2010 Saab 9-3 1.9L Diesel · LC60 EUF

A pattern of recurring major component failures dominates this 2010 Saab 9‑3’s MOT record – repeated re‑failures for the front wiper, multiple rear lighting units and, most notably, a fractured off‑side front coil spring in 2023 together with worn anti‑roll‑bar dust covers on both front ends in 2025. These defects suggest that the suspension and braking systems have been a persistent source of non‑compliance, while the tyre tread is now approaching the legal limit. The latest MOT on 28 July 2026 was a pass, but only after a separate failure on 22 July 2026 for the same wiper and rear lights, indicating that the vehicle’s roadworthiness remains marginal and dependent on prompt remedial work. At 126,729 mi the car averages just under 8,000 mi per year, a mileage rate that sits comfortably within normal UK usage for a sixteen‑year‑old vehicle. The MOT history shows no prolonged gaps, with annual testing from 2022 onward, so the recorded mileage is likely representative of actual use. This moderate annual accumulation means that wear on consumables such as brake pads, tyres and suspension bushings will be in line with expectations, but the documented failures imply that specific components have been subjected to accelerated deterioration beyond what mileage alone would predict. A prospective buyer should concentrate on the suspension and braking assemblies. Inspect the front anti‑roll‑bar linkage dust covers for signs of corrosion or cracked seals that could allow dirt ingress, and listen for clunking or excessive bounce over bumps that would betray a compromised coil spring or worn bushings. The rear service brake was recorded as excessively binding in 2025; a test‑drive should reveal any dragging sensation, uneven pedal feel or a humming noise from the rear wheels. Verify the thickness of the rear brake pads – the advisory noted they are on the limit – and be prepared for replacement if less than 3 mm remains. The wiper’s inability to clear the screen, flagged twice, should be confirmed by a functional test, and all rear lighting (position, stop, direction and registration plate lamps) must be verified as operational before purchase. Given the recent tyre tread advisories and the near‑limit condition of the nearside front tyre, budgeting for a full set of tyres is prudent. Replacement of the fractured front coil spring, renewal of both front anti‑roll‑bar dust covers, and a thorough brake service (including pad replacement and inspection of caliper operation) will be essential to bring the car back to a reliable state. During a test drive, watch for steering pull, uneven tyre wear patterns, and any unusual noises from the suspension or brakes, as these will be the most telling indicators of lingering issues that the MOT record alone may not capture.