1999 Saab 9-5: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1999 Saab 9-5?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1999 Saab 9-5 than on all cars registered in 1999.

• Suspension arm4.4× usual
  Saab 9-5

  11.9% All 1999 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.2% of all 1999 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints3.1× usual
  Saab 9-5

  6.8% All 1999 cars

  2.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 0.7% of all 1999 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 1999 Saab 9-5 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1999 Saab 9-5 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  43% 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
  35% 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
  28% 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
  28% 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
  25% 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
  17% 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 1999 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 suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 4.4× as often on the 1999 Saab 9-5 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 1999 Saab 9-5 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?