2009 Saab 9-3 · 13,835 MOT tests
2009 Saab 9-3 reliability
2009 Saab 9-3s fail 33.8% of first MOT tests, 18% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 14 9-3 years (13,835 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Saab 9-3s: 37.3%)
- 33.8%
- 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 14
- 107,680
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 14
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 13,835
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2009 against the years either side
- 2008 cars: 18% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2009 car does better)
- 2010 cars: 17% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2009 car does better)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 6.2% of tests fail here (10% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: lights and electrics, 57% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2009 car carries a 58 plate (January–February 2009), or a 09 plate (March–August 2009), or a 59 plate (September–December 2009).
Common problems
What fails on a 2009 Saab 9-3
Fail rate by area
- Suspension15.9%
- Brakes8.5%
- Lights and electrics8.3%
- Tyres6.4%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks6.2%
- Body, chassis and structure4.6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 7.54%
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 2.13%
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 2.08%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Diesel smoke above limit, post-2008 2.02%
Excess diesel smoke can point to poor combustion or engine wear, which can be costly, so check before buying.
Anti-roll bar linkage dust cover unsealed 1.67%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the linkage joint, speeding wear and possibly needing a future repair.
Service brake excessively binding 1.52%
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 (14.63%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (10.63%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (7.07%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.84%) · Sub-frame showing corrosion (6.33%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (5.96%)
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 2009 Saab 9-3 reliable?
2009 Saab 9-3s fail 33.8% of first MOT tests, 18% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 14 9-3 years (13,835 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2009 Saab 9-3 MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (7.54% of tests), brake pads worn below 1.5mm (2.13% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.08% of tests).
How many miles should a 2009 Saab 9-3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 14, a typical 2009 Saab 9-3 shows 107,680 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2009 car?
A car first registered in 2009 carries a 58 plate (January–February 2009), or a 09 plate (March–August 2009), or a 59 plate (September–December 2009).
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