2004 Saab 9-5 2.0L Petrol · LD04 PFF

The most recent DVSA examination on 22 October 2025 resulted in a pass, though it was accompanied by three advisories that warrant close attention from any prospective purchaser. The rear upper radius arm bushes have shown progressive deterioration over several test cycles, having been flagged first as advisory items in October 2024 and again in October 2025, indicating a slow but steady worsening of the rear suspension articulation points. The offside rear upper brake pipe was also noted as corroded and covered in grease or similar material, a common finding on older vehicles where surface protection has degraded. A separate failure on the same date recorded a headlamp aim defect that was rectified during the test by bulb refitting, suggesting either a previous bulb replacement or an adjustment issue rather than a fundamental lighting fault. Taken as a whole, the trend is one of gradually accumulating advisories rather than acute failures, but the rear suspension items suggest the vehicle is approaching a point where corrective work will become necessary to maintain ride quality and structural integrity. Recorded mileage stands at 86,041 miles over approximately 22 years, equating to an average of around 3,900 miles annually, which is considerably below typical usage and points toward either prolonged periods of standing or genuinely light motoring. Low annual mileage of this nature carries its own set of mechanical implications distinct from high-wear scenarios. Standing periods accelerate corrosion on ferrous components, particularly brake discs, callipers, exhaust mounting brackets, underbody seams, and fluid reservoirs, while rubber and polymer items suffer from age-related perishing rather than frictional wear. Brake calipers that have remained stationary for extended durations are prone to seizing, and discs can develop lip corrosion or surface pitting that diminishes braking efficiency until they are cleaned through use. Coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid also degrade on a calendar basis irrespective of mileage, meaning these systems require scheduled attention that the mileage figure alone may disguise. Given the age and low usage profile of this SAAB 9-5, a prospective buyer should conduct a thorough physical inspection beyond what the MOT record alone reveals. Tyre sidewalls should be examined closely for cracking, perishing, and any signs of ozone degradation, as tyres older than seven years from their date of manufacture can lose structural integrity even when tread depth appears acceptable; check for a DOT date code on the sidewall and confirm the tyres are within a serviceable age. The 12V battery is likely to be original or long-standing given the usage pattern and should be load-tested, as batteries that have spent long periods partially discharged suffer permanent capacity loss. Brake discs should be inspected for severe rust lipping, and the caliper slide pins and pistons should be checked for free movement when the wheels are removed, since binding callipers are a frequent consequence of low-use vehicles and can lead to uneven pad wear and pulling under braking. A thorough road test should include repeated moderate brake applications from higher speeds to confirm smooth pedal feel without shudder, vibration, or pulling to either side. During the test drive, particular attention should be paid to the rear suspension behaviour, given the recurring advisories concerning the radius arm bushes. Listen for clonks or knocks when traversing uneven surfaces, speed humps, or broken tarmac, as worn bushes permit excessive movement between the arm and its mounting, which can also be felt as vagueness or instability in the rear axle response during cornering. Uneven or scalloped tyre wear on the rear pair would suggest that bush deterioration has progressed further than the advisory description implies. The brake pipe flagged for corrosion should be physically inspected on a ramp or over a pit, as surface grease masking corrosion can conceal more serious metal loss; any pitting or flaking that extends into the pipe wall represents a safety concern requiring immediate replacement rather than merely a deferred item. Beyond these recurring concerns, general items appropriate to a vehicle of this vintage warrant verification, including the timing chain or belt service history depending on engine variant, the condition of the oil filter housing and valve cover gasket for oil seepage, the radiator and heater matrix for coolant leaks, and confirmation that the service book contains stamps evidencing regular annual fluid changes regardless of the modest mileage recorded.