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Saab 900 Classic (99-based) (1978-1993) reliability

At a glance

Saab 900 Classic (99-based) built before 2000: about average at the MOT

Saab 900 Classic (99-based) models built before 2000 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Looking at a Saab 900 Classic (99-based) right now?

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Key figure

28% of MOT tests on Saab 900 Classic (99-based) models built before 2000 ended in a fail (retests included), against 25% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Saab 900 Classic (99-based) models built before 2000 involves fluid leaks.

Saab 900 Classic (99-based)
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings1978-1993HatchbackPETROL

Based on 1,992 tests of 900 models registered 1978-1993.

About 1 in 7 900 Classic (99-based) MOTs (13.6%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built before 2000 (over 25 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 1,992 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 20 900 Classic (99-based) MOTs (4.6%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built before 2000 (over 25 years old).

Based on 1,992 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Classic (99-based) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
1,99228.2%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 25+ years old.

How the 900 Classic (99-based) compares

At each age below, see how the 900 Classic (99-based) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 4,518 tests across 3 Saab models, built before 2000 (over 25 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateSaab average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
1,99228.2%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Leaks

Worth checking

Inspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Suspension

Worth checking

Inspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Exhaust

Worth checking

Listen for blow noises from a cold start; check for rust and leaks at the manifold and cat connections.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other hatchbacks to compare

Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the 900 Classic (99-based).

  1. 1

    Ford Sierra

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    11.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6%
    Dangerous
    1.5%

    Lower fail rate: 11.5%, against 28.2% for the Saab 900 Classic (99-based), both built before 2000.

    3,022 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  2. 2

    Vauxhall Nova

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15.2%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6.8%
    Dangerous
    2.2%

    Lower fail rate: 15.2%, against 28.2% for the Saab 900 Classic (99-based), both built before 2000.

    1,003 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  3. 3

    Ford Escort

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    9.6%
    Dangerous
    3.8%

    Lower fail rate: 16.8%, against 28.2% for the Saab 900 Classic (99-based), both built before 2000.

    10,088 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  4. 4

    Subaru Impreza

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    19.9%

    Lower fail rate: 19.9%, against 28.2% for the Saab 900 Classic (99-based), both built before 2000.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    2,760 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.

Recall context

11 recalls in all

3 of the 11 900 Classic (99-based) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 3 recalls

Top concerns

  • Possibility of the throttle binding
  • Cracking of driving seat rails
  • Delayed braking action.

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

What has gone wrong on 900 Classic (99-based) cars built before 2000

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 3,090 cars.

Structural systems

Emissions
41%
Suspension
41%
Steering
18%
Bodywork
14%
Drivetrain
13%

Wear items

Brakes
59%
Lighting
57%
Tyres
39%

Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 18% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.

Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.

Classic (99-based) variants compared
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Saab 900 models of this age

This list covers every Saab 900 built before 2000, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Classic (99-based) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    28.8%
    Advisory: 802Fail: 12 (1% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Exhaust has a minor leak

    12.7%
    Advisory: 300Fail: 73 (20% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    10.6%
    Advisory: 404Fail: 45 (10% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Suspension mounting area corroded, but not seriously

    10.5%
    Advisory: 295Fail: 260 (47% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    8.6%
    Advisory: 320Fail: 14 (4% of the times it was found)

Based on 2,726 tests

Looking at a Saab 900 Classic (99-based) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built before 2000 (over 25 years old), the Saab 900 Classic (99-based) (1978-1993) fails MOTs slightly more often than typical for this age. This is based on 1,992 25+ year old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 1,992 MOT tests on Saab 900 models first registered between 1978-1993. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.