2005 Volvo XC90 2.4L Diesel · AX54 TYB

A clear mechanical picture emerges from the MOT history of this 2005 Volvo XC90, defined by chronic and recurring chassis, drivetrain, and corrosion-related advisories that have accumulated steadily across the last four tests. The most recent pass on 7 February 2026 carried forward the persistent engine oil leak that has now appeared on three consecutive tests, alongside a newly flagged deteriorated nearside front CV joint boot. Looking back further, the pattern is one of progressive suspension deterioration rather than isolated incidents. A 2025 test failure was caused by excessively worn front lower suspension arm and anti-roll bar linkage ball joints on both sides, and the following pass still noted ongoing rear suspension corrosion. Earlier records from 2024 and 2022 confirm that rear coil spring corrosion, rear suspension component corrosion, exhaust leaks, and worn rear tyres have been ongoing concerns for some time. The overall trajectory is therefore one of gradually worsening condition rather than improvement, with the 2025 failure representing a turning point where worn components crossed from advisory into dangerous territory. Mileage accumulation at 202,088 recorded miles over roughly 21 years equates to an average of around 9,600 miles per year, which is broadly consistent with regular mixed driving rather than low-use garage storage or extreme high-mileage commercial use. There are no multi-year gaps in the MOT record to suggest the vehicle was laid up for extended periods, with tests logged in 2022, 2024, 2025 (twice in close succession due to the failure and re-test), and 2026. This continuous annual testing pattern indicates the vehicle has remained in active service, and at this mileage level the mechanical wear now being flagged by DVSA examiners is entirely consistent with the cumulative effects of sustained use on a vehicle of this age. The wear rate itself is not unusual, but it does mean that components such as the suspension, drivetrain seals, and underbody structures are now at a life-cycle stage where failures and advisories should be expected to continue accumulating. For a prospective buyer, the most pressing items to investigate on a physical inspection are the front suspension components, since both lower arm ball joints and anti-roll bar link ball joints were either failing or showing wear across consecutive tests. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front end over uneven surfaces, pay attention to any vagueness or shudder through the steering wheel during slow speed manoeuvres, and place your hand on the front bodywork while a second person rocks the steering to detect knocking. The rear suspension corrosion flagged repeatedly warrants a thorough underbody examination with a torch, specifically looking for advanced rust around the rear coil spring seats, trailing arm mounting points, and any subframe reinforcing sections, as corrosion in these prescribed areas can rapidly progress from advisory to dangerous. The CV joint boots on both sides should also be visually inspected for splits or grease loss, and the vehicle raised if possible to check for fresh oil residue around the sump, cam covers, and power steering system, given the persistent engine oil leak advisories. Finally, the minor exhaust leak noted in 2024 should be checked by listening for any ticking or blowing sounds from the central exhaust section under load, and a thorough inspection of the engine mounting, which was previously flagged as damaged, is worthwhile to ensure no excessive movement is present when the engine is revved in neutral. Given the 2022 advisory regarding both rear tyres being worn close to the legal limit on their edges, the rear axle geometry is worth verifying, as uneven rear tyre wear can indicate misalignment or worn rear suspension bushes. The recurring nature of chassis corrosion advisories suggests a buyer should also budget for likely future rectification work on rear suspension components, and a pre-purchase inspection by a specialist familiar with high-mileage XC90s would be strongly advisable to identify any components currently sitting between advisory and failure status.