Are Saabs Expensive to Maintain?

Saab cars generally cost about average to maintain. Keep reading to learn more.
Written by Bellina Gaskey
Reviewed by Carrie Adkins
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With an annual maintenance cost of $612 for a mid-tier model, Saabs have an average maintenance cost. 
Saabs cost around $5,000 for a used luxury model today, which is a great bargain for a brand generally reputed to be reliable. 
However, the purchase cost of your car is just the start of financial expenses involved in car ownership. Continual maintenance is important to keeping it running smoothly, but some cars cost more than others.
To help you understand what to expect with your new (or new-to-you) car, the
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has compiled everything you need to know about whether Saabs are expensive to maintain.
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How much maintenance does my Saab require?

Saabs generally have a reputation for being reliable and well-made. In fact, this brand has received a 4/5 reliability rating for budget makes, 4.5/5 for mid-tier makes, and 4.2/5 for high-end makes.
In comparison to other premium auto manufacturers, Saab’s average maintenance costs are middle-of-the-road. For instance, Saabs cost around $200 more than Acura and $200-1,000 less than BMW for annual maintenance.
Some of the most common problems Saab owners experience are leaking coolant fluid and flex (exhaust) pipe failure.
MOREHow to do summer car maintenance 

How much does maintenance for a Saab cost?

On average, a mid-tier Saab costs about $612 per year for standard maintenance.
Still, this can vary depending on the price and features of the model you choose. The following are some reliability ratings and annual maintenance for a few well-known models:

Budget model: 9-3

  • Reliability: 4/5 (average)
  • Annual maintenance cost: $588 (average)

Mid-tier model: 9-7x

  • Reliability: 4.5/5 (average)
  • Annual maintenance cost: $612 (average)

High-end model: 9-5

  • Reliability: 4.2/5 (average)
  • Annual maintenance cost: $754 (average)
There are a variety of benefits to performing regular maintenance on your vehicle. A regular maintenance schedule:
  • Keeps your car performing at its best
  • Increases your safety while on the road
  • Keeps the value of your car up
  • Saves you money by preventing costly issues from creeping up
If you neglect regular maintenance, you increase your chances of facing a major breakdown, which comes with a large repair bill—not to mention the inconvenience that comes with that.

How often does a Saab require maintenance?

Proper Saab maintenance follows a schedule similar to many other car makes. Of course, it’s best to take in your car as soon as a problem arises even if your next scheduled maintenance is months away.
Mileage
Service
Average cost
Every 10,000 miles
Oil change, tire rotation, and minor safety inspection: checking brakes, hoses, belts, and general irregularities.
$500-600
Every 3 years or 30,000 miles
In addition to regular oil change: replacement of basic fluids and spark plug, air filter, and fuel filter. Brake pads and tires may also be replaced.
$650-770
Every 60,000 miles
Intermediate-level service plus replacement of transmission fluid, engine coolant, timing belt, and drive belt, if necessary.
$560-660

Oil changes

  • When: Usually required every 5,000 to 7,500 miles
  • Cost: $35-75
  • Why: Important for removing excess dirt that can build up in your engine from use
  • DIY?: Maybe—if you have the right tools

Tire replacement

  • When: NHTSA recommends that tires be replaced every six years, regardless of the number of miles driven
  • Cost: $87-250 
  • Why: Important for maintaining traction, handling, and keeping driving noise down
  • DIY?: No—it’s best to let a professional handle the tire replacement so they can ensure your new tires are balanced for even wear and a smooth ride

Engine replacement

  • When: If your engine is damaged in a collision or breaking down due to old age
  • Cost: $3,000-6,000
  • Why: Your vehicle’s overall lifespan can increase with engine replacement
  • DIY?: No—this is best done by a qualified mechanic

Windshield replacement

  • When: When your windshield has a crack that is longer than a dollar bill, extends halfway into the windshield, or is spreading to the outside of the windshield
  • Cost: ~$300
  • Why: Cracks in a windshield can impair your vision
  • DIY?: No—this can be difficult to do

Paint

  • When: If the car’s exterior is visibly faded or peeling
  • Cost: $1,000-8,000
  • Why: Maintaining the paint job ups your car’s resale value and prevents corrosion
  • DIY?: Maybe—but it’s best to go to a professional for an aesthetic touch-up

Flex Pipe

  • When: If the pipe is showing signs of wear and tear or there are loud engine noises
  • Cost: $553-566
  • Why: Damaged flex pipes can lead to exhaust leaks, affecting car’s power and acceleration
  • DIY:  Maybe

Coolant Leak

  • When: If your coolant is leaking
  • Cost: $55-69 if the problem is caught early on
  • Why: Leaking coolant fluid can cause the engine to overheat
  • DIY: No—go to a professional unless you have the proper training

Finding cheap car insurance

Car maintenance is more than taking your car in once a problem arises. It’s just as important to take preventative measures, including protecting your car against a variety of emergencies with the right
car insurance
plan. 
Car insurance allows you to save money on hefty out-of-pocket expenses and ensures you’re able to get the necessary car service after a collision. But that doesn’t mean the right coverage has to cost an arm and a leg.
Jerry
can help you find the best savings on car insurance for your Saab. All it takes is a quick 45-second sign-up, and you’ll be able to compare dozens of competitive quotes from top insurers from Progressive and Nationwide to Chubb and Elephant. 
The best part? The average Jerry user saves $879 a year on car insurance. 
“Because I have a luxury car, I was more interested in finding better coverage than the exact price.
Jerry
helped me upgrade my policy, and when my record is cleared next year, I will be using Jerry again to choose an even cheaper plan!” —Paige W.
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