2003 Saab 9-3 2.0L Petrol · RY03 CVD

The vehicle shows a history of recurring mechanical and wear-related issues consistent with its low-mileage profile. In the most recent test in June 2026 at 74,308 miles, the car passed despite several advisories that indicate deferred maintenance. The tester flagged a gearbox oil leak and a minor exhaust leak, both of which have appeared in records since at least 2025. The rear braking system is showing significant age, with pitted and scored discs and thin pads on both sides noted in two consecutive years. Furthermore, a severely deteriorated CV boot on the offside front inner drive shaft is a critical point that will likely lead to more expensive joint failure if not replaced immediately. At 74,308 miles over 23 years, the car has covered a low average of approximately 3,200 miles per year. This low usage often leads to rubber-based components suffering from age, which is evidenced by the cracking and perishing of the rear tyres noted in 2026. The record also shows a pattern of neglecting tyre tread, with the nearside front tyre reaching the legal limit in both 2023 and 2026. The failure in 2023 due to sub-legal tread depth and a blown bulb suggests the previous owner only addressed the minimum requirements to pass rather than performing preventative servicing. Structural and suspension components show minor wear, specifically a worn suspension arm pin bush noted in 2024. While the vehicle has passed its tests, the combination of an ongoing oil leak, exhaust corrosion, and deteriorating rear brakes suggests it is beginning to require significant investment. A prospective buyer should inspect the gearbox seal for signs of active weeping and ensure the rear brake hardware is replaced to prevent further disc damage. The overall trend is one of a vehicle that is suffering from age-related degradation rather than high-mileage wear.