Should I check the MOT history before buying a 1998 Saab 9 5 Auto?

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 1998 Saab 9 5 Auto?

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 1998 Saab 9 5 Auto?

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 1998 Saab 9 5 Auto reliable?

Based on MOT data from 195 vehicles, the 1998 Saab 9 5 Auto has a first-time MOT pass rate of 77.2%, 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 1998 Saab 9 5 Auto?

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 5 Auto (1998)

195 real MOT outcomes analysed • 77.2% first-time pass rate

1998 Saab 9 5 Auto

CarHunch analysed 195 real MOT records for the 1998 Saab 9 5 Auto. 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 Mileage Distribution MOT Averages Compare Models

This 1998 SAAB 9-5 automatic is significantly less reliable than the UK average: only 34% pass their MOT first time, compared to 80% nationally. At nearly 26 years old, these cars are showing their age, and while dangerous defects are relatively rare at 3.6%, the low pass rate reflects accumulated wear across multiple systems.

With a median mileage of 113,642 miles, these examples have covered typical distances for their age, yet they're averaging 0.48 failures and 1.2 advisories per test—suggesting widespread minor issues rather than single critical problems. If you're considering one, budget for repairs before purchase and have a pre-buy inspection focus on the automatic transmission, cooling system, and electrics, which tend to be the costlier weak spots on this generation.

We have limited data for the 1998 Saab 9 5 Auto — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

First-time pass

77.2%

UK average ~80%

Around average

Dangerous (ever)

3.6%

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

0.48

Over 2.3 tests on record

Low

Typical mileage

114k

Middle half: 88k–135k

For context

These stats describe 195 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 195 Saab 9 5 Auto cars.

Before you buy a 1998 Saab 9 5 Auto

Based on MOT data from 195 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 3.6% 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

Mileage Distribution

Most 1998 Saab 9 5 Auto 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.

113,642

typical

87,883

low mileage

135,317

high mileage

Half of all 1998 Saab 9 5 Auto vehicles fall between 87,883 and 135,317 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 87,883 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.

✓ 87,883–135,317 miles — normal for age. This is where most 1998 Saab 9 5 Autos sit.

⚠ Over 182,677 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

MOT History Averages

2.3

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

0.48

Avg failures per vehicle

1.2

Avg advisories per vehicle

Compare with another model

See how the 1998 Saab 9 5 Auto stacks up against a rival.

Average reliability — agree?