2004 Saab 9-3 · 9,202 MOT tests
2004 Saab 9-3 reliability
2004 Saab 9-3s fail 42.2% of first MOT tests, 5% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 13 of 14 9-3 years (9,202 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Saab 9-3s: 37.3%)
- 42.2%
- first-time fail rate (all Saab 9-3s: 37.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 5% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- 111,044
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 9,202
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2004 against the years either side
- 2003 cars: 7% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does worse)
- 2005 cars: 9% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does worse)
- Weak spot: tyres, 7.5% 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 2004 car carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
Common problems
What fails on a 2004 Saab 9-3
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics21.3%
- Suspension16%
- Brakes11.8%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors7.5%
- Tyres7.5%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks6.7%
- Body, chassis and structure6.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 5.76%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 4.6%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Coil spring fractured or broken 3.94%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.83%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 2.7%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 2.35%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Common advisories
Engine oil leak, not excessive (20.79%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (14.08%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (10.68%) · Sub-frame showing corrosion (8.84%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (8.79%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.92%)
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 2004 Saab 9-3 reliable?
2004 Saab 9-3s fail 42.2% of first MOT tests, 5% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 13 of 14 9-3 years (9,202 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2004 Saab 9-3 MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (5.76% of tests), headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect (4.6% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (3.94% of tests).
How many miles should a 2004 Saab 9-3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 18, a typical 2004 Saab 9-3 shows 111,044 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2004 car?
A car first registered in 2004 carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
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