2003 Saab 9-3 2.0L Petrol · HF03 LLE

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance history shows a trend of recurring mechanical issues rather than proactive repair. The most recent test on 10 June 2026 at 42,200 miles identified light oil misting on the offside rear shock absorber and continued binding on the nearside front service brake. While the car passed, the persistence of the brake binding across multiple years suggests an underlying issue with the caliper or slide pins that has not been effectively rectified by the previous owner. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 23-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 1,835 miles per year. The data shows very minimal annual usage, with only 223 miles covered between June 2024 and June 2025, and just 70 miles in the final year recorded. This pattern of low-frequency use often implies the vehicle sits for long periods, which can lead to the degradation of rubber components, seals, and fluid chemistry, consistent with the leaking steering box and binding brakes noted in the record. A buyer must scrutinise the steering system specifically, as the tester flagged a leaking steering box in June 2025 at 42,130 miles. The recurring brake binding noted in 2024, 2025, and 2026 requires a physical inspection of the brake discs and calipers to check for seized pistons or uneven wear. Additionally, the oil misting on the offside rear shock absorber indicates the beginning of a seal failure that will eventually require replacement to prevent a total failure of the damping unit.