1999 Saab 9-3: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1999 Saab 9-3?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1999 Saab 9-3 than on all cars registered in 1999.

• Exhaust system1.8× usual
  Saab 9-3

  16.2% All 1999 cars

  9.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 2.5% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Front struts8.2× usual
  Saab 9-3

  4.1% All 1999 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.1% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£400 our estimate

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

• Wheels3.4× usual
  Saab 9-3

  3.1% All 1999 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.3% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

Common 1999 Saab 9-3 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1999 Saab 9-3 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  33% 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.

• Suspension
  31% 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.

• Tyres
  25% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  20% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  18% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1999 Saab 9-3

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 1999 Saab 9-3 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the front struts? (Flagged at MOT 8.2× as often on the 1999 Saab 9-3 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the wheels? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 1999 Saab 9-3 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?