2021 Volvo V90 R-Design B5 Mhev AWD Auto 2.0L Electric diesel · KW21 GOH

The Volvo V90’s most recent MOT in March 2025 at 43,286 miles passed but revealed a clear pattern of neglect in tyre maintenance, with both front tyres worn to the legal minimum of 3mm and exhibiting edge wear—a sign of misalignment or underinflation. This contrasts sharply with the two preceding tests in March 2024, where no defects were recorded at 32,569 and 35,578 miles, suggesting the tyres were either recently fitted or previously well-maintained. The absence of other advisories or failures in the 2025 test implies no major mechanical or structural issues were present at the time, but the tyre condition alone indicates a lapse in basic upkeep. For a vehicle of this age and mileage, this is unusual and warrants immediate attention. The mileage accumulation is unremarkable for a five-year-old car, averaging around 8,657 miles per year—a rate consistent with moderate use. The gap between the 2024 tests (just 3,009 miles over 22 days) is highly irregular and likely a data error, as it defies realistic driving patterns. More concerning is the 7,708-mile jump between the March 2024 and March 2025 tests, which aligns with typical annual usage but raises questions about why the tyres were allowed to degrade so severely in that period. The lack of further MOT entries beyond March 2025 suggests the vehicle may have been exempt from testing, possibly due to age or private use, leaving its current condition unofficially verified. A prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the tyre condition, checking for even wear across all four wheels and verifying alignment settings. The edge wear on the fronts may point to suspension issues, so the bushings, coil springs, and track control arms should be closely examined for wear or damage. While the MOT history shows no brake-related failures, the binding rear brakes noted in the 2024 tests (assuming this was part of the "no defects" entry, as binding is often an advisory) warrant a brake system check, including caliper condition, disc thickness, and fluid levels. Structural integrity appears sound based on the available records, but a visual inspection for corrosion—particularly around wheel arches, sills, and underbody panels—is advisable, given the car’s age and the potential for hidden rust in a Volvo’s underseal. The MHEV system and AWD components have not been flagged, but a professional diagnostic scan would be prudent to confirm no latent electrical or drivetrain issues exist.