2008 · 16 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2008 Saab 9-3 MOT pass rate and common faults

5,793 MOT tests in 2024. 65.0% passed first time, compared with 56.9% for all cars the same age.

114Well above average
Passed first time65.0%
Failed or needed repairs35.0%
Typical mileage at test120,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 5,793 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken6.5%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.8%
    205 marked dangerous
  3. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.5%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.4%
    214 marked dangerous
  5. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.3%
  6. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases2.1%
  7. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.8%
  8. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.8%
  9. Parking brake performance: inoperative on one side1.6%
  10. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.5%
    123 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension18.3%
  2. Brakes16.7%
  3. Lights & electrics12.4%
  4. Body & chassis7.3%
  5. Tyres7.2%
  6. Emissions & leaks6.9%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.4%
  8. Steering2.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm17.6%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened12.4%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine11.7%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure8.9%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick7.8%

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: coil spring: fractured or broken. 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 2008 Saab 9-3?

In 2024, 65.0% of 2008 Saab 9-3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 5,793 tests. The average for all 16-year-old cars was 56.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2008 Saab 9-3?

The most common failure reasons were coil spring: fractured or broken; brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2008 Saab 9-3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 114, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).