2007 Saab 9-5 1.9L Diesel · KK57 AKG

The defining mechanical story of this 9-5 is a sharply worsening rear suspension and chassis condition that surfaced in late 2025, ending a run of clean annual tests. The vehicle passed on 17 December 2025, but only after failing two days earlier on 15 December 2025 due to both rear outer suspension arm front bushes being recorded as excessively worn, items categorised as Major defects. The pre-fail inspection and the subsequent pass also carried advisories for corroded front lower suspension arms, a corroded rear subframe, corroded front brake hose ferrules, and worn rear suspension arm pins or bushes. Earlier tests in 2024, 2023, 2021 and 2020 recorded no advisories at all, indicating a relatively rapid deterioration in the rear axle components and underbody over a short period rather than a long-standing chronic issue. The 2022 test had already hinted at suspension-related deterioration with a Minor advisory on both front suspension arm ball joint dust covers and a deteriorated NSF and OSF drive shaft CV boot, alongside corroded front brake hose ferrules and a deteriorated exhaust backbox. At 88,330 recorded miles over roughly 19 years, this SAAB averages around 4,650 miles per year, which is low for the vehicle's age and suggests a mix of modest regular use and likely periods of standing. There are no extended gaps in the MOT record, with annual tests from 2019 onwards, so the vehicle appears to have remained in active use throughout this period rather than being laid up for multiple consecutive years. The mileage band is consistent with urban and short-journey driving rather than long motorway accumulation, which tends to accelerate certain wear items such as brake discs, calliper seizure, and underbody corrosion from limited drying cycles. The relatively low annual mileage means major mechanical components such as the engine, gearbox and clutch are unlikely to be excessively worn from high distance accumulation, but age-related deterioration of rubber, bushes, and underbody components is clearly the dominant risk factor here. A prospective buyer should focus the physical inspection on the items identified at the most recent test. The rear suspension arm front bushes that failed must be physically checked for cracking, perishing, or excessive play by rocking the wheels at the bottom and feeling for movement that translates into the arm rather than just the wheel bearing. The rear subframe corrosion should be examined on a ramp with a torch and a blunt screwdriver tapped into suspect areas to confirm the advisory is genuinely not serious, paying particular attention to the mounting points and any structural sections rather than surface brackets alone. The front lower suspension arm corrosion should be similarly probed, especially around the pivot bushes and any welded seams, as corrosion at these load-bearing locations can progress quickly. The front brake hose ferrules showing slight corrosion should be inspected for cracking of the rubber line itself where it meets the metal union, as corroded ferrules can indicate ageing hoses that should be replaced proactively regardless. On the test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the rear suspension over speed humps, uneven road surfaces, and when pulling away from rest, as this would indicate the rear bushes have continued to deteriorate beyond the advisory threshold since December. Steering response should be checked for vagueness or a wandering front end, which could point to play in the front lower arm corrosion sites or worn ball joints linked to the 2022 dust cover advisory. Brake pedal feel should be firm without excessive travel or sponginess, with no pulling to either side that might suggest binding callipers or uneven pad wear from low-speed use patterns. Finally, check for any signs of oil misting around the engine and transmission, and inspect the exhaust backbox that was flagged in 2022, as these age-related items are likely to have continued to deteriorate over the intervening years even without further advisories being recorded.