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

Based on MOT data from 515 vehicles, the 1998 Saab 9 5 SE Auto has a first-time MOT pass rate of 76.5%, 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 SE 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 SE Auto (1998)

515 real MOT outcomes analysed • 76.5% first-time pass rate

1998 Saab 9 5 SE Auto

CarHunch analysed 515 real MOT records for the 1998 Saab 9 5 SE 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 Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 1998 SAAB 9-5 SE AUTO has a first-time MOT pass rate of just 41.6%, nearly half the UK average of 80%, which marks it as significantly less reliable than most cars of its age. With only 4.7% of vehicles recording dangerous defects, safety isn't the primary concern—the issue is sheer frequency of failure across electrical, suspension, and emissions systems.

At 111,500 miles on average, these cars are running hard for their age, and they're showing it: expect around 0.6 failures and 1.6 advisories per test on average. Before buying one, get a thorough pre-purchase inspection focused on the gearbox (automatic transmissions are wear items), suspension components, and fuel system integrity—this generation is notorious for leaks and electrical gremlins that cascade into MOT failures.

The 1998 Saab 9 5 SE Auto passes its MOT first time at roughly the UK average rate (76.5%) — solid but worth checking this vehicle's history carefully.

First-time pass

76.5%

UK average ~80%

Around average

Dangerous (ever)

4.7%

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

0.6

Over 2.7 tests on record

Moderate

Typical mileage

108k

Middle half: 86k–130k

For context

🔧 Average reliability. Passes at roughly the UK rate — not a standout, not a problem vehicle. Individual history makes all the difference.

🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 1.6 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.

These stats describe 515 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 515 Saab 9 5 SE Auto cars.

Before you buy a 1998 Saab 9 5 SE Auto

Based on MOT data from 515 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 4.7% 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 (99%)	512	76.4%	0.6

Colour Breakdown

Based on 1,212 Saab 9 5 SE Auto vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Blue 31.8%

386

Silver 28.8%

349

Green 14.6%

177

Black 10.8%

131

Red 8.3%

100

Grey 5%

White 0.7%

Mileage Distribution

Most 1998 Saab 9 5 SE 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.

108,016

typical

86,442

low mileage

130,385

high mileage

Half of all 1998 Saab 9 5 SE Auto vehicles fall between 86,442 and 130,385 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 86,442 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.

✓ 86,442–130,385 miles — normal for age. This is where most 1998 Saab 9 5 SE Autos sit.

⚠ Over 176,019 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

2.7

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

0.6

Avg failures per vehicle

1.6

Avg advisories per vehicle

Other model years — Saab 9 5 SE Auto: All 9 5 SE Auto years → Which year to buy? →

1999 2000

Or browse all models: Saab →

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Average reliability — agree?