2003 Saab 9-3: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Saab 9-3?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Saab 9-3 than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Engine oil leaks1.7× usual
  Saab 9-3

  27.6% All 2003 cars

  16.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.4% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

Common 2003 Saab 9-3 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Saab 9-3 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  44% 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.

• Brakes
  35% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  33% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  30% 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.

• Tyres
  27% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  13% 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.

Known faults on the 2003 Saab 9-3

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Hood motors and leaks (convertible)

  Convertible

  The electric hood motors can be damaged if the hood has been operated by hand. Check for rips, leaks and whistling at speed.

  At the viewing: Raise and lower the hood a couple of times and look for leaks.

  Source: RAC: Saab 9-3 Convertible (2003-2012) used car review

• Fast front tyre wear (powerful versions)

  Powerful versions

  Hard driving can wear out the front tyres in about 5,000 miles.

  At the viewing: Check the front tyre tread.

  Source: RAC: Saab 9-3 Convertible (2003-2012) used car review

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Saab 9-3

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

1. Has the hood or its motors been repaired?
2. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2003 Saab 9-3 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?