1999 Saab 9-3 · 2,416 MOT tests
1999 Saab 9-3 reliability
1999 Saab 9-3s fail 34.4% of first MOT tests, 11% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 7 of 14 9-3 years (2,416 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Saab 9-3s: 37.3%)
- 34.4%
- first-time fail rate (all Saab 9-3s: 37.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 11% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 24
- 101,994
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 24
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 2,416
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1999 against the years either side
- 1998 cars: about average for its age (the 1999 car does better)
- 2000 cars: 10% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1999 car does better)
- Weak spot: number plates and vin, 1.2% of tests fail here (52% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 26% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1999 Saab 9-3
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics14.2%
- Brakes11%
- Suspension10.6%
- Body, chassis and structure9.8%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks5.6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.2%
- Tyres4.6%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Exhaust has major gas leak 3.27%
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 3.02%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 2.4%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.36%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Position lamp not working 2.11%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Main beam headlamp not working 2.03%
A failed main beam reduces night-time visibility on unlit roads, so the headlamp should be repaired promptly.
Common advisories
Engine oil leak, not excessive (13.41%) · Exhaust has minor gas leak (8.24%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (8.03%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (7.99%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (7.99%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (6.87%)
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 1999 Saab 9-3 reliable?
1999 Saab 9-3s fail 34.4% of first MOT tests, 11% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 7 of 14 9-3 years (2,416 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1999 Saab 9-3 MOT?
Most often exhaust has major gas leak (3.27% of tests), suspension mounting area seriously corroded (3.02% of tests), parking brake efficiency below minimum (2.4% of tests).
How many miles should a 1999 Saab 9-3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 24, a typical 1999 Saab 9-3 shows 101,994 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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