IsItAGoodCar
Official DVLA Record
MOT Valid
Road Tax Paid

2005 Saab 9-3 2.0L Petrol · SA05 ABA

SA05 ABA

2005 Saab 9-3 (2.0L, petrol). First registered 23 May 2005. Recorded mileage 118,963 miles. MOT valid until 01 Aug 2027. Taxed until 01 Apr 2027.

Make & Model
SAAB 9-3
Year / Origin
2005 · Glasgow
Safety Recall
Unknown
MOT Status
Valid until 01 Aug 2027
Road Tax
Taxed (01 Apr 2027)
Recorded Mileage
118,963 mi
ULEZ Compliance
Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
Fuel & Engine
Petrol · 2.0L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults
MOT Status
Valid
Valid until 01 Aug 2027
Tax Status
Taxed
Tax due 01 Apr 2027
Fuel Type
Petrol
Year
2005
Engine
2000cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

The vehicle presents a high level of roadworthiness, maintaining a consistent record of clean passes over the last five years. The most recent test conducted on 28 July 2025 at 115,625 miles showed no defects, mirroring the stable maintenance trend seen in previous inspections. This suggests a proactive approach to upkeep where the owner likely addressed potential mechanical or safety issues before they could trigger a formal MOT failure. The mileage profile is notably low for a 21-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 5,500 miles per annum. Between the 2021 test at 103,110 miles and the July 2025 test at 115,625 miles, the car covered only 12,515 miles. This consistent, low usage typically indicates less wear on drivetrain components and engine internals, though the low frequency of travel can sometimes lead to the degradation of rubber-based components and seals that do not benefit from regular movement. Despite the lack of recorded advisories, a physical inspection must focus on components susceptible to age rather than just mileage. A buyer should specifically examine the structural integrity for corrosion corrosion, particularly along the rear sills and wheel arches, which are common failure points on older Saabs. Additionally, check the suspension bushes and coil springs for cracking or fatigue, as low-mileage vehicles often suffer from perished rubber over time. Testing the brake calipers for binding or surface rust is also advisable to ensure the periods of standing have not compromised the braking system.
Used Car Buyer Alert1 in 3 UK cars has hidden active finance or write-off history

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.

£20,000 Experian Guarantee· 80+ check points · Instant results

SA05 ABA Key Findings

  • 5 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 29/07/2026
  • 118,963 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 1 defect noted at the latest MOT

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

SA05 ABA MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 29 Sept 2026, 05:42
MOT Analysis

Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2005 Saab 9-3 (SA05 ABA) between July 2022 and July 2026.

The record contains 5 passes and 0 failures.

The record shows no MOT failures, although 1 advisory notice notes an item to monitor.

Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 1 advisory notice is 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.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

SA05 ABA Mileage History

  1. 11/07/2022105,943 mi
  2. 06/07/2023109,780 mi+3,837 mi
  3. 29/07/2024113,438 mi+3,658 mi
  4. 28/07/2025115,625 mi+2,187 mi
  5. 29/07/2026118,963 mi+3,338 mi

Average of roughly 3,216 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.

Technical Specifications

May be subject to ULEZ charges

Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence

Estimate current market value

Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.

MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
90
/ 100 · Excellent
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

MOT Roadworthiness: Excellent

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.

Valid MOT
Taxed
Exceptional MOT pass rate (100%)
Older vehicle
Experian Provenance Check

Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.

Experian Provenance Data

Vehicle Provenance Investigation

9 Key Registers

Comprehensive register checks across Experian, MIAFTR, Police National Computer, and DVLA records.

CHECK REQUIRED

OUTSTANDING FINANCE

Experian Register

Checks Experian asset registers to identify any active PCP, HP, or loan agreements.

Experian Asset Register: [Query Required]
Agreements & Lender Search: [Check to Reveal]
Experian Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

INSURANCE WRITE-OFF

MIAFTR Register

Checks the UK insurance total loss register for Category A, B, S, or N write-offs.

MIAFTR Insurance Database: [Query Required]
Write-Off Category & Date: [Check to Reveal]
MIAFTR Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

POLICE STOLEN (PNC)

Police PNC

Searches the UK Police National Computer (PNC) for active stolen vehicle reports.

Police National Computer: [Query Required]
Active Stolen Marker Search: [Check to Reveal]
Police Computer:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

SALVAGE & AUCTION

Salvage Registers

Cross-checks major UK salvage databases to identify if this vehicle has ever been listed in a salvage auction.

Salvage Auction Registries: [Query Required]
Trade Auction Disposal Lots: [Check to Reveal]
Salvage Registries:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

IMPORTED RECORD

Import Register

Checks vehicle registration records to verify if this vehicle was imported from abroad.

Import & Prior VRM Register: [Query Required]
Country of Origin Audit: [Check to Reveal]
Import Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

EXPORTED MARKER

Export Register

Checks whether the vehicle has been marked for permanent or temporary export from the UK.

Customs & Export Register: [Query Required]
UK Road Eligibility Marker: [Check to Reveal]
Export Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

SCRAPPED RECORD

Scrappage Register

Validates whether the car has been surrendered or notified as scrapped to an Authorized Treatment Facility.

Scrappage & ATF Register: [Query Required]
Disposal Notification Check: [Check to Reveal]
Scrappage Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

CERTIFICATE OF DESTRUCTION

Statutory CoD

Confirms whether a statutory Certificate of Destruction has been issued against this chassis.

Certificate of Destruction Register: [Query Required]
Statutory Scrapping Decrees: [Check to Reveal]
Destruction Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

V5C LOGBOOK & KEEPERS

DVLA Master

Audits number of registered keepers and latest V5C logbook issue date.

DVLA Logbook Issue Date: [Query Required]
Previous Keepers Count: [Check to Reveal]
DVLA Keeper Master:QUERY REQUIRED
£20,000 Experian Data Guarantee Included

Avoid an Average £4,200 Loss on Undisclosed Vehicle Risks

Free DVLA records only confirm basic tax and MOT roadworthiness. 1 in 3 UK cars has hidden PCP/HP finance, insurance write-off categories, or unrecorded salvage history. Run the full check across all 9 registers with £20,000 Experian data guarantee protection.

HPI Check
£19.99
Single vehicle check
carVertical
£37.99
Single report
RAC Check
£14.99
Standard history
BEST VALUE
IsItAGoodCar
£8.99
Save over 55%
Instant on-screen report Official PDF emailed £20k Experian guarantee One-off, no subscription Apple Pay / Google Pay / cards

Data provided by Experian

Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score
72/100
Risk Level
Low
Low
Est. Annual Cost
£1,200-£1,600
Mileage
The recorded mileage of 118,963 miles is...

Our Verdict

A strong recommendation for buyers seeki

Given the age of this 2005 model, the primary focus should be on the service history, as MOT records only confirm roadworthiness at the time of testing. Ensure there is documented evidence of timing belt replacements and oil changes, as these are critical for the 2.0L petrol engine's longevity.

Negotiate the price based on the high cumulative mileage, which is well above the average for this model. Because Saab is no longer in production, verify the availability of specific trim or mechanical parts before committing to the purchase.

The 2.0L petrol engine will likely have higher fuel consumption and emissions than modern equivalents, impacting both fuel spend and the annual road tax band. Insurance costs for a 2005 9-3 are generally moderate, but vary by driver profile.

Typical maintenance costs for a vehicle of this age and mileage can be higher due to wear-and-tear items. Expect a higher annual spend on consumables and potential specialist repairs given the brand's history.

Inspect the offside rear direction indicator, which was noted as slightly discoloured in the July 2026 MOT. Although this vehicle has a clean recent record, you should specifically check the areas where this model commonly fails: the headlamps, tyre tread and condition, and the thickness of the brake pads.

Perform a thorough check of the underbody and wheel arches for corrosion, which is a common concern for vehicles from this era. Ensure all electrical components are functioning correctly, as aged wiring can become a point of failure in older Saabs.

This yellow 2.0L petrol Saab 9-3 presents a very consistent MOT history, with five consecutive passes and no failures recorded between 2022 and 2026. It has covered 118,963 miles, which is significantly higher than the model's average annual mileage. While the MOT record is clean, the vehicle's age and the defunct status of the manufacturer are key considerations for any buyer.

Across 54,766 analysed vehicles, the Saab 9-3 has an average MOT pass rate of 75.4%.

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