2004 Saab 9-3 2.0L Petrol · 1 FCG

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a persistent trend of deteriorating suspension components. In the most recent test in July 2025 at 79,237 miles, the car failed due to excessively worn front anti-roll bar linkage joints and a failed position lamp. Although it passed the retest the following day, the tester noted advisories for wear on both rear upper suspension arm pins and bushes. These recurring issues across multiple years indicate that while immediate failures are addressed, the suspension hardware is reaching the end of its life. At 22 years old, the recorded mileage of 79,238 miles is remarkably low, averaging approximately 3,600 miles per year. This low usage often leads to age-related rubber degradation rather than mechanical wear from distance. The data shows a consistent but slow accumulation pattern between 2022 and 2025, with the vehicle covering roughly 8,500 miles in three years. The July 2022 test specifically flagged tyre perishing and cracking on multiple sidewalls, which is a classic symptom of a vehicle that sits for long periods despite having low annual mileage. A buyer must perform a thorough physical inspection of the entire suspension geometry. The repeated advisories for rear upper suspension arm bushes dating back 2023, 2024, and 2025 suggest these components are likely perished and require replacement. Attention should also be paid to the anti-roll bar links which recently caused a failure. Given the age of the vehicle and the history of tyre cracking, check for structural corrosion on the sills and mounting points, as low-mileage cars often hide rust caused by environmental exposure.