SAAB 9000 CSE (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 223 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
69%
Total Tests (2024)
223
Avg Mileage
144,306 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,217
Is the 1998 SAAB 9000 CSE reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the SAAB brand average of 75%.
At 26 years old, 69% of SAAB 9000 CSEs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 223 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 144,306 miles.
How does the 1998 SAAB 9000 CSE compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 SAAB 9000 CSE has 144,306 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a SAAB 9000 CSE?
The most reliable year is the 1997 model with a 75% MOT pass rate, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 69%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
How much does a 1998 SAAB 9000 CSE cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
SAAB 9000 CSE by Year
Checking a specific SAAB 9000 CSE?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 SAAB 9000 CSE
The 1998 SAAB 9000 CSE is a family car with a 1985cc petrol engine. 223 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 82% of 1998 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 144,306 miles at 26 years old, SAAB 9000 CSE owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1998 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 1998 SAAB 9000 CSE?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,217 (£185/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 69% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
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 1998 SAAB 9000 CSE
At 26 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.
Alternatives to the 1998 SAAB 9000 CSE
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (+4%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (+2%) from 8,442 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1998) 79% pass rate (+10%) from 6,287 tests
- BMW Z3 (1997) 75% pass rate (+6%) from 5,268 tests