2004 Saab 9-5 2.0L Petrol · LE04 JSZ

The most recent MOT test dated 14 August 2026 resulted in a pass, although the vehicle carries several advisories and a minor defect that warrant close attention. The minor item records a damaged central windscreen area, described as a stone chip or small crack, which does not currently fall within the driver's primary line of sight but should be monitored for propagation. Advisories at this test note both door mirror covers as damaged, reduced handbrake reserve travel, corrosion to the rear sub-frame, and corrosion to the nearside rear upper suspension arm, all classed as not seriously weakened at the time of examination. Looking at the trajectory across the last three years, the overall pattern is one of accumulating structural and under-body corrosion advisories alongside a recurrence of front sub-frame bush wear, while a 2026 test initially failed on four major items relating to ABS warning lamp illumination, headlamp alignment, and perished anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust covers before being successfully retested a week later. The maintenance trend cannot be described as worsening dramatically, but it does indicate a vehicle that is developing progressive age-related corrosion and suspension component deterioration typical of a 22 year old SAAB 9-5. With a recorded mileage of 79,223 against a 22 year vehicle age, the annualised usage is approximately 3,601 miles per year, which is notably low for a car of this vintage and well below the typical 6,000 to 8,000 mile average. The MOT records show tests at 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026, suggesting relatively regular use rather than long periods of standing, although the limited mileage indicates the vehicle has likely spent considerable time either garaged or used only for short journeys. Low annual mileage of this nature reduces wear on major drivetrain components but conversely raises the likelihood of standing-related issues such as brake disc corrosion, sticking or binding calipers, perished rubber components, and stale fluids. Short journey use also prevents the engine and exhaust system from reaching full operating temperature regularly, which can accelerate internal corrosion, contaminate engine oil through fuel dilution, and shorten the life of the diesel particulate filter if this is a diesel variant. The recurring advisories on the front sub-frame pin or bush wear deserve particular scrutiny during any physical inspection. The 2021 test recorded both front sub-frame rear bushes as worn but not excessively so, yet by August 2022 this wear had progressed to a major failure category with both bushes excessively worn, and by the 2026 retest we see related anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust covers that have perished. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over speed bumps, uneven road surfaces, and during full lock manoeuvres, as these symptoms typically indicate worn bushes or play in anti-roll bar linkages. The buyer should physically inspect the front sub-frame mounting area for movement when the wheels are levered by hand, and examine the anti-roll bar drop links and ball joints for any play or perished gaiters. The rear sub-frame and rear suspension arm corrosion advisories have been present consistently since 2022, suggesting progressive surface corrosion; a thorough inspection from beneath the vehicle with a torch is advisable, paying particular attention to suspension arm mounting points, the rear sub-frame itself, and any structural integrity issues, as continued progression could eventually compromise structural rigidity as flagged in the 2025 advisory regarding integral body corrosion. Beyond the recorded defects, the low mileage and age of the vehicle require attention to items that MOT testing does not fully cover. Brake discs are susceptible to corrosion pitting and binding calipers from standing, so the buyer should check for any grinding or scraping noises from the front wheels on first application of the brakes, and verify that the vehicle rolls freely on a flat surface with the handbrake released. The reduced handbrake reserve travel noted in the 2026 advisory suggests the rear brake cable or mechanism may require adjustment or that the rear drums or calipers are binding. Tyres should be inspected not only for tread depth but for sidewall cracking, perishing, and age-related degradation, particularly if original fitments remain. The 12 volt battery health should be verified, as batteries beyond five years of age are prone to hold insufficient charge; fluid services including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and automatic transmission fluid if applicable should all be confirmed as recently renewed regardless of low mileage, as brake fluid is hygroscopic and degrades with calendar age, and coolant systems lose corrosion inhibitor effectiveness over time. A verification of service history stamps and any invoices for recent rectification work, particularly the ABS fault that caused the 2026 failure, will be essential to confirm the underlying cause has been properly diagnosed and resolved rather than temporarily cleared.