2002 Saab 9-3 · 3,314 MOT tests
2002 Saab 9-3 reliability
2002 Saab 9-3s fail 38.8% of first MOT tests, 9% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 9 of 14 9-3 years (3,314 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Saab 9-3s: 37.3%)
- 38.8%
- first-time fail rate (all Saab 9-3s: 37.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 9% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- 105,614
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 3,314
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2002 against the years either side
- 2001 cars: 14% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2002 car does worse)
- 2003 cars: 7% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2002 car does better)
- Strong point: steering, 40% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2002 car carries a 51 plate (January–February 2002), or a 02 plate (March–August 2002), or a 52 plate (September–December 2002).
Common problems
What fails on a 2002 Saab 9-3
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics16%
- Brakes13.1%
- Suspension12.4%
- Body, chassis and structure8.9%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks7.8%
- Tyres6.3%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.2%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 3.89%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Exhaust has major gas leak 3.41%
A major exhaust leak can let poisonous gas into the car and is illegal, so it must be repaired before driving.
Position lamp not working 3.32%
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 3.2%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 3.2%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 2.23%
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 (20.58%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (11.23%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (10.98%) · Exhaust has minor gas leak (10.77%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (10.32%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (10.17%)
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 2002 Saab 9-3 reliable?
2002 Saab 9-3s fail 38.8% of first MOT tests, 9% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 9 of 14 9-3 years (3,314 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2002 Saab 9-3 MOT?
Most often suspension mounting area seriously corroded (3.89% of tests), exhaust has major gas leak (3.41% of tests), position lamp not working (3.32% of tests).
How many miles should a 2002 Saab 9-3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 20, a typical 2002 Saab 9-3 shows 105,614 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2002 car?
A car first registered in 2002 carries a 51 plate (January–February 2002), or a 02 plate (March–August 2002), or a 52 plate (September–December 2002).
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