2008 Saab 9-3 1.9L Diesel · LD08 YPP

The vehicle shows a history of recurring mechanical issues, particularly centered around the power steering system and suspension components. In the most recent test in September 2025 at 183,588 miles, the car passed only after failing the day prior. That failure resulted from a major central exhaust leak and a worn nearside rear anti-roll bar bush. While these were addressed, the tester still noted persistent seepage from the power steering component and an oil leak from the nearside drive shaft seal. This steering leak has been documented since 2022 and 2023, indicating a slow but progressive degradation of the rack that has not been rectified. At 183,588 miles over 18 years, the vehicle has averaged approximately 10,200 miles per year, which is consistent with typical annual use. However, the MOT record reveals a pattern of neglecting basic consumable maintenance. Between 2019 and 2025, the car was frequently flagged or failed for tyres worn to the legal limit or showing uneven wear. The repeated mention of worn edges on front tyres suggests potential alignment issues or simply a lack of proactive replacement by previous owners. The mechanical history also highlights vulnerabilities in the suspension and braking systems. The nearside rear anti-roll bar pin and bush have appeared as recurring failure points across 2022 and 2025, showing ongoing wear in that assembly. Additionally, the 2023 failure for a binding offside rear service brake indicates a tendency for caliper or mechanism seizure. Given the age and high mileage, the persistent power steering seepage and the various CV joint concerns suggest the vehicle is nearing requiring more significant repairs. A buyer should specifically inspect the steering rack for further leaks and verify the integrity of all rubber bushes across the drivetrain.