2009 Volvo V70 2.4L Diesel · AK59 LVR

The most recent DVSA MOT, dated 18 March 2026, recorded a failure on account of the off‑side rear inner brake pad being less than 1.5 mm thick, a dangerous defect that must be remedied before the vehicle can be legally used on the road. In addition the test highlighted a number of advisories – front and rear brake discs showing wear, pitting or scoring, and both front tyres approaching the legal tread limit with edge‑wear patterns – but these did not constitute a failure. Over the past three years the pattern has moved from advisory‑only items to an outright safety failure, indicating a deterioration rather than an improvement in the vehicle’s maintenance regime, particularly in the braking system and suspension components. At 218,361 mi the V70 has accumulated roughly 12,800 mi per annum, well above the average for a 2009 model. Such a mileage figure suggests sustained, high‑kilometre usage rather than long periods of storage, meaning that wear items such as engine bearings, timing chain, drive shafts and especially the suspension bushings and brake components will have been subjected to considerable operational stress. The relatively steady annual mileage also implies that the vehicle has not benefited from extended idle periods that can accelerate rubber and fluid degradation, but the high total mileage does raise the likelihood of internal wear and the need for proactive component replacement. A prospective buyer should give the braking system the highest priority. The rear inner pad is dangerously thin and the front and rear discs are already scored; expect possible brake pulsation, shudder or a spongy pedal if the discs are near the end of their service life. A thorough inspection of all pads, discs and calipers is essential, and replacement of the rear inner pad together with a full resurfacing or replacement of the front and rear discs is advisable. While on the road, listen for any grinding or squealing, feel for uneven braking effort, and check that the handbrake holds firmly. The front tyres, showing edge‑wear, may be approaching the end of their usable life and could be developing a cupping or feather‑edge condition; a visual inspection for tread depth, sidewall cracks and uneven wear patterns is required, and replacement should be considered if the tread is below 1.6 mm or the sidewalls show age‑related perishing. Beyond the brakes, the MOT advisories point to rear suspension arm pins or bushes that are worn, albeit not yet causing excessive movement. In a vehicle with this mileage, worn bushings can manifest as clunking noises over bumps, a vague looseness in the rear steering feel, or uneven tyre wear. A test‑drive over a speed bump or a rough surface should reveal any such play. The under‑tray fitted to the chassis may conceal rust or corrosion on the sub‑frame and exhaust; a visual inspection under the vehicle is warranted to ensure there is no structural deterioration. Given the age, the 12 V battery should be load‑tested, the coolant, brake and power‑steering fluids examined for signs of contamination or loss of effectiveness, and the timing belt (if fitted) verified against the service schedule, as failure of any of these time‑based items can lead to costly breakdowns. Checking that the service book is up‑to‑date, that oil changes have been performed at appropriate intervals, and that any previous suspension or brake work has been recorded will give further confidence in the vehicle’s overall roadworthiness.