Saab 9000 CS (1996)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 101 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,088

£257/month

MOT Pass Rate

67%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2290cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

67% pass rate, £3,088/year to run. 15 points below average.

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Petrol2290cc30 years old101 tests146k 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

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£3,088

Per month£257/mo

Per week£59/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

67% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

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 1996 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 28 years old. That's based on 101 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 146,285 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1996 models204th of 243(bottom 17%)

Rank among Saab models68th of 73(bottom 9%)

vs average of all models-15%(82% avg)

vs 1996 models average-8%(75% avg)

vs Saab average-8%(75% avg)

Mileage Analysis

146,285

Average miles

207,200

Expected for age

The average 1996 Saab 9000 CS had 146,285 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-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

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1997	68%	90	154,748 mi
1996	67%	101	146,285 mi
1995	72%	64	141,486 mi
1992	67%	30	122,921 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW 3 Series

1998 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,561/year

79%

+12%

Mazda MX-5

1997 · 1800cc Petrol

£2,561/year

76%

+9%

BMW Z3

1997 · 1900cc Petrol

£2,561/year

75%

+8%

Volkswagen Golf

1998 · 1984cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

+4%

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About the 1996 Saab 9000 CS

The 1996 Saab 9000 CS is a large car. Our records list a 2290cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 101 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 17% of 1996 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 146,285 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Saab 9000 CS owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1996 Saab 9000 CS 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 1996 Saab 9000 CS?

Total estimated annual running cost is £3,088 (£257/month), broken down as £1,958 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 1996 Saab 9000 CS

At 30 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.

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 30 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 146k 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.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With 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 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 1996 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(1996)	67%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£3,088
BMW 3 Series(1998)	79%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561-£527
Mazda MX-5(1997)	76%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561-£527
BMW Z3(1997)	75%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561-£527
Volkswagen Golf(1998)	71%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561-£527

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 1996 Saab 9000 CS

Is the 1996 Saab 9000 CS reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 67% of MOT tests on 1996 Saab 9000 CSs ended in a pass, from 101 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 1996 Saab 9000 CS cost to run?

Our estimate is £3,088 a year (£257 a month): £1,958 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 1996 Saab 9000 CS?

67% of 101 MOT tests on the 1996 Saab 9000 CS ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 204th of 243 models first registered in 1996 (bottom 17%).

What is the average mileage for a 1996 Saab 9000 CS?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1996 Saab 9000 CS is 146,285 miles, which is below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.