Saab 9-3 saloon running costs are fairly high compared to competition. The 9-3 has 18,000-mile (or two-year) service intervals but Saab dealer servicing tends to be pricey (although there are a lot of independent specialists). Insurance costs are reasonable, however some of the petrol models can be a little thirsty – especially the 2.0T and 2.8-litre, so if running costs are a priority go for the 1.9-litre diesel.

Saab 9-3 saloon emissions stack up reasonably on the eco front. With an average of 186g/km CO2 across the model line-up, its emissions are standard for a medium-sized saloon but there are no dedicated low emissions models. The greenest model is the 1.9TiD with 120bhp which emits 147g/km of CO2 and averages 52mpg. the 1.9TiD 150bhp was tweaked in 2009 and is actually cleaner with emissions of 137g/km of CO2 and economy of 54mpg.

Saab 9-3 saloon reliability shouldn’t pose too many problems. Previous Saabs have a reputation for longevity and the 9-3 should hopefully continue that trend. It doesn’t feel quite as well built as previous Saab’s however and we have heard reports of some glitches with electrics and issues with six-speed gearbox on early cars.