2008 Saab 9-5 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Saab 9-5 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Saab 9-5 diesel than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Suspension arm2.9× usual
  Saab 9-5

  8.3% All 2008 cars

  2.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.4% of all 2008 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.

• Number plates2× usual
  Saab 9-5

  10.4% All 2008 cars

  5.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.5% of all 2008 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.

• Seat belts3.5× usual
  Saab 9-5

  5.3% All 2008 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.5% of all 2008 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints1.9× usual
  Saab 9-5

  8% All 2008 cars

  4.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 1.6% of all 2008 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.

• Engine warning light2.3× usual
  Saab 9-5

  6.1% All 2008 cars

  2.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 2.6% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2008 Saab 9-5 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 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
  46% 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
  36% 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
  12% 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
  9% 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 2008 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 2.9× as often on the 2008 Saab 9-5 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the number plates? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2008 Saab 9-5 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the seat belts? (Flagged at MOT 3.5× as often on the 2008 Saab 9-5 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?