2000 Saab 9-3 2.0L Petrol · W154 BAY
2000 Saab 9-3 (2.0L, petrol). First registered 31 Aug 2000. Recorded mileage 112,807 miles. MOT expired on 19 Dec 2024. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- SAAB 9-3
- Year / Origin
- 2000 · Exeter
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 19 Dec 2024
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 112,807 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.
W154 BAY Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 14/12/2023
- 112,807 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 6 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring exhaust & emissions items (3 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
W154 BAY MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
3 MOT tests are recorded for this 2000 Saab 9-3 (W154 BAY) between December 2021 and December 2023.
The record contains 3 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 10 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Exhaust & Emissions (3 issues), Tyres (3 issues), Suspension (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 10 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.
W154 BAY Mileage History
- 13/12/202197,377 mi
- 20/12/2022107,380 mi+10,003 mi
- 14/12/2023112,807 mi+5,427 mi
Average of roughly 7,710 miles per year across 3 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: 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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with significant caution. This v
Prioritise a professional inspection of the engine seals and the exhaust system. The MOT history shows a persistent 'oil leak, but not excessive' recorded in 2021, 2022, and 2023; you must determine if this is a slow weep or a developing fault that could lead to failure.
Negotiate based on the documented tyre issues and corrosion. The 2023 MOT noted multiple tyres with cracking or perishing, suggesting the vehicle may have sat for periods or the rubber is aged. Furthermore, the offside rear suspension component mounting was noted as corroded in 2023, so check for any signs of structural progression.
Running costs for this 2.0L petrol Saab will be influenced by its age and mileage. Expect higher-than-average maintenance costs due to the recurring oil leaks and exhaust issues noted in the MOT history.
Fuel economy will be typical for a 2000-era 2.0L petrol engine. Insurance groups for older Saabs can vary, but you should budget for a mid-range premium. Given the age, parts availability may also impact the cost of repairs compared to more modern equivalents.
Specifically inspect the rear exhaust system, as the 2021 and 2022 records explicitly mention a 'very rusted' exhaust box. The 2023 record also identifies a minor exhaust gas leak, which suggests the system is nearing the end of its service life.
Check the underside for corrosion, particularly around the offside rear suspension component mounting mentioned in the 2023 MOT. You should also inspect all four tyres for signs of perishing or sidewall cracking, as this was a specific advisory in the most recent test. Finally, look for fresh oil traces around the engine block to assess the severity of the long-standing leak.
This 2000 silver Saab 9-3 has covered 112,807 miles, which is considerably higher than the model average of 5,066 miles per year. While it has passed its recent MOT tests, the history reveals consistent issues with oil leaks and exhaust deterioration over the last three years. The vehicle presents as a high-mileage example with several ongoing maintenance requirements.
Aggregate data from over 54,000 vehicles shows a 75.4% MOT pass rate for this model, with common failures relating to headlamps, tyres, and brake pads.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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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 2000 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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