1993 · 31 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1993 Saab 900 MOT pass rate and common faults

401 MOT tests in 2024. 62.8% passed first time, compared with 67.5% for all cars the same age.

93Below average
Passed first time62.8%
Failed or needed repairs37.2%
Typical mileage at test140,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 401 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements7.2%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength6.7%
  3. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed3.7%
  4. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.7%
  5. Parking brake performance: inoperative on one side3.7%
  6. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.2%
  7. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.2%
  8. Side repeaters: not working3.0%
  9. Service brake performance: excessively binding3.0%
  10. Washers: not working2.7%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Brakes25.4%
  2. Lights & electrics22.7%
  3. Emissions & leaks18.7%
  4. Suspension14.5%
  5. Body & chassis14.0%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.0%
  7. Steering4.2%
  8. Tyres3.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine20.4%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.5%
  3. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases8.2%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm8.0%
  5. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened7.0%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1993 Saab 900?

In 2024, 62.8% of 1993 Saab 900 cars passed their MOT first time, across 401 tests. The average for all 31-year-old cars was 67.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1993 Saab 900?

The most common failure reasons were rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; emissions not tested: unable to be completed. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 1993 Saab 900 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 93, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).