1989 Saab 900 2.0L Petrol · F914 AKC

A clear theme emerges from the MOT record: recurring corrosion and wear on the brake pipe assemblies and constant‑velocity (CV) boot deteriorations, compounded by repeated headlamp‑lens contamination and a history of front‑wheel bearing roughness. The latest January 2026 pass still listed a severely deteriorated nearside front CV boot and a minor windscreen chip, but the pattern of major failures in 2024 (wheel bearing, binding front service brake and both front headlamps) and the dangerous tyre rejection in 2022 shows that the vehicle has required frequent corrective work on core safety‑critical components. At 151,669 mi spread over 37 years the average annual mileage is just over 4,000 mi, which is low for a car of this age. The relatively modest mileage suggests the car has not been subjected to high‑stress driving, yet the age of the rubber and metal components means they have been exposed to decades of environmental ageing. Low utilisation can accelerate deterioration of seals, boots and brake pipe protective coatings, so the observed CV‑boot decay and brake‑pipe corrosion are consistent with a vehicle that has seen long periods of inactivity as well as limited mileage accumulation. When inspecting the brake system, feel the pedal for any sponginess or a hard, uneven bite that could indicate the corroded rear pipe sections are restricting fluid flow; also check for any external rust or grease buildup around the pipe fittings and listen for hissing sounds while the engine runs. Examine the CV boots for cracks, dried‑out material or grease splatter around the front joints, and during a short test drive listen for a whine or clicking that intensifies when turning, which would signal internal joint wear. The front wheel bearing that was flagged as rough in 2024 should be re‑checked by rotating each wheel by hand and listening for grinding or excessive play; any such noise would warrant bearing replacement before higher‑speed use. The headlamp lenses should be inspected for any film, residue or clouding that could be the source of the reduced output noted in previous tests; a simple head‑on visual check with the lights on will reveal uneven illumination. Verify that both front and rear lights operate correctly, especially the off‑side dipped beam and rear stop lamps that previously failed. Finally, look under the chassis for any fresh oil traces from the small leak recorded in 2022 and 2023, and inspect the power‑steering pump area for fresh grease or fluid seepage, as a worsening leak can affect steering effort. Confirm tyre tread depth on all four wheels—particularly the front tyres that have repeatedly approached the legal limit—to ensure no hidden wear that could become a safety issue.