2000 · 24 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2000 Saab 9-3 MOT pass rate and common faults

630 MOT tests in 2024. 64.6% passed first time, compared with 61.5% for all cars the same age.

105Above average
Passed first time64.6%
Failed or needed repairs35.4%
Typical mileage at test103,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 630 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength5.1%
  2. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced3.3%
  3. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.3%
  4. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.2%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.0%
  6. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.1%
  7. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure2.1%
    27 marked dangerous
  8. Position lamp: not working1.9%
  9. Coil spring: fractured or broken1.6%
  10. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed1.4%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Brakes18.7%
  2. Lights & electrics17.6%
  3. Suspension13.8%
  4. Body & chassis8.9%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.8%
  6. Tyres6.3%
  7. Emissions & leaks6.0%
  8. Seat belts & airbags4.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine20.8%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure12.4%
  3. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases11.7%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened11.4%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm10.5%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2000 Saab 9-3?

In 2024, 64.6% of 2000 Saab 9-3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 630 tests. The average for all 24-year-old cars was 61.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2000 Saab 9-3?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced; rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 2000 Saab 9-3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 105, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).