SAAB 9-32007 · 1.9L DIESEL

The 2007 Saab 9-3 passed its most recent MOT on 23 December 2025 at 192,779 miles, one day after a failure on 22 December 2025 for the same mileage. The maintenance trend is worsening. Recurring lighting faults, tyre neglect, and worn suspension joints show the previous owner deferred basic upkeep until forced by the tester. The December 2025 failure listed a near-side rear tyre bald on the outer edge, a non-working near-side front indicator, inoperative plate lamps, illegible plates, an excessively worn off-side front anti-roll bar ball joint, and a split off-side front CV boot. These were rectified within 24 hours to secure the pass, but the near-side rear tyre remained flagged as worn close to the limit. The recorded mileage rose from 165,999 on 19 December 2023 to 178,787 on 11 December 2024, then to 192,779 by 22 December 2025. That equates to roughly 12,800 miles per year across the recorded period, slightly above the lifetime average of 10,146. No major gaps appear between tests; the car was presented annually. The consistent yearly use at near-typical rates means consumable and suspension wear is expected, though the repeated failure on tyre condition and indicator lamps suggests the owner skipped routine checks. A buyer should inspect the off-side front CV boot and near-side front anti-roll bar ball joint replaced after the 2025 failure, confirming proper fitment and no grease loss. The rear sub-frame showed corrosion but not serious weakening at 178,787 miles in December 2024; this warrants underbody inspection for progression. The off-side rear anti-roll bar D-bush was excessively worn in 2024 and the shock upper mounting bracket was damaged in 2023, so rear suspension integrity needs a physical check. The near-side rear tyre passed within legal limits yet was worn on the edge at 192,779 miles; replace it promptly. Verify the plate lamps, indicators, and plate legibility stay compliant. The front oil leak noted in both 2024 tests and the engine malfunction lamp failure in December 2024 point to possible engine sealing or emissions faults that the 2025 pass did not revisit.