Used car guide

1990 Saab 900: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 1990 Saab 900s, from 257 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 257 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

257MOT tests in 2025
65%pass first time (all 1990 cars: 73%)
3,900typical miles a year
2.2×the usual rate for rust around suspension or steering mountings

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 1990 Saab 900s than on all cars registered in 1990.

  • Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.2× usual
    Saab 900
    11.7% All 1990 cars
    5.3%

    Failed outright at MOT: 7.8%, against 2.9% of all 1990 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

By area

The share of 1990 Saab 900 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    32% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Suspension
    30% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Lights and electrics
    26% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Brakes
    25% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    17% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    12% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

    At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Looking at a Saab 900?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
1997232Suspension 40%
1996121Brakes 34%
1993379Suspension 34%
1992320Brakes 36%
1991246Brakes 34%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 1990 Saab 900s registered in 1990. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score