1998 Saab 9-3 · 1,281 MOT tests
1998 Saab 9-3 reliability
1998 Saab 9-3s fail 37.2% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 14 of 14 9-3 years (1,281 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Saab 9-3s: 37.3%)
- 37.2%
- first-time fail rate (all Saab 9-3s: 37.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 1% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 24
- 107,992
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 24
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,281
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1998 against the years either side
- 1999 cars: 11% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1998 car does worse)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 4.6% of tests fail here (29% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 26% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1998 Saab 9-3
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics14.5%
- Brakes13.5%
- Suspension10.6%
- Body, chassis and structure9.4%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks7.2%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.6%
- Seat belts and airbags4.6%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Exhaust has major gas leak 4.29%
A major exhaust leak can let poisonous gas into the car and is illegal, so it must be repaired before driving.
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 4.14%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Position lamp not working 2.97%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.89%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Seat belt anchor area weakened 2.81%
Corrosion near a seat belt anchor can weaken the body and make the belt fail, so expert repair is needed.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 2.5%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Common advisories
Engine oil leak, not excessive (13.74%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (10.62%) · Exhaust has minor gas leak (10.38%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (10.3%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (9.13%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (8.74%)
Other years
Every Saab 9-3 year
The full picture: Saab 9-3 reliability. Before you pay for any Saab 9-3, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 1998 Saab 9-3 reliable?
1998 Saab 9-3s fail 37.2% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 14 of 14 9-3 years (1,281 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1998 Saab 9-3 MOT?
Most often exhaust has major gas leak (4.29% of tests), suspension mounting area seriously corroded (4.14% of tests), position lamp not working (2.97% of tests).
How many miles should a 1998 Saab 9-3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 24, a typical 1998 Saab 9-3 shows 107,992 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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