check Carefully

76% pass rate, £2,561/year to run. 6 points below average.

Buying this car? Check for finance, write-offs & theft

£4.99

Check a specific Saab 900

Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.

Petrol2000cc29 years old871 tests110k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2000cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,561

Per month£213/mo

Per week£49/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

76% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data.

76% of MOT tests on Saab 900s from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 871 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 109,805 miles.

Got a Saab 900 you're looking at?

Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.

How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 models133rd of 306(top half)

Rank among Saab models34th of 73(top half)

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

vs 1997 models average+1%(75% avg)

vs Saab average+1%(75% avg)

Mileage Analysis

109,805

Average miles

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1997 Saab 900 had 109,805 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Looking at a specific Saab 900?

Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.

Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1998 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 77%, while the 1994 model has the lowest at 70%. The 1997 scores 76%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Mazda MX-5

1999 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,328/year

73%

-3%

Volkswagen Golf

1999 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

-5%

BMW 3 Series

1999 · 2494cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

+2%

BMW Z3

1997 · 1900cc Petrol

£2,561/year

75%

-1%

Check a Specific Saab 900

Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.

Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.

About the 1997 Saab 900

The 1997 Saab 900 is a family car. Our records list a 2000cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 871 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 1997, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 109,805 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Saab 900 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1997 Saab 900 Fuel Costs

The 2000cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 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 1997 Saab 900?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,561 (£213/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 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 1997 Saab 900

At 29 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

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 29 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

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 1997 Saab 900 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 900(1997)	76%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561
Mazda MX-5(1999)	73%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328-£233
Volkswagen Golf(1999)	71%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561same
BMW 3 Series(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888+£327
BMW Z3(1997)	75%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561same

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 1997 Saab 900

Is the 1997 Saab 900 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 76% of MOT tests on 1997 Saab 900s ended in a pass, from 871 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1997 Saab 900 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,561 a year (£213 a month): £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Saab 900?

76% of 871 MOT tests on the 1997 Saab 900 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 133rd of 306 models first registered in 1997 (top half).

Which year Saab 900 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1998 Saab 900 has the highest MOT pass rate at 77% and the 1994 the lowest at 70%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1997 Saab 900?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 Saab 900 is 109,805 miles, which is below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.