Saab 9000 Cse (1996)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 150 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,561

£213/month

MOT Pass Rate

72%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1985cc Petrol

Check Carefully

72% pass rate, £2,561/year to run. 10 points below average.

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Petrol1985cc30 years old150 tests160k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1985cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£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

72% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data.

72% of MOT tests on Saab 9000 Cses from 1996 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 28 years old. That's based on 150 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 160,381 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1996 models165th of 243(bottom half)

Rank among Saab models57th of 73(bottom 24%)

vs average of all models-10%(82% avg)

vs 1996 models average-3%(75% avg)

vs Saab average-3%(75% avg)

Mileage Analysis

160,381

Average miles

207,200

Expected for age

The average 1996 Saab 9000 Cse had 160,381 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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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1997 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 75%, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 69%. The 1996 scores 72%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Saab 9000 Cse by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1998	69%	223	144,306 mi
1997	75%	403	144,401 mi
1996	72%	150	160,381 mi
1995	78%	40	161,728 mi
1994	82%	44	142,636 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Mazda MX-5

1998 · 1597cc Petrol

£2,328/year

75%

+3%

BMW 3 Series

1998 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,561/year

79%

+7%

BMW Z3

1997 · 1900cc Petrol

£2,561/year

75%

+3%

Volkswagen Golf

1998 · 1984cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

-1%

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About the 1996 Saab 9000 Cse

The 1996 Saab 9000 Cse is a family car. Our records list a 1985cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 150 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1996, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 160,381 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Saab 9000 Cse owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1996 Saab 9000 Cse 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 1996 Saab 9000 Cse?

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 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Saab 9000 Cse Reliability Trend

The Saab 9000 Cse has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 0 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1996 Saab 9000 Cse

At 30 years old, the Saab 9000 Cse 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 1997 model has the highest pass rate at 75%.

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.

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 160k 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 1996 Saab 9000 Cse 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 Cse(1996)	72%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561
Mazda MX-5(1998)	75%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328-£233
BMW 3 Series(1998)	79%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561same
BMW Z3(1997)	75%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561same
Volkswagen Golf(1998)	71%	£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 1996 Saab 9000 Cse

Is the 1996 Saab 9000 Cse reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 72% of MOT tests on 1996 Saab 9000 Cses ended in a pass, from 150 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1996 Saab 9000 Cse 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 1996 Saab 9000 Cse?

72% of 150 MOT tests on the 1996 Saab 9000 Cse ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 165th of 243 models first registered in 1996 (bottom half).

Which year Saab 9000 Cse has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1997 Saab 9000 Cse has the highest MOT pass rate at 75% and the 1998 the lowest at 69%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

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

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1996 Saab 9000 Cse is 160,381 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.