1998 Saab 9-5: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1998 Saab 9-5?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1998 Saab 9-5 than on all cars registered in 1998.

• Coil springs2.8× usual
  Saab 9-5

  19.3% All 1998 cars

  7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 1.1% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Suspension arm4.6× usual
  Saab 9-5

  12.4% All 1998 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.2% of all 1998 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 plates2.6× usual
  Saab 9-5

  15.4% All 1998 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.7% of all 1998 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.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.7× usual
  Saab 9-5

  13.9% All 1998 cars

  5.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 0.9% of all 1998 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.

Common 1998 Saab 9-5 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1998 Saab 9-5 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  45% 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
  40% 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
  31% 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
  30% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  25% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Exhaust and emissions
  11% 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 1998 Saab 9-5

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

1. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 1998 Saab 9-5 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 4.6× as often on the 1998 Saab 9-5 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the number plates? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 1998 Saab 9-5 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?