Saab 9 3 (2007)
2007 Saab 9 3
CarHunch analysed 18,848 real MOT records for the 2007 Saab 9 3. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2007 SAAB 9-3 sits below the UK average with a 75.8% first-time pass rate, and there's a serious red flag: 42.3% of these cars have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, well above the typical concern threshold. Both petrol and diesel variants struggle equally, with pass rates of 76.7% and 75.4% respectively, suggesting the problem isn't fuel-type specific.
At nearly 97,000 miles median, these cars are well-used but not excessive for their age, yet they're generating nearly 4 failures per test and almost 20 advisories each. The high advisory count points to cumulative wear across multiple systems rather than one catastrophic weak point—suspension, brakes, and ancillaries are likely taking a beating. If you're considering one, budget for repairs and have a pre-purchase inspection focus on brake and suspension integrity, not just what passes the MOT.
What to check before buying a 2007 Saab 9 3
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- ⚠️ 42.3% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Saab 9 3
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
CarHunch may earn a small commission if you buy via these links — at no extra cost to you.
Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel (65%) | 12,339 | 75.4% | 3.88 |
| Petrol (34%) | 6,480 | 76.7% | 4.19 |
| LPG (0%) | 21 | 74.8% | 4.24 |
| Other (0%) | 7 | 84.1% | 1.14 |
| Gas Bi-Fuel (0%) | 1 | 83.3% | 1 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2007 Saab 9 3 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2007 Saab 9 3 vehicles fall between 77,177 and 117,405 miles.
2007 Saab 9 3 — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 5,350 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (31% of peak).
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2007 Saab 9 3
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
-
60.7%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
-
58.1%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
-
40.7%
Oil leak, but not excessive
-
38.1%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
-
37.1%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
-
36.2%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
-
35.2%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
-
28.7%
Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2007. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Saab 9 3?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.