Should I check the MOT history before buying a 2004 Saab 9 3 Vector 150 Bhp?

Yes. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. A full MOT history analysis will highlight patterns that a single test result won't reveal.

What corrosion should I look for when inspecting a 2004 Saab 9 3 Vector 150 Bhp?

Check brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that is expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.

How are tyres and brakes typically on a 2004 Saab 9 3 Vector 150 Bhp?

Tyres and brakes are the most common advisory items on vehicles of this age. Budget for replacement if they are near the limit, and factor this into your offer price.

Is the 2004 Saab 9 3 Vector 150 Bhp reliable?

Based on MOT data from 151 vehicles, the 2004 Saab 9 3 Vector 150 Bhp has a first-time MOT pass rate of 78.1%, indicating generally reliable for its class. Always check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before buying.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 2004 Saab 9 3 Vector 150 Bhp?

Yes. The MOT history will not show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status. An HPI check covers these areas and should be part of any used car purchase.

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Saab 9 3 Vector 150 Bhp (2004)

151 real MOT outcomes analysed • 78.1% first-time pass rate

2004 Saab 9 3 Vector 150 Bhp

CarHunch analysed 151 real MOT records for the 2004 Saab 9 3 Vector 150 Bhp. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Compare Models

This 2004 SAAB 9-3 is significantly less reliable than the UK average, with a first-time MOT pass rate of just 56.4% compared to 80% nationally—meaning you're more likely than not to face a repair bill before the next test. While dangerous defects aren't endemic at 16.6%, that's still worth noting when evaluating safety risk on a nearly 20-year-old car.

With an average mileage of 81,263 miles for the age, these are fairly well-used examples, and the data confirms why: owners are dealing with an average of 2.38 failures and 10.1 advisories per vehicle, pointing to chronic issues with suspension, emissions, and brake components rather than one-off problems. If you're considering this model, budget for immediate pre-purchase inspection by a SAAB-knowledgeable mechanic and expect ongoing maintenance costs to be above average for the age group.

We have limited data for the 2004 Saab 9 3 Vector 150 Bhp — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

⚠️ Around 1 in 8 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.

First-time pass

78.1%

UK average ~80%

Around average

Dangerous (ever)

16.6%

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

2.38

Over 9.5 tests on record

High

Typical mileage

78k

Middle half: 54k–94k

For context

These stats describe 151 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Average reliability — agree?

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 151 Saab 9 3 Vector 150 Bhp cars.

Before you buy a 2004 Saab 9 3 Vector 150 Bhp

Based on MOT data from 151 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 16.6% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection →
📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type	Vehicles	Pass rate	Avg failures
Petrol (83%)	126	78%	2.66

Mileage Distribution

Most 2004 Saab 9 3 Vector 150 Bhp vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

78,260

typical

54,151

low mileage

93,791

high mileage

Half of all 2004 Saab 9 3 Vector 150 Bhp vehicles fall between 54,151 and 93,791 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 54,151 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.

✓ 54,151–93,791 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2004 Saab 9 3 Vector 150 Bhps sit.

⚠ Over 126,617 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2004 Saab 9 3 Vector 150 Bhp — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 24% of 2004 Saab 9 3 Vector 150 Bhps are still active.

Numbers are declining — 16 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (24% of peak).

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

9.5

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

2.38

Avg failures per vehicle

10.1

Avg advisories per vehicle

Other model years — Saab 9 3 Vector 150 Bhp: All 9 3 Vector 150 Bhp years → Which year to buy? →

2005 2006

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Average reliability — agree?