Saab 9000 S (1991)
1991 Saab 9000 S
CarHunch analysed 331 real MOT records for the 1991 Saab 9000 S. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
This 1991 SAAB 9000 S is in serious trouble: only 4.4% pass first time, compared to the UK average of 80%, and virtually all surviving examples are now over 157,000 miles with decades of age working against them. Dangerous defects are rare (0.9%), but the catastrophic pass rate tells you these cars are reaching the end of their lives—mechanical decay across multiple systems is the real story here, not isolated safety failures.
At this mileage and age, a 4.4% pass rate actually reflects how few 9000s remain roadworthy at all rather than indicting the model itself; these are survivors of a 33-year-old generation. If you're seriously considering one, budget for immediate remedial work (average 0.11 failures and 0.5 advisories per test), have a full inspection done by a SAAB specialist before purchase, and accept that you're maintaining a classic rather than relying on daily transport.
What to check before buying a 1991 Saab 9000 S
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 9000 S
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (100%) | 330 | 4.5% | 0.11 |
| Diesel (0%) | 1 | 0% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1991 Saab 9000 S 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 1991 Saab 9000 S vehicles fall between 126,445 and 187,398 miles.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Saab 9000 S?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.