Saab 9000 CS (1992)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 30 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,761
£230/month
MOT Pass Rate
67%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£375
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 18-32
1985cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
67% pass rate, £2,761/year to run. 15 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Pre-2001 engine size rate
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 15 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Saab brand average of 75%.
67% of MOT tests on Saab 9000 CSs from 1992 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 32 years old. That's based on 30 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 122,921 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
122,921
Average miles
236,800
Expected for age
The average 1992 Saab 9000 CS had 122,921 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 236,800 miles for a 32-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Saab 9000 CS by Year
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About the 1992 Saab 9000 CS
The 1992 Saab 9000 CS is a family car. Our records list a 1985cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 30 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 12% of 1992 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 122,921 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Saab 9000 CS owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1992 Saab 9000 CS Fuel Costs
The 1985cc 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 1992 Saab 9000 CS?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,761 (£230/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 67% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
Buying a Used 1992 Saab 9000 CS
At 34 years old, the Saab 9000 CS 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 30 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 outAt 34 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 outAt 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 outRubber 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 outWith an average of 123k 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 riskHigh-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 riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 67% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Service History
Low riskAlways 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 1992 Saab 9000 CS 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 CS(1992) | 67% | £1,631 | £375 | Grp 18-32 | £2,761 |
| Volkswagen Golf(1991) | 80% | £1,631 | £375 | Grp 18-32 | £2,411-£350 |
| BMW 3 Series(1990) | 84% | £1,631 | £375 | Grp 18-32 | £2,411-£350 |
| Ford Escort(1990) | 85% | £1,398 | £375 | Grp 12-25 | £2,178-£583 |
| Mercedes E(1994) | 79% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 25-38 | £2,888+£127 |
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 1992 Saab 9000 CS
Is the 1992 Saab 9000 CS reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 67% of MOT tests on 1992 Saab 9000 CSs ended in a pass, from 30 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 15 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 1992 Saab 9000 CS cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,761 a year (£230 a month): £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 1992 Saab 9000 CS?
67% of 30 MOT tests on the 1992 Saab 9000 CS ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 153rd of 172 models first registered in 1992 (bottom 12%).
What is the average mileage for a 1992 Saab 9000 CS?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1992 Saab 9000 CS is 122,921 miles, which is below the expected 236,800 miles for a 32-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Related Saab Models
Explore other Saab cars or similar models in the same category.
Saab 9-3
2007 · 2792cc Petrol
Saab 9-5
2007 · 1985cc Petrol
Saab 900
1993 · 1985cc Petrol
Volkswagen Golf
1991 · 1781cc Petrol
BMW 3 Series
1990 · 1990cc Petrol
Ford Escort
1990 · 1597cc Petrol
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