2005 Saab 9-5 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 Saab 9-5 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 Saab 9-5 diesel than on all cars registered in 2005.

• Suspension arm3.4× usual
  Saab 9-5

  11.6% All 2005 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 0.4% of all 2005 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.

• Sub-frame bushes11.2× usual
  Saab 9-5

  5.6% All 2005 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 0.1% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2× usual
  Saab 9-5

  8.4% All 2005 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 1.5% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2005 Saab 9-5 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 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
  52% 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
  45% 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
  41% 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
  33% 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
  18% 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
  11% 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 2005 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 3.4× as often on the 2005 Saab 9-5 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the sub-frame bushes? (Flagged at MOT 11.2× as often on the 2005 Saab 9-5 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2005 Saab 9-5 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?