2006 Saab 9-5 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 Saab 9-5 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2006 Saab 9-5 diesel than on all cars registered in 2006.

• Suspension arm4.3× usual
  Saab 9-5

  13% All 2006 cars

  3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.3% of all 2006 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.

• Diesel smoke emissions5.2× usual
  Saab 9-5

  4.7% All 2006 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 0.8% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Seat belts3.3× usual
  Saab 9-5

  5.2% All 2006 cars

  1.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 0.6% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£250 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock and retract smoothly.

Common 2006 Saab 9-5 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 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
  49% 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
  43% 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.

• Tyres
  36% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  29% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  15% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  10% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2006 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 4.3× as often on the 2006 Saab 9-5 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the diesel smoke emissions? (Flagged at MOT 5.2× as often on the 2006 Saab 9-5 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the seat belts? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2006 Saab 9-5 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?