How much does a 1997 SAAB 9000 CSE cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), including £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 SAAB 9000 CSE?

The 1997 SAAB 9000 CSE has a 75% MOT pass rate based on 403 tests in 2026. This ranks 157 out of 320 cars from 1997.

Which year SAAB 9000 CSE is most reliable?

The 1997 SAAB 9000 CSE has the highest MOT pass rate at 75%. The least reliable year is 1998 at 69%.

SAAB 9000 CSE (1997)

Q: Is the 1997 SAAB 9000 CSE reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of SAAB 9000 CSEs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 403 tests. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%.

Q: What is the average mileage for a 1997 SAAB 9000 CSE?

The average mileage for a 1997 SAAB 9000 CSE is 144,401 miles, which is below the expected 214,600 miles for a 29-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 403 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,197

£183/month

MOT Pass Rate

75%

Average

Road Tax

£315

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1985cc Petrol

Check Carefully

75% pass rate, £2197/year to run. 7 points below average.

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

£4.99

Check a specific SAAB 9000 CSE

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

Petrol1985cc29 years old403 tests144k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1985cc)

~36 mpg

£1,327

Road Tax

Based on 1985cc

£315

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,197

Per month£183/mo

Per week£42/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

🛡️

Get an insurance quote for this SAAB 9000 CSE

Compare quotes and find the best deal

Reliability Verdict

75% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%.

At 29 years old, 75% of SAAB 9000 CSEs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 403 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 144,401 miles.

Got a SAAB 9000 CSE 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 cars157th of 320(top 49%)

Rank among SAAB models43th of 73(top 59%)

vs national average-7%(82% avg)

vs 1997 cars average+0%(75% avg)

vs SAAB average+0%(75% avg)

Mileage Analysis

144,401

Average miles

214,600

Expected for age

The average 1997 SAAB 9000 CSE has 144,401 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 214,600 miles for a 29-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Looking at a specific SAAB 9000 CSE?

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

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

1999 · 1600cc Petrol

£1,827/year

73%

-2%

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

1999 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,017/year

71%

-4%

BMW 3 SERIES

1998 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,017/year

79%

+4%

BMW Z3

1997 · 1900cc Petrol

£2,017/year

75%

same

Check a Specific Saab 9000 cse

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 9000 CSE

The 1997 SAAB 9000 CSE is a family car with a 1985cc petrol engine. 403 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 1997, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 144,401 miles at 29 years old, SAAB 9000 CSE owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1997 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 £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1997 SAAB 9000 CSE?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% 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 1997 SAAB 9000 CSE

At 29 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.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 1997 SAAB 9000 CSE's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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.

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 144k 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 CSE stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
SAAB 9000 CSE(1997)	75%	£1327	£315	Grp 18-32	£2197
MAZDA MX-5(1999)	73%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£370
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1999)	71%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£2017-£180
BMW 3 SERIES(1998)	79%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£2017-£180
BMW Z3(1997)	75%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£2017-£180

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.