Saab 9000 (1997)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 58 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,738

£228/month

MOT Pass Rate

83%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2290cc Petrol

Solid Option

83% pass rate, £2,738/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol2290cc29 years old58 tests213k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2290cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,738

Per month£228/mo

Per week£53/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

83% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

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

83% of MOT tests on Saab 9000s from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 58 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 212,798 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 models71st of 306(top 24%)

Rank among Saab models8th of 73(top 11%)

vs average of all models+1%(82% avg)

vs 1997 models average+8%(75% avg)

vs Saab average+8%(75% avg)

Mileage Analysis

212,798

Average miles

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1997 Saab 9000 had 212,798 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Saab 9000 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1997	83%	58	212,798 mi
1996	65%	80	173,530 mi
1995	78%	32	200,376 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW 3 Series

1999 · 2494cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

-5%

Mazda MX-5

1997 · 1800cc Petrol

£2,561/year

76%

-7%

BMW Z3

1997 · 1900cc Petrol

£2,561/year

75%

-8%

Honda Civic

1999 · 1797cc Petrol

£2,561/year

75%

-8%

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About the 1997 Saab 9000

The 1997 Saab 9000 is a large car. Our records list a 2290cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 58 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 24% of all 1997 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 212,798 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Saab 9000 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

1997 Saab 9000 Fuel Costs

The 2290cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. 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 1997 Saab 9000?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,738 (£228/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 83% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Buying a Used 1997 Saab 9000

At 29 years old, the Saab 9000 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 58 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 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 213k 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 1997 Saab 9000 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 9000(1997)	83%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,738
BMW 3 Series(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888+£150
Mazda MX-5(1997)	76%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561-£177
BMW Z3(1997)	75%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561-£177
Honda Civic(1999)	75%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561-£177

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 9000

Is the 1997 Saab 9000 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 83% of MOT tests on 1997 Saab 9000s ended in a pass, from 58 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1997 Saab 9000 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,738 a year (£228 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 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 1997 Saab 9000?

83% of 58 MOT tests on the 1997 Saab 9000 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 71st of 306 models first registered in 1997 (top 24%).

What is the average mileage for a 1997 Saab 9000?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 Saab 9000 is 212,798 miles, which is in line with the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.