Saab 900 Turbo 8 2d M (1985)
1985 Saab 900 Turbo 8 2d M
CarHunch analysed 128 real MOT records for the 1985 Saab 900 Turbo 8 2d M. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
This 1985 SAAB 900 Turbo has a first-time MOT pass rate of just 30%, less than half the UK average of 80%, which signals serious reliability concerns for a nearly 40-year-old car. However, the complete absence of dangerous defects (0%) and the exceptionally low failure count of 0.02 per vehicle suggest that when these cars do fail, the issues are typically minor and fixable rather than safety-critical.
With a median mileage of 211,603 miles, these survivors have clearly been driven hard and extensively, yet they're still on the road—testament to the 900's fundamental durability despite its age. Before buying one, factor in that you'll likely need multiple repair attempts to pass an MOT, and budget for a pre-purchase inspection by a SAAB specialist who can spot the wear patterns that catch out these veteran saloons.
What to check before buying a 1985 Saab 900 Turbo 8 2d M
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.
- 📄 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 900 Turbo 8 2d M
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (99%) | 127 | 0.3% | 0.02 |
| Diesel (1%) | 1 | 0% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1985 Saab 900 Turbo 8 2d M 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 1985 Saab 900 Turbo 8 2d M vehicles fall between 211,603 and 211,603 miles.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Saab 900 Turbo 8 2d M?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.