2007 Saab 9-3 2.0L Petrol · RA07 LHR

The 2007 SAAB 9-3 holds a valid MOT issued on 15 December 2025 at 142,945 miles, yet the maintenance trend is clearly worsening. That pass came just five days after a failure on 10 December 2025 at 142,943 miles, where the tester flagged a fractured nearside rear coil spring, an inoperative offside rear parking brake, a seriously damaged offside door mirror, and a fuel cap seal failure. The coil spring fracture is a serious structural concern rather than a minor consumable wear item, and the fact it appeared between two tests so close together suggests a sudden deterioration. Several advisories carried over from the failure into the pass, including a minor exhaust leak, an oil leak, an offside front service brake binding, and rear brake pads wearing thin. The rear brake wear advisory has now appeared in three consecutive tests, indicating a persistent issue that has not been properly resolved. The mileage pattern tells a story of very light recent use. Between July 2024 at 137,251 miles and December 2025 at 142,945 miles, the car covered just 5,694 miles over roughly seventeen months. Before that, the annual mileage was more consistent, averaging around 7,300 to 8,000 miles per year from 2022 through 2024. The sharp drop in recent mileage could mean prolonged periods of standing, which itself can cause brake seizure, tyre flat-spotting, and deterioration of rubber suspension bushes and fluid seals. The binding front brake and persistent rear pad wear may well be linked to extended periods of inactivity rather than heavy use. A buyer should focus the in-person inspection on the rear suspension and braking system first. The fractured nearside rear coil spring needs immediate attention, and the offside rear parking brake was completely inoperative at the December 2025 failure, so the entire rear braking assembly, including calipers, cables, and the handbrake mechanism, must be checked for corrosion and seizure. The offside front brake binding noted in both December 2025 tests points to a likely sticking caliper or collapsed brake hose. The minor exhaust leak and oil leak, while not yet severe, should be traced to their source, as both can worsen rapidly on a car sitting for long periods. The damaged offside mirror was flagged as seriously affecting rear view, so verify it has been replaced to an acceptable standard. Tyre condition deserves close scrutiny given the low recent mileage, as older rubber may show cracking even with adequate tread depth.