2005 Saab 9-3 1.9L Diesel · OY05 YFF
2005 Saab 9-3 (1.9L, diesel). First registered 01 Mar 2005. Recorded mileage 126,989 miles. MOT expired on 01 Apr 2024. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- SAAB 9-3
- Year / Origin
- 2005 · Oxford
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 01 Apr 2024
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 126,989 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 1.9L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
OY05 YFF Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 03/04/2023
- 126,989 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (7 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
OY05 YFF MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
3 MOT tests are recorded for this 2005 Saab 9-3 (OY05 YFF) between March 2022 and April 2023.
The record contains 2 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 03 April 2023 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (7 issues), Suspension (3 issues), Tyres (2 issues), Windscreen (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 13 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Rear Coil spring fractured or broken (5.3.1 (b) (i))”; “Front Windscreen washer not working (3.5 (a))”; “Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))”.
OY05 YFF Mileage History
- 05/03/2022119,797 mi
- 18/03/2022119,797 mi
- 03/04/2023126,989 mi+7,192 mi
Average of roughly 6,663 miles per year across 3 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution regarding t
When inspecting this vehicle, focus heavily on the drivetrain and suspension history. The repeated failures and advisories regarding CV gaiters suggest that the rubber components are prone to perishing; listen for clicking noises from the front end while turning at low speeds, which can indicate CV joint wear. Given the 2022 MOT failure for a fractured coil spring, check the rear suspension thoroughly for any signs of corrosion or recent repair work.
Verify if the fluid leak noted in 2022 was permanently rectified, as the 1.9 TiD engine in these models can be susceptible to oil leaks from the sump or rocker cover. Request all available service documentation to confirm if the timing belt—a critical maintenance item for this engine—has been replaced at the appropriate intervals, as failure to do so is a common cause of terminal engine damage in this model.
As a 2005 diesel, this Saab 9-3 falls under older VED (Vehicle Excise Duty) bands, though fuel consumption will be higher than modern equivalents. You should expect to budget for frequent maintenance, particularly regarding suspension bushes and drivetrain seals, which have been recurring themes in this vehicle's MOT history.
Insurance costs may be moderate for a vehicle of this age, but parts availability for Saab can occasionally be more expensive or difficult to source than for mass-market brands. Estimated annual running costs, including fuel, insurance, tax, and a contingency fund for repairs, are likely to fall in the £1,400–£1,800 range depending on annual mileage.
Prioritise an inspection of the CV boots and drive shaft joints, as these have been flagged in multiple MOT tests. Ensure the steering feels precise and that there are no knocks or rattles from the suspension, specifically targeting the rear upper suspension arm bushes noted as worn in 2023.
Check the condition of the brake discs and pads, as these were flagged for wear in 2022. Additionally, test all electrical components, including the windscreen washers and wipers, as these were recorded as faulty in previous tests. Inspect the tyres for signs of perishing or cracking, which were previously noted as failure points.
This silver 2005 Saab 9-3 diesel has covered 126,989 miles, which is significantly above the average annual mileage for its age. The MOT history reveals persistent issues with CV boots and suspension components, suggesting that the vehicle requires ongoing attention to its running gear. While it has passed recent tests, the volume of advisories indicates a vehicle that is showing its age.
The Saab 9-3 has a mixed reputation for reliability, with aggregate data showing a 75.4% pass rate; this specific vehicle's history of suspension and drivetrain issues is consistent with known weak points for the model.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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