2015 Volvo XC90 2.0L Diesel · AY65 TXF

A recurring pattern of front-end steering and suspension wear has emerged as the defining mechanical story of this Volvo XC90, with every recorded MOT since 2021 carrying advisories for the nearside front track rod end ball joint, and most also flagging nearside and offside front lower suspension arm ball joints. The most recent test on 20 November 2024 was a pass, but it again recorded slight play in the nearside front track rod end and added a tyre worn close to the legal limit on the nearside front edge, suggesting the front axle components are progressively loosening rather than having been rectified. The 2022 test stands alone as entirely clean, meaning the intervening years have seen a clear deterioration in the front suspension and steering geometry that a buyer cannot ignore. Over four recorded tests there have been no failures, but the consistency of these advisories points to components that are nearing the end of their service life. The mileage of 125,887 miles across approximately eleven years equates to an annual accumulation of around 11,444 miles, which sits squarely within typical usage parameters for a large family SUV of this age and does not suggest extended periods off the road or unusually light use. There are no notable gaps between tests and no sudden mileage jumps, with the records indicating continuous operation throughout the period covered. At this level of use, the braking system, suspension bushes, drivetrain mounts, and exhaust components will have absorbed considerable mechanical stress, and the front-end wear pattern visible in the advisories is broadly consistent with a vehicle that has spent significant time on varied road surfaces rather than motorway-only driving. For a prospective buyer, the priority areas are the front suspension and steering linkages, where the ball joints have now shown slight play across multiple consecutive tests. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks from the front wheels when traversing speed humps or potholes, and pay particular attention to any vagueness in the steering or a tendency for the car to wander at speed, which would suggest the track rod end wear has progressed beyond the advisory stage. Inspect the nearside front tyre for uneven inner or outer edge wear, as the 2024 advisory specifically noted edge wear, and check that a recent replacement has not simply masked an underlying geometry issue from worn lower arm ball joints. Have the vehicle inspected on a ramp to confirm the extent of ball joint wear, as parts priced individually are manageable, but replacing both lower arms, both track rod ends, and a tyre in one intervention adds up rapidly. Beyond the steering and suspension, the remaining mechanical checks should focus on the items that an MOT does not fully cover but which are likely to be approaching service intervals at this mileage. Test the braking performance at low speed for any pulling to one side or judder through the pedal, which would indicate binding calipers or warped front discs, both common on high-mileage vehicles. Listen for any drivetrain vibration or clonks from the rear under load, particularly as the all-wheel-drive system ages, and inspect the underside for any oil misting from the engine or gearbox that may not yet have reached the advisory threshold. Finally, verify that the advisories from 2024 have been actioned, as a pass certificate does not require that flagged items be repaired, and an unattended track rod end ball joint with slight play can quickly progress to an MOT failure if left to deteriorate further.