Saab 9 5 (2008)
2008 Saab 9 5
CarHunch analysed 1,984 real MOT records for the 2008 Saab 9 5. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
Petrol vs Diesel
Pass rate difference of 4.3 percentage points — worth knowing if you're choosing between the two.
What to check before buying a 2008 Saab 9 5
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- ⚠️ 39.8% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Saab 9 5
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel (62%) | 1,231 | 76.2% | 3.65 |
| Petrol (38%) | 753 | 80.5% | 3.2 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2008 Saab 9 5 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2008 Saab 9 5 vehicles fall between 73,638 and 108,813 miles.
2008 Saab 9 5 — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 725 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (39% of peak).
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2008 Saab 9 5
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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82.1%
Oil leak, but not excessive
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58.9%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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54.7%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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45.6%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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43%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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32.6%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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31.6%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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30.8%
Parking brake lever has little reserve travel
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2008. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Saab 9 5?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.