2001 VOLVO S401.9L PETROL

The most recent MOT, dated 9 October 2008, was a FAIL . The test recorded three serious defects: the nearside and off‑side rear brake discs were described as “seriously weakened”, the rear brake pads were “wearing thin”, and an oil leak was noted. The same date also shows a “PASSED” entry at virtually the same mileage, but the failure list supersedes any pass result and highlights the critical condition of the rear braking system and a fluid leak. These brake problems are a clear, recurring pattern. The two earlier MOTs (2006‑10‑10 and 2007‑10‑25) were clean, with no defects recorded. Within a single year the vehicle went from a defect‑free report to a failure on the rear brakes and an oil leak. That indicates a rapid deterioration rather than a stable or improving trend. The brake discs being “seriously weakened” suggests they are close to the end of their service life and will need replacement, together with the pads, before the car is safe to drive. The recorded mileage of 163,470 mi for a 2001 model translates to about 6,500 mi per year – roughly average for a car of this age. This figure does not, on its own, point to excessive wear or unusually light use; it simply means the vehicle has accumulated a typical amount of distance.