2004 Saab 9-5 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Saab 9-5 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Saab 9-5 diesel than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Suspension arm4.6× usual
  Saab 9-5

  15.6% All 2004 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.4% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.2× usual
  Saab 9-5

  20.1% All 2004 cars

  9.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 2.1% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.4× usual
  Saab 9-5

  14.6% All 2004 cars

  6.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.5%, against 2.9% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Number plates2× usual
  Saab 9-5

  12.7% All 2004 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.7% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Flexible brake hoses2× usual
  Saab 9-5

  11.4% All 2004 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 1.2% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

Common 2004 Saab 9-5 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 Saab 9-5 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  61% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  48% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  47% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  32% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  19% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  13% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2004 Saab 9-5 diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 4.6× as often on the 2004 Saab 9-5 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2004 Saab 9-5 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2004 Saab 9-5 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?