2007 Saab 9-3 2.0L Petrol · RV57 BZW

This 2007 Saab 9-3 has shown a worsening trend in mechanical integrity over the past three MOT cycles, with the most recent test on 6 September 2025 at 85,295 miles revealing multiple critical advisories. The tester flagged binding rear brakes, a near-side front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint with excessive play, and a leaking oil seal at the front inner tie rod, alongside tyres worn dangerously close to the legal limit. While the vehicle passed, the accumulation of these issues—particularly the steering and suspension faults—suggests deferred maintenance rather than isolated wear. The 2024 test at 77,339 miles only noted perished rear tyres, yet the 2023 test at 75,362 miles already identified play in the steering rack, indicating a progressive failure pattern in the steering and suspension components. The recorded mileage of 85,295 miles over nearly 19 years—approximately 4,489 miles annually—is unusually low for a vehicle of this age, which typically accumulates 8,000–12,000 miles per year in UK service. This suggests prolonged periods of inactivity or very light use, which could explain why some components like the steering rack and suspension joints have deteriorated despite the low mileage. The gap between the 2022 and 2023 tests (72,899 to 75,362 miles) is particularly notable, as no faults were recorded in 2022, yet critical steering issues appeared just 2,463 miles later. This abrupt introduction of faults raises questions about whether the vehicle was driven inconsistently or neglected during this period. A prospective buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the steering and suspension given the recurring advisories. The near-side front anti-roll bar linkage and inner tie rod ball joint play, alongside the steering rack faults from 2023, indicate a need for thorough examination of bushings, joints, and mounting points for wear or corrosion. The oil leak at the front inner tie rod suggests potential contamination of the steering fluid or further joint degradation, while the rear brake binding could point to warped discs, seized calipers, or hydraulic issues. Tyres should be checked for uneven wear patterns, as the near-side front tyres were already worn to the legal limit in 2025, and the rear tyres were perished in 2024—a clear sign of inconsistent maintenance. Structural integrity, particularly around the wheel arches and subframe, should also be assessed for rust or damage, as this model is prone to corrosion in those areas.