2002 Saab 9-5 2.3L Petrol · PA02 ABF

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, though the maintenance trend shows a shift toward developing exhaust issues. While the most recent test in October 2025 at 76,175 miles flagged only a minor leak in the central lower exhaust, this represents a regression from the October 2024 test where the car passed with no recorded defects. The previous failure in 2024 regarding an inoperativeide parking brake indicates that the braking system is beginning to require attention despite the low overall mileage. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 24-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 3,174 miles per year. The data suggests consistent use, yet the gap between November 2022 at 71,644 miles and October 2023 at 72,413 miles shows less than 800 miles driven in nearly a year. Such low usage often leads to age-related degradation of rubber-based components, such as seals and bushings, which can perish or seize due to inactivity rather than mechanical wear and tear. A buyer must prioritize a thorough inspection of the braking system, given the history of corroded rear brake pipes in 2022 and the subsequent parking brake failure in 2024. The minor exhaust leak noted in the latest test should be monitored to ensure it is a simple gasket failure rather than structural thinning of the manifold. Given the vehicle's age, the physical inspection should also check for structural corrosion on the chassis and suspension mounting, as low-mileage cars often suffer from environmental rust that MOT records may not fully capture until it becomes critical.