2001 Saab 9-5 2.0L Petrol · BV51 BBZ
2001 Saab 9-5 (2.0L, petrol). First registered 01/09/2001. Recorded mileage 128,489 miles. MOT valid until 07/04/2027. Taxed until 01/01/2027.
- Make & Model
- SAAB 9-5
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Birmingham
- MOT Status
- Valid until 07/04/2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/01/2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 128,489 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 2.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- PETROL
- Year
- 2001
- Engine
- 1985cc
BV51 BBZ Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 09/04/2026
- 128,489 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (14 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
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.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
BV51 BBZ Mileage History
- 31/03/2023122,483 mi
- 26/06/2024126,497 mi+4,014 mi
- 31/03/2025126,934 mi+437 mi
- 09/04/2026128,489 mi+1,555 mi
- 09/04/2026128,489 mi
Average of roughly 1,985 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
BV51 BBZ MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2001 Saab 9-5 (BV51 BBZ) between March 2023 and April 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 09 April 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (14 issues), Brakes (12 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (3 issues), Bodywork (2 issues), Lighting (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 40 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.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))”; “Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Exercise caution. While the vehicle has
Prioritise a thorough chassis inspection. The MOT records repeatedly highlight corrosion on the Macpherson struts, suspension component mountings, and general underbody structure; you should verify the extent of this rust with a mechanic. Negotiate based on the recurring oil leak, which has been flagged in every test since March 2023, and the deteriorating condition of the brake hoses.
Check the service history for any evidence of structural repairs or oil seal replacements. Given the age and the specific advisories, ensure that the 'structural rigidity' mentioned in the 2026 test remains acceptable for your requirements, as corrosion in these areas often progresses.
As a 2.0L petrol executive car from 2001, fuel economy will be lower than modern standards. Tax will be based on older emissions brackets, and while insurance for the 9-5 is typically moderate, the cost of specialist Saab parts can be higher than for mass-market brands.
Maintenance costs are likely to be elevated due to the age of the vehicle and the specific issues noted in the MOT history, such as the need for brake hose replacements and rust treatment. Expect a higher-than-average spend on preventative maintenance to keep the vehicle roadworthy.
Focus your inspection on the underbody and suspension. Specifically, check the Macpherson struts and suspension mounting areas which have been flagged for corrosion in 2024 and 2025. Examine the rear brake hoses for the corrosion and deterioration noted in the 2026 and 2025 tests.
Inspect the engine bay and underside for the oil leak that has been present since 2023. Additionally, check the exhaust system, as a leak and defective mounting were recorded in the 2024 and 2025 tests, to ensure these have been properly addressed.
This silver 2001 Saab 9-5 has recorded 128,489 miles. The MOT history shows a consistent pattern of corrosion affecting the underbody, suspension mountings, and body structure, alongside a recurring oil leak noted since 2023. It most recently passed its MOT in April 2026 following a failure related to lighting.
The Saab 9-5 has an average MOT pass rate of 75.1%, with fluid leaks and headlamp issues being common failure points—both of which are evident in this specific vehicle's history.
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
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (BV51 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as BV51BBZ.
AUDI
A1 S LINE VORSPRUNG 30 TFSI
ROVER
45
ROVER
75
ROVER
25
VOLKSWAGEN
CADDY
ROVER
45
SEAT LEON
LEON
SEAT
AROSA
SKODA
OCTAVIA
SKODA
FABIA
SKODA
FABIA
SKODA
FABIA