Saab 9-3 X (2009-2011) running costs and reliability

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Running costs rating: 2.5 out of 52.5

Written by David Ross Published: 6 June 2019

Miles per pound (mpp)

Reliable fuel consumption data for comparison purposes is not available for this model.

What is miles per pound?

Fuel economy

A more stringent standard for fuel economy (WLTP) was introduced from September 2017, and this model was not required to undergo that test. Its fuel economy measured under the previous test system was 28 - 55 mpg. However these figures are less likely to be achievable in real world driving and so should never be compared to another car's mpg which was measured under the newer, more realistic WLTP system.

View mpg & specs for any version

Aside from a few expensive options, the 9-3 isn’t that pricey. However, the petrol model will be much more expensive to run than the diesel, so choose based on whether you really need the extra traction of four-wheel drive. Petrol versions are quite expensive to tax, particularly the automatic. On the plus side, servicing costs should be lower than with most premium brand franchised dealers.

The diesel manual 9-3X has commendably low CO2 emissions at 144g/km, while the automatic version at 173g/km is also acceptable. The manual petrol version at 194g/km is also reasonable, but the auto option on the petrol car takes emissions to 244g/km, which is rather high.

Saabs tend to be very reliable. The only question marks would be over the cheaper-feeling pieces of interior trim and whether they would stand up as well as the rest of the car to general wear and tear.