2008 Saab 9-3 · 23,110 MOT tests
2008 Saab 9-3 reliability
2008 Saab 9-3s fail 35.5% of first MOT tests, 18% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 14 9-3 years (23,110 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
- 18% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- 119,080
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 23,110
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2008 against the years either side
- 2007 cars: 13% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does better)
- 2009 cars: 18% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does worse)
- Strong point: lights and electrics, 53% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2008 car carries a 57 plate (January–February 2008), or a 08 plate (March–August 2008), or a 58 plate (September–December 2008).
Common problems
What fails on a 2008 Saab 9-3
Fail rate by area
- Suspension15.6%
- Brakes10.6%
- Lights and electrics9.9%
- Tyres6.4%
- Body, chassis and structure6.2%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.4%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 7.02%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 2.45%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.28%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 2.12%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Exhaust has major gas leak 1.88%
A major exhaust leak can let poisonous gas into the car and is illegal, so it must be repaired before driving.
Service brake excessively binding 1.77%
A brake that drags when released can overheat, wear quickly and waste fuel, so it needs prompt inspection.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (15.38%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (10.29%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (9.32%) · Brake pads wearing thin (7.18%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (6.77%) · Exhaust has minor gas leak (5.48%)
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 2008 Saab 9-3 reliable?
2008 Saab 9-3s fail 35.5% of first MOT tests, 18% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 14 9-3 years (23,110 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2008 Saab 9-3 MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (7.02% of tests), brake pads worn below 1.5mm (2.45% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.28% of tests).
How many miles should a 2008 Saab 9-3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 15, a typical 2008 Saab 9-3 shows 119,080 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2008 car?
A car first registered in 2008 carries a 57 plate (January–February 2008), or a 08 plate (March–August 2008), or a 58 plate (September–December 2008).
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