2014 Volvo S60 2.0L Diesel · SL14 ZHZ

The most recent MOT test on 14 July 2026 resulted in a failure, with two Major defects identified alongside two advisories. The near side front wheel bearing was found to be rough when rotated, which is a significant mechanical concern as it indicates the bearing has reached the end of its service life and requires immediate replacement to prevent seizure or detachment. Additionally, the offside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover has failed to prevent dirt ingress, and the offside front suspension arm ball joint dust cover is similarly compromised, both leaving the joints vulnerable to accelerated wear and potential failure. The advisory items noted that both front suspension arms are corroded, though not yet seriously weakened, and that the near side rear tyre is worn close to the legal limit on its edge, suggesting an alignment or suspension geometry issue. Given that this failure follows a previous failed test in July 2025 and a sequence of advisories across multiple years, the overall maintenance trend appears to be worsening, with recurring concerns around the front suspension, braking system, and tyres indicating that the vehicle may not have received the proactive component replacement it requires at this age and mileage. The recorded mileage of 90,664 miles over approximately twelve years equates to an annual average of roughly 7,555 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age, though it sits at the lower end of average usage. This relatively modest accumulation suggests the car has seen consistent but not heavy use, which generally allows for gradual wear on consumables and suspension components without the accelerated degradation associated with high-mileage driving. However, the front suspension and braking advisories appearing across multiple consecutive tests indicate that wear is progressing steadily rather than being addressed comprehensively, which is a common pattern where individual worn parts are replaced as they fail rather than the full system being refurbished. The mileage pattern does not show any significant gaps that would suggest long periods of standing, so concerns about severe standing corrosion are mitigated, though age-related deterioration of rubber components, fluids, and electrical systems should still be considered given the vehicle is now in its twelfth year. For a prospective buyer, the recurring front suspension advisories and the recent ball joint dust cover failures warrant a thorough physical inspection and a careful test drive. The worn suspension arm bushes noted in 2023 may have progressed further, so listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end, particularly when traversing speed bumps, potholes, or uneven road surfaces, and pay attention to any vagueness or knocking through the steering wheel. The binding offside rear brake identified in 2025 could indicate a sticking caliper slide pin or a corroded caliper piston, which would manifest as uneven braking, a pulling sensation under heavy braking, or rear brake disc overheating. The reported front brake disc wear and the history of rear brake pad wear suggest a brake refurbishment is imminent, so inspect the discs for lipping, corrosion around the edges, and scoring on the friction surface, and verify the rear caliper operation by ensuring it releases fully after the brake pedal is released. The CV boot failure noted in 2025 is a critical item that must have been rectified, and on test drive listen for clicking or knocking from the front drivetrain during full lock turns, which would indicate a failed constant velocity joint requiring expensive repair. Beyond the recorded defects, a buyer should conduct age and mileage-appropriate checks that may not be fully captured in MOT records. Given that the vehicle is twelve years old, inspect the tyres not only for tread depth but also for sidewall cracking or perishing caused by UV exposure and age-related rubber degradation, even if the tread appears adequate. The 12V battery is likely approaching the end of its typical service life, so verify its age and check for slow cranking or electrical gremlins that suggest a failing battery or alternator. Examine the underbody for corrosion, particularly around the rear sub-frame which was noted as corroded in 2024, paying close attention to structural integrity, mounting points, and any evidence of welding or repair. Finally, confirm the service history to verify that brake fluid has been changed within the recommended two-year cycle and that the coolant has been refreshed, as calendar-based fluid degradation can lead to internal corrosion within the cooling system and reduced brake fluid performance due to moisture absorption, both of which represent hidden maintenance liabilities on a vehicle of this vintage regardless of its modest mileage.