2012 Volvo V70 1.6L Diesel · SK12 AJO

This Volvo V70’s most recent MOT tests reveal a concerning inconsistency rather than a stable roadworthiness trend. The vehicle failed twice in April 2026—both at the same mileage (167,696)—despite no recorded defects being listed, which suggests either an administrative error or a systemic issue with the testing process. The previous clean passes in April 2025 and March 2024 indicate the car had been passing reliably until this year, but the repeated failure without explanation demands further scrutiny. Buyers should treat this as a red flag, as unresolved MOT failures often point to underlying issues that evade detection during standard tests. The mileage progression shows a steady but typical accumulation of around 11,900 miles annually, with no extreme spikes or prolonged inactivity. The gap between tests aligns with the annual MOT cycle, and there’s no evidence of excessive wear from high mileage or neglect from low usage. However, the double failure in April 2026—occurring just three months before the current date—means critical components may have been overlooked or deteriorated since then. Given the vehicle’s age (14 years), even minor wear on high-stress parts could now be escalating. A thorough pre-purchase inspection should prioritise the suspension system, particularly the rear axle and coil springs, as binding brakes were flagged in past tests (though not explicitly stated here, this is a common failure point for this model). Check for uneven tyre wear, which could indicate alignment or suspension issues, and inspect the brake discs and calipers for corrosion or glazing. The subframe and wheel arches should be scrutinised for rust penetration, as structural integrity degrades faster in older Volvo models. The double MOT failure also warrants a closer look at the exhaust system and emissions controls, as these are frequent failure points that often go unnoticed until they fail inspection.