2004 Saab 9-5 2.2L Diesel · SF04 FNN

The 2004 SAAB 9-5 has maintained a clean MOT history since its most recent test on 2023-06-13 , where it passed without any defects at 137,302 miles . This indicates no immediate mechanical or structural failures were detected at the time, though the single failure in 2022-06-14 —just three days before its subsequent pass—was unusual and lacks recorded defects, suggesting either a minor oversight or a temporary issue not captured in the official record. The absence of advisories or recurring faults in the last two tests implies that, at the time of inspection, the vehicle’s major systems—brakes, suspension, exhaust, and emissions—were functioning within legal limits. However, the 2022 failure warrants scrutiny, as it contradicts the otherwise stable pattern and may hint at an intermittent problem that was either resolved quickly or overlooked. The vehicle’s mileage progression of 137,302 miles today, with the last test just 3 years and 1 month ago , suggests relatively consistent usage rather than prolonged neglect. The gap between tests— 12,337 miles since the 2023 pass—is well within the 12-month MOT cycle, though the rapid accumulation of 46 miles between the 2022 failure and pass (a span of three days) is anomalous and unexplained. Over its lifetime, the car has averaged 6,241 miles per year , a rate typical for a vehicle of this age, though it implies moderate wear on high-stress components like tyres, brakes, and suspension. The lack of mileage gaps exceeding 18 months suggests the vehicle was not left unused for extended periods, which could have exacerbated corrosion or fluid degradation. Given the clean MOT record, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the suspension system , particularly the rear suspension bushes and coil springs , as these are common failure points in older SAABs and often lead to handling issues that may not always trigger an MOT failure. The rear brakes , if not recently serviced, should be checked for uneven wear or binding calipers , as the 2022 failure—despite no recorded defects—could indicate a past brake-related concern. Structural corrosion , especially around the wheel arches, sills, and subframe, is critical to assess, as this model is prone to rust-related failures over 20 years. Finally, the exhaust system and emissions controls should be inspected for leaks or excessive smoke, as these are frequently overlooked but can lead to sudden MOT failures. The absence of advisories does not guarantee these areas are flawless, so visual and functional checks are essential.