1998 Saab 9-3 2.0L Petrol · S281 KHG
1998 Saab 9-3 (2.0L, petrol). First registered 01 Sept 1998. Recorded mileage 131,565 miles. MOT expired on 23 Jul 2018. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- SAAB 9-3
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 23 Jul 2018
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 131,565 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 2.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
S281 KHG Key Findings
- 17 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 30/06/2017
- 131,565 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 5 historical MOT failures
- 5 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (17 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
S281 KHG MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
17 MOT tests are recorded for this 1998 Saab 9-3 (S281 KHG) between May 2006 and June 2017.
The record contains 12 passes and 5 failures.
The most recent test on 30 June 2017 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 5 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (17 issues), Brakes (15 issues), Tyres (9 issues), Lighting (9 issues), Bodywork (5 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 48 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Rear engine mounting deteriorated resulting in excessive movement gearbox mount (6.1.D.1a)”; “Offside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded floor (2.4.A.3)”; “Offside Front Inner Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded arch (2.4.A.3)”.
S281 KHG Mileage History
- 16/05/200697,519 mi
- 14/05/2007100,388 mi+2,869 mi
- 15/05/2008103,043 mi+2,655 mi
- 13/05/2009106,263 mi+3,220 mi
- 13/05/2009106,263 mi
- 12/05/2010110,303 mi+4,040 mi
- 12/05/2010110,303 mi
- 24/08/2011115,012 mi+4,709 mi
- 25/08/2011115,013 mi+1 mi
- 31/07/2012117,442 mi+2,429 mi
- 17/09/2013118,968 mi+1,526 mi
- 26/09/2013118,968 mi
- 24/07/2014120,114 mi+1,146 mi
- 13/07/2015123,819 mi+3,705 mi
- 29/06/2016127,904 mi+4,085 mi
- 12/07/2016128,007 mi+103 mi
- 30/06/2017131,565 mi+3,558 mi
Average of roughly 3,061 miles per year across 17 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Saab Saab 9-3 (OG)
Our database tracks 5 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
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SAAB 9-3 Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 1998 model year cars.
- Engine Oil Sludge (B205/B235)Serious
Poor PCV design and long service intervals lead to oil breaking down and blocking the oil pickup strainer.
- Bulkhead CrackingSerious
The firewall where the steering rack is mounted can crack, leading to dangerous steering flex.
- Direct Ignition (DI) Cassette FailureModerate
The all-in-one ignition module fails due to heat and internal component aging.
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