2009 Volvo XC60 2.4L Diesel · AJ59 CKC

The Volvo XC60 has maintained a largely clean MOT record over the past year, with the most recent test in September 2025 at 103,105 miles passing without any defects—a positive indicator of current roadworthiness. However, the trend in earlier tests reveals a pattern of recurring but manageable issues, particularly with front tyres and rear brake components. The 2024 test highlighted four front tyres worn close to the legal limit, alongside cracking and perishing, while the rear brake discs and pads showed uneven wear. These were classified as advisories rather than failures, suggesting the vehicle was still operational but required prompt attention. The 2023 failure on the offside front brake pad thickness—less than 1.5mm—marks the only critical fault in the history, though it was rectified before the subsequent test. Overall, while the car’s maintenance appears reactive rather than proactive, the absence of structural defects or major mechanical failures in recent years points to a vehicle that has been driven responsibly, albeit with some deferred servicing. The mileage accumulation of roughly 6,065 miles per year aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age, though the data shows uneven intervals between tests. The gap between the 2023 failure and the next test in September 2024 (5,796 miles over 12 months) suggests the owner addressed the brake issue promptly, but the front tyres’ condition deteriorated rapidly in that period, indicating either aggressive driving or neglect of rotation/alignment. The 2022 test, at 83,481 miles, also flagged perishing front tyres, yet no further issues emerged until the 2023 failure—this implies the brakes were prioritised over tyre replacement, a common trade-off in cost-conscious maintenance. The most recent 3,642-mile interval between the 2024 and 2025 tests is the shortest in the record, reinforcing that the vehicle has been kept in regular use without prolonged storage, which could have masked hidden wear. For a prospective buyer, the primary focus should be the front tyres and rear brake system. The repeated advisories on tyre cracking and uneven wear—particularly the perishing noted in 2022, 2023, and 2024—suggest the rubber may have been understressed or exposed to poor conditions, increasing the risk of sudden failure. Inspect the tread depth uniformly and check for internal damage by flexing the sidewalls. The rear brake discs and pads, though only flagged as "worn but not excessively" in 2024, warrant closer scrutiny; binding calipers or uneven disc thickness could indicate neglected bleeding or seized components. Given the 2023 failure on the front brake pad thickness, verify all pads for minimum material and assess the condition of the callipers for corrosion or fluid leaks. Suspension components, such as bushings and coil springs, were not mentioned in any test, which is unusual for a vehicle of this age and mileage—this absence could imply they were never inspected or are in surprisingly good condition, but a thorough check for leaks, play in control arms, or sagging springs is essential. The absence of structural corrosion or major emissions failures in recent years is reassuring, but a full underbody inspection for rust in high-stress areas (sills, subframes) remains critical.