2005 Saab 9-5 2.2L Diesel · SD05 TAU
2005 Saab 9-5 (2.2L, diesel). First registered 01 Mar 2005. Recorded mileage 134,531 miles. MOT valid until 11 Aug 2027. Taxed until 01 Jul 2027.
- Make & Model
- SAAB 9-5
- Year / Origin
- 2005 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 11 Aug 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jul 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 134,531 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 2.2L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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.
SD05 TAU Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 13/08/2026
- 134,531 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 5 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (20 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
SD05 TAU MOT History
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 9-5 (SD05 TAU) between June 2024 and August 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 13 August 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (20 issues), Tyres (9 issues), Suspension (8 issues), Bodywork (2 issues), Lighting (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 39 advisory notices are 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.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Rear Outer Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural ”; “Offside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced floor pan (7.1.1 (a) (i))”; “Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural stren”.
SD05 TAU Mileage History
- 24/06/2024118,859 mi
- 08/07/2025125,321 mi+6,462 mi
- 08/07/2025125,321 mi
- 17/07/2026133,922 mi+8,601 mi
- 13/08/2026134,531 mi+609 mi
Average of roughly 7,337 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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: Below Average
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.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with cautious optimism. This 2005 Saab 9-5 diesel shows a consistent pattern of passing its MOT tests, though the recent history shows a trend of re-tests following initial failures.
When inspecting this 2.2-litre diesel Saab, focus on the mechanical integrity of the engine and turbocharger, as these are critical components for this model. Since the 2024 and 2025 MOTs both involved a failure followed by a pass with no defects recorded, ask the seller exactly what caused the initial failures to ensure they were minor issues and not symptoms of deeper mechanical neglect.
Check the service history thoroughly to see if the timing belt and water pump have been replaced according to manufacturer intervals. Given the mileage of 125,321, ensure that all major fluid changes have been documented. You should also inspect the underside for any signs of the fluid leaks that are noted as a top failure reason for this model type in aggregate data.
As a 2170cc diesel, this Saab 9-5 will likely sit in a moderate insurance group and tax band typical for mid-2000s executive saloons. Fuel economy should be relatively efficient for a car of its size, benefiting from the diesel engine's torque and long-distance cruising capabilities.
Maintenance costs for a Saab of this age can be higher than for mainstream brands due to the availability of specialist parts. Expect typical maintenance costs to include regular oil changes, filter replacements, and potential repairs to suspension or braking components. Estimated annual running costs, including fuel, tax, insurance, and maintenance, are approximately £1,400-£1,800.
Based on the aggregate data for this model, pay close attention to the headlamps and tyre condition, as these are common failure points. While this specific vehicle's recent MOTs passed without defects, the model's history suggests that fluid leaks are a frequent reason for failure across the wider fleet.
Inspect the braking system and suspension components closely. Given the vehicle has covered 125,321 miles, check for any excessive wear in the bushings or signs of corrosion on the exhaust system. Ensure that the diesel engine starts cleanly and does not exhibit excessive smoke or unusual noises during a test drive.
This beige Saab 9-5, first registered in March 2005, has covered 125,321 miles as of its last recorded MOT in July 2025. The vehicle's MOT history shows three recorded passes since 2023, with the most recent tests in 2024 and 2025 both requiring a re-test after an initial failure. While the mileage is significantly higher than the model aggregate average of 5,439 miles per year, the recent records show no recorded defects upon passing.
Aggregate data for this model shows a 75.1% average MOT pass rate, with common issues including headlamps, tyres, and fluid leaks.
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
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (SD05 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as SD05TAU.
FORD
TRANSIT
FORD
FOCUS C-MAX
VOLVO
XC60 INSCRIPTION B4 AWD AUTO
AUDI
A2
AUDI
A3
AUDI
A3
AUDI
A3
AUDI
A4
AUDI
A4
AUDI
TT
AUDI
A3
AUDI
A4
Regional DVLA Registration Directory
Vehicles and registration batches issued by regional DVLA offices across the UK.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.