2003 Saab 9-3 · 3,893 MOT tests
2003 Saab 9-3 reliability
2003 Saab 9-3s fail 41.1% of first MOT tests, 7% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 12 of 14 9-3 years (3,893 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Saab 9-3s: 37.3%)
- 41.1%
- first-time fail rate (all Saab 9-3s: 37.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 7% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 111,959
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 3,893
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 9% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- 2004 cars: 5% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 3.5% of tests fail here (7% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 33% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2003 car carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
Common problems
What fails on a 2003 Saab 9-3
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics20.1%
- Suspension15%
- Brakes13.4%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks7.7%
- Tyres6.8%
- Body, chassis and structure6.4%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.4%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 5.19%
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 3.57%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Coil spring fractured or broken 3.49%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 3.11%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 3.11%
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 2.47%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Common advisories
Engine oil leak, not excessive (23.02%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (13.61%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (10.38%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (9.02%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (8.63%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (7.58%)
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 2003 Saab 9-3 reliable?
2003 Saab 9-3s fail 41.1% of first MOT tests, 7% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 12 of 14 9-3 years (3,893 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Saab 9-3 MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (5.19% of tests), engine warning light inoperative or lit (3.57% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (3.49% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Saab 9-3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2003 Saab 9-3 shows 111,959 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2003 car?
A car first registered in 2003 carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
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