2006 Volvo XC90 2.4L Diesel · AK06 JCJ

Chronic suspension degradation defines the mechanical history of this vehicle, with recurring issues involving worn bushes and deteriorated ball joint dust covers appearing consistently across recent annual inspections. While the vehicle successfully passed its most recent MOT on 7 October 2026, the persistence of these suspension-related advisories suggests that the chassis components are reaching the end of their design life. The failure in 2024 due to an excessively worn rear bush on the nearside front lower suspension arm, combined with ongoing warnings regarding the trailing arm bushes, indicates a pattern of wear that has not been fully rectified, rather than merely addressed through temporary fixes. Accumulating 198,452 miles over two decades results in an average annual usage of approximately 9,900 miles, a figure that aligns with standard expectations for a vehicle of this vintage. However, the high total mileage places significant strain on the drivetrain and structural components. The consistency of the testing record confirms that the vehicle has remained in regular operation, which avoids the complications associated with long-term storage but necessitates a vigilant approach to the condition of high-mileage consumables that are not always captured by a standard MOT, such as the condition of the transmission and the integrity of the AWD system. Prospective buyers should prioritise a detailed inspection of the suspension geometry during a test drive. The repeated reports of worn trailing arm bushes and ball joint dust covers mean the vehicle is likely to exhibit vague steering response, wandering under acceleration, or audible knocking noises when traversing uneven surfaces or speed humps. It is essential to listen for metallic clunks from the front and rear axles and to observe whether the vehicle pulls to one side during braking or acceleration, as these symptoms would confirm that the advisory-level wear has progressed to a point requiring immediate component replacement. The history of tyre wear on the inner edges, noted in both 2023 and 2024, is a strong indicator of misaligned suspension geometry, likely exacerbated by the worn bushes identified in the test records. Any uneven tyre wear observed during a physical inspection should be treated as a sign that the suspension components are failing to maintain the correct wheel alignment. Additionally, the 2024 advisory regarding a corroded brake pipe requires physical verification; ensure that the flexible hoses and rigid lines are free from deep pitting or signs of fluid weep, as the presence of grease or other materials noted in the history can sometimes mask the true extent of structural corrosion on these critical safety components.