2001 Saab 9-3 · 2,964 MOT tests
2001 Saab 9-3 reliability
2001 Saab 9-3s fail 35.5% of first MOT tests, 14% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 4 of 14 9-3 years (2,964 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Saab 9-3s: 37.3%)
- 35.5%
- first-time fail rate (all Saab 9-3s: 37.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 14% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 21
- 102,320
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 21
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 2,964
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2001 against the years either side
- 2000 cars: 10% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2001 car does better)
- 2002 cars: 9% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2001 car does better)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 3.8% of tests fail here (16% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 57% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2001 car carries a 51 plate (September–December 2001).
Common problems
What fails on a 2001 Saab 9-3
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics12.8%
- Brakes12.2%
- Suspension10.6%
- Body, chassis and structure8.7%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks6.9%
- Tyres5.7%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.5%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 4.39%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 3.34%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Position lamp not working 3.31%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 3%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Exhaust has major gas leak 2.83%
A major exhaust leak can let poisonous gas into the car and is illegal, so it must be repaired before driving.
Seat belt anchor area weakened 2.5%
Corrosion near a seat belt anchor can weaken the body and make the belt fail, so expert repair is needed.
Common advisories
Engine oil leak, not excessive (18.45%) · Exhaust has minor gas leak (11.17%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (10.36%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (10.29%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (9.99%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (8.67%)
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 2001 Saab 9-3 reliable?
2001 Saab 9-3s fail 35.5% of first MOT tests, 14% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 4 of 14 9-3 years (2,964 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2001 Saab 9-3 MOT?
Most often suspension mounting area seriously corroded (4.39% of tests), parking brake efficiency below minimum (3.34% of tests), position lamp not working (3.31% of tests).
How many miles should a 2001 Saab 9-3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 21, a typical 2001 Saab 9-3 shows 102,320 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2001 car?
A car first registered in 2001 carries a 51 plate (September–December 2001).
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