2009 Saab 9-5 1.9L Diesel · VB55 AAB
2009 Saab 9-5 (1.9L, diesel). First registered 01 Mar 2009. Recorded mileage 76,048 miles. MOT expired on 12 Feb 2024. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- SAAB 9-5
- Year / Origin
- 2009 · Worcester
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 12 Feb 2024
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 76,048 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 1.9L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
VB55 AAB Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 13/02/2023
- 76,048 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Poor
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.
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VB55 AAB Mileage History
- 07/03/202272,878 mi
- 09/02/202376,048 mi+3,170 mi
- 13/02/202376,048 mi
Average of roughly 3,373 miles per year across 3 recorded odometer readings.
VB55 AAB MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
3 MOT tests are recorded for this 2009 Saab 9-5 (VB55 AAB) between March 2022 and February 2023.
The record contains 2 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 13 February 2023 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: Brakes (4 issues), Tyres (4 issues), Suspension (3 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 9 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 Rear Lower Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn hub bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Rear Brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))”; “Front Brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution and budget for imme
When inspecting this Saab, prioritise a thorough check of the braking system. The 2023 failure specifically cited both front and rear brake discs as being 'seriously weakened', so you must verify that these have been replaced with quality parts rather than just resurfaced. Ask for evidence of the work carried out following that failure.
Additionally, examine the suspension components closely. The MOT history noted a worn nearside rear lower suspension arm bush and previous oil misting from the rear shock absorbers in 2022. Given the age of the vehicle, these rubber components and seals are prone to degradation. Ensure the steering feels tight and there are no knocks or knocks when driving over uneven surfaces.
As a 1.9L diesel, this Saab 9-5 should offer reasonable fuel economy for long-distance cruising, though actual figures will depend on driving style. The tax band and insurance group will vary based on the specific trim level, but diesel engines of this era often sit in moderate insurance brackets.
Maintenance costs for a Saab can be higher than for mainstream brands due to parts availability. You should budget for regular servicing of the diesel engine and potential replacements for wear-and-tear items like tyres and brake discs, which have appeared in recent MOT records. Estimated annual running costs are likely to be moderate.
Focus heavily on the tyres and wheels. The 2023 MOT records noted both cracking/perishing on the nearside rear tyre and a nail in the offside rear, suggesting the rubber may be reaching the end of its serviceable life due to age or condition.
Check the exhaust system for any signs of leaks or excessive noise, as a minor exhaust gas leak was recorded in the 2022 MOT. Finally, inspect the underside of the vehicle for any signs of further oil misting from the shock absorbers, following the advisories noted in the 2022 test.
This 2009 grey Saab 9-5 diesel has covered 76,048 miles as of its last recorded test, which is significantly higher than the model average of 5,438 miles per year. The MOT history shows a pattern of wear, including a failure in February 2023 due to weakened brake discs and suspension bush issues. Although it passed its subsequent test, the recorded advisories for tyres and previous exhaust leaks suggest a need for thorough inspection.
Aggregate data for this model shows a 75.1% average MOT pass rate, indicating that a significant portion of these vehicles encounter issues during testing.
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
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