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S421 APF

1998 Saab 9-3 S

Blue Petrol 1985cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires5 Oct 2026
Tests35 (21 pass, 14 fail)
Pass rate60%

Mileage

189,944 mi
Last recorded189,944 miles
Recorded on26 Sep 2025
Typical for 1998 Saab 9-3 S110,067 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

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Vehicle Details

RegistrationS421 APF
MakeSaab
Model9-3 S
Year1998
ColourBlue
Fuel typePetrol
Engine1,985cc
View full Saab 9-3 S reliability data

All premium checks include

50+ data points
Finance Check (Experian) Insurance Write-off Salvage Auction Stolen Check Previous Owners Ex-Taxi, Police, NHS Mileage Anomaly Import / Export Scrapped Check Plate Changes

MOT History

21 pass 14 fail
Pass 26 Sep 2025 189,944 miles

Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b))

Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Steering column top bearing slightly worn (2.2.2 (b))

Fail 25 Sep 2025 189,944 miles

Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Seat belt not functioning as intended twisted (7.1.2 (c))

Offside Rear Parking brake inoperative on one side (1.4.1 (a))

Offside Rear Seat belt buckle missing (7.1.2 (d))

Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b))

Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Steering column top bearing slightly worn (2.2.2 (b))

Pass 18 Sep 2024 186,146 miles

Nearside Front Outer tyre cut to outer wall

Nearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement rear wishbone bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush slightly worn (5.1.2 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush slightly worn (5.1.2 (b) (i))

Offside Rear hand brake less effort than other side

Offside Rear position lamp slight damage

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Vehicles internal headlight adjuster altered to recheck lights ()

Fail 17 Sep 2024 186,146 miles

Nearside Rear Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Rear Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))

Rear Tyre(s) of different sizes are fitted on the same axle. (5.2.3 (b))

Supplementary restraint system warning lamp indicates a fault air bag light on (7.1.6 (a))

Nearside Front Outer tyre cut to outer wall

Nearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement rear wishbone bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush slightly worn (5.1.2 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush slightly worn (5.1.2 (b) (i))

Offside Rear hand brake less effort than other side

Offside Rear position lamp slight damage

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Vehicles internal headlight adjuster altered to recheck lights ()

Pass 20 Sep 2023 181,998 miles

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Fail 19 Sep 2023 181,997 miles

Offside Front Floor excessively deteriorated holed and corroded (6.2.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Side repeater not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Pass 28 Sep 2022 178,237 miles

Front Lower Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Front Outer cuts to outer tyre wall

Nearside Front shock casing corroded

Nearside Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrule (1.1.12 (f) (i))

Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Outer cuts to outer tyre wall

Nearside Rear exhaust rubber hangar missing

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material on top of chassis leg pipe corroded (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Power steering component has slight seepage from a component (2.1.5 (a))

Offside Front Shock absorbers has light misting of oil shock casing corroded (5.3.2 (b))

Offside Front Upper Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced chassis leg in engine bay corroded (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Rear Lower Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Rear Lower Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced n/s/ and o/s/ floor corroded (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Rear Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Fail 26 Sep 2022 178,237 miles

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint excessively worn small drop link (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))

Rear Service brake effort inadequate at a wheel (1.2.1 (a) (i))

Service brake efficiency below requirements (1.2.2 (a) (i))

Front Lower Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Front Outer cuts to outer tyre wall

Nearside Front shock casing corroded

Nearside Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrule (1.1.12 (f) (i))

Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Outer cuts to outer tyre wall

Nearside Rear exhaust rubber hangar missing

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material on top of chassis leg pipe corroded (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Power steering component has slight seepage from a component (2.1.5 (a))

Offside Front Shock absorbers has light misting of oil shock casing corroded (5.3.2 (b))

Offside Front Upper Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced chassis leg in engine bay corroded (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Rear Lower Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Rear Lower Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced n/s/ and o/s/ floor corroded (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Rear Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Pass 6 Oct 2021 174,468 miles

Front Anti-roll bar corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Front Lower Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Front Power steering component has slight seepage from a component (2.1.5 (a))

Front registration plate slight damage

Nearside Front Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrule (1.1.12 (f) (i))

Nearside Front shock casing corroded

Nearside Rear position lamp slight damage

Offside Front Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced chassis leg in engine bay corroded (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Front brake servo corroded

Offside Front shock casing corroded

Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing cracking in tread (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Offside Rear brake disc corroded

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases rear joint (6.1.2 (a))

Rear Lower Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Steering column top bearing slightly worn (2.2.2 (b))

Pass 21 Sep 2020 172,831 miles

Front Lower Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Front shock casing corroded

Nearside Rear tyre cuts to outer wall

Offside Front Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced chassis leg in engine bay corroded (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Front shock casing corroded

Power steering component has slight seepage from a component rack (2.1.5 (a))

Rear Lower Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

steering column top bearing slightly worn

Pass 24 Sep 2019 171,892 miles

Front Brake disc worn, but not excessively (1.1.14 (a) (i))

Front Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Front shock casing corroded

Nearside Front tyre cut to outer sidewall

Offside Front shock casing corroded

Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Steering column top bearing slightly worn (2.2.2 (b))

Vehicle structure is deformed but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced around o/s lower bulkhead (6.1.1 (a) (i))

steering rack slight dampness

Fail 23 Sep 2019 171,892 miles

Battery insecure and likely to fall from carrier (4.13 (a) (ii))

Emissions not tested excessive exhaust blow (8.2.1.2 (d))

Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases rear (6.1.2 (a))

Nearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn centre bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn centre bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced behind arch liner (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Front Brake disc worn, but not excessively (1.1.14 (a) (i))

Front Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Front shock casing corroded

Nearside Front tyre cut to outer sidewall

Offside Front shock casing corroded

Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Steering column top bearing slightly worn (2.2.2 (b))

Vehicle structure is deformed but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced around o/s lower bulkhead (6.1.1 (a) (i))

steering rack slight dampness

Pass 20 Sep 2018 170,793 miles

Nearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front shock absorber casing corroded unable to inspect upper/rubber boot cable tied

Offside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced chassis leg in engine bay /bulk head (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Front shock absorber casing corroded unable to inspect upper/rubber boot cable tied

Rear Lower Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Fail 20 Sep 2018 170,793 miles

Nearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front shock absorber casing corroded unable to inspect upper/rubber boot cable tied

Offside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced chassis leg in engine bay /bulk head (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (3.5 (a))

Offside Front shock absorber casing corroded unable to inspect upper/rubber boot cable tied

Offside Rear Lower Fuel pipe insecure (6.1.3 (a) (i))

Rear Lower Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Pass 22 Sep 2017 169,040 miles

Front Power steering component(s) has slight seepage from a component (2.3.3b)

Nearside Front Shock absorber has slight corrosion to the casing unable to fully inspect rubber gaiter cable tied (2.7.2a)

Nearside Front tyre cut to outer wall

Offside Front Lower Vehicle structure has slight corrosion bulk head (6.1.A.1)

Offside Front Shock absorber has slight corrosion to the casing unable to fully inspect rubber boot cable tied (2.7.2a)

Offside Rear coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

Fail 21 Sep 2017 169,040 miles

Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (7.3.D.3)

Offside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak (2.7.3)

Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases back box (7.1.2)

Front Power steering component(s) has slight seepage from a component (2.3.3b)

Nearside Front Shock absorber has slight corrosion to the casing unable to fully inspect rubber gaiter cable tied (2.7.2a)

Nearside Front tyre cut to outer wall

Nearside Rear Shock absorber has slight corrosion to the casing (2.7.2a)

Offside Front Lower Vehicle structure has slight corrosion bulk head (6.1.A.1)

Offside Front Shock absorber has slight corrosion to the casing unable to fully inspect rubber boot cable tied (2.7.2a)

Offside Rear coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

Pass 5 Sep 2016 165,543 miles

Front Lower Body has slight corrosion bulk head (6.1.B.2)

Nearside Front Suspension arm has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Rear Direction indicator damaged, but still visible from a reasonable distance (1.4.A.2e)

Offside Front Suspension arm has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear Direction indicator damaged, but still visible from a reasonable distance (1.4.A.2e)

Offside Rear Shock absorber has a light misting of oil (2.7.3)

Offside Rear coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Power steering component(s) has slight seepage from a component (2.3.3b)

n/s/f/. and o/s/f/ upper shock casing unable to fully inspect rubber boot cable tied

Pass 8 Sep 2015 160,462 miles

Centre Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Rear coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

Offside Front Suspension arm synthetic bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

engine oil leak

n/s/f/ and o/s/f/ shock casings unable to fully inspect due to gaiter covers cable tied

steering rack mounting, movement but no visible cracks

Fail 2 Sep 2015 160,461 miles

Nearside Front Macpherson strut corroded and seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)

Nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded floor area (5.2.6)

Offside Brake pipe excessively corroded front to rear (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Front Macpherson strut corroded and seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)

Rear Brakes imbalanced across an axle Axle 2 (3.7.B.5b)

Centre Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Nearside Rear coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

Offside Front Suspension arm synthetic bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Offside Rear coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

engine oil leak

steering rack mounting, movement but no visible cracks

Fail 1 Sep 2014 155,589 miles

Nearside Front Macpherson strut corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)

Offside Front Macpherson strut corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)

Offside Registration plate lamp not illuminating the registration plate (1.1.C.1e)

Rear Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

corrosion and slight movement at bulk head. No visable cracks

Pass 1 Sep 2014 155,589 miles

Nearside Front Macpherson strut corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)

Offside Front Macpherson strut corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)

Rear Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

corrosion and slight movement at bulk head. No visable cracks

Pass 20 Aug 2013 150,506 miles

Nearside Rear Rear position lamp(s) damaged, but still visible from a reasonable distance (1.1.A.3d)

Offside Rear Rear position lamp(s) damaged, but still visible from a reasonable distance (1.1.A.3d)

Offside Rear coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

backbox corroded

fuel cap damaged

washer jets blocked but still providing enough fluid to screen

Fail 19 Aug 2013 150,505 miles

Nearside Rear Brake hose ferrule excessively corroded (3.6.B.4e)

Offside Rear Brake hose ferrule excessively corroded (3.6.B.4e)

Nearside Rear Rear position lamp(s) damaged, but still visible from a reasonable distance (1.1.A.3d)

Offside Rear Rear position lamp(s) damaged, but still visible from a reasonable distance (1.1.A.3d)

Offside Rear coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

backbox corroded

fuel cap damaged

o/s/r outer sidelight not working

washer jets blocked but still providing enough fluid to screen

Pass 28 Aug 2012 145,379 miles

Items removed from driver's view prior to test

Nearside Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)

Nearside Rear Rear position lamp(s) damaged, but still visible from a reasonable distance (1.1.A.3d)

Offside Front Front position lamp(s) damaged, but still visible from a reasonable distance (1.1.A.3d)

Offside Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)

Offside Rear Rear position lamp(s) damaged, but still visible from a reasonable distance (1.1.A.3d)

Offside Rear Shock absorber has a light misting of oil (2.7.3)

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

fuel cap damaged

Pass 6 Sep 2011 139,819 miles

Nearside Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)

Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)

Fail 6 Sep 2011 139,819 miles

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Nearside Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)

Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)

Pass 8 Sep 2010 137,502 miles

Front Macpherson strut corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)

air-bag light on

Pass 2 Sep 2009 129,661 miles
Fail 22 Aug 2009 129,311 miles

Front brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Nearside Front Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (3.5.1g)

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Fail 29 Aug 2008 123,038 miles

Front Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

both front suspension struts heavily corroded

brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

rear brake hose ferrules corroded

slight damage to n/s/f tyre wall

Pass 29 Aug 2008 123,038 miles

Front Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

both front suspension struts heavily corroded

brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

rear brake hose ferrules corroded

slight damage to n/s/f tyre wall

Pass 24 Aug 2007 117,735 miles

Front brake disc slightly pitted (3.5.1h)

Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Nearside Front Macpherson strut has slight play in the sliding bush or gland (2.5.B.1b)

Offside Front Seat belt damaged but not affecting the operation of the belt (5.2.2a)

Offside Rear Shock absorber has a light misting of oil (2.7.3)

Pass 7 Aug 2006 112,632 miles

Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Rear Direction indicator slightly discoloured (1.4.A.2f)

brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Fail 7 Aug 2006 112,632 miles

Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Direction indicator not working (1.4.A.2c)

Rear Direction indicator slightly discoloured (1.4.A.2f)

brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Pass 1 Sep 2005 106,113 miles

How Reliable is the Saab 9-3 S?

Based on 1,366 MOT tests across 269 vehicles.

70.9%
Pass Rate
7,378
Miles/Year
28
Year Lifespan
269
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm 79
position lamp(s) not working 60
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases 44
Direction indicator incorrect colour 39
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements 38
Full Saab 9-3 S reliability report

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Not all vehicle check providers are the same. Some don't offer a data guarantee, which means if their information is wrong, you're on your own. Every CarVerify report is backed by a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

£30k guarantee Instant results Cancel anytime

S421 APF is a 1998 Saab 9-3 S in Blue with a 1,985cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 35 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 60%.

Across all 1998 Saab 9-3 S models, the average MOT pass rate is 69.5% with a typical mileage of 110,067 miles. This particular vehicle has a lower pass rate than the average for its year, which may indicate maintenance issues worth investigating.

The most common reason a Saab 9-3 S fails its MOT is tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm, accounting for 79 recorded failures. If you're considering buying S421 APF, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The Saab 9-3 S typically stays on UK roads for around 28 years. At 28 years old, this Saab 9-3 S is approaching the upper end of the typical lifespan for this model.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of S421 APF?

You can check the full history of S421 APF by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was S421 APF registered?

S421 APF is a 1998 Saab 9-3 S, first registered on 12 August 1998.

Is S421 APF safe to buy?

The MOT history for S421 APF shows 35 tests with a 60% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does S421 APF have outstanding finance?

Finance checks require a premium vehicle report. This checks against all major UK finance providers to see if there is any outstanding finance on S421 APF. If you buy a car with outstanding finance, the finance company can repossess it.

No warranty or guarantee of accuracy is provided for any free data on this page. The data guarantee applies only to information obtained through the purchase of a full check.