2006 Saab 9-3 · 22,265 MOT tests
2006 Saab 9-3 reliability
2006 Saab 9-3s fail 41.1% of first MOT tests, 7% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 11 of 14 9-3 years (22,265 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 16
- 115,788
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 16
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 22,265
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2006 against the years either side
- 2005 cars: 9% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2006 car does worse)
- 2007 cars: 13% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2006 car does worse)
- Strong point: steering, 45% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2006 car carries a 55 plate (January–February 2006), or a 06 plate (March–August 2006), or a 56 plate (September–December 2006).
Common problems
What fails on a 2006 Saab 9-3
Fail rate by area
- Suspension17.1%
- Lights and electrics16.1%
- Brakes11.5%
- Tyres7.4%
- Body, chassis and structure7.4%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors7.1%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks7%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 6.09%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Position lamp not working 5.54%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 2.92%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.58%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.56%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
CV joint boot split or insecure 2.34%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (15.69%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (11.38%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (10.92%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (8.06%) · Sub-frame showing corrosion (8.03%) · Brake pads wearing thin (7.51%)
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 2006 Saab 9-3 reliable?
2006 Saab 9-3s fail 41.1% of first MOT tests, 7% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 11 of 14 9-3 years (22,265 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2006 Saab 9-3 MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (6.09% of tests), position lamp not working (5.54% of tests), brake pads worn below 1.5mm (2.92% of tests).
How many miles should a 2006 Saab 9-3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 16, a typical 2006 Saab 9-3 shows 115,788 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2006 car?
A car first registered in 2006 carries a 55 plate (January–February 2006), or a 06 plate (March–August 2006), or a 56 plate (September–December 2006).
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