2009 Volvo S40 1.6L Diesel · B29 HLL

A clean and consistent MOT record defines this 2009 Volvo S40, with every test on file showing a pass and no advisories or failures logged. The most recent assessment on 6 August 2025 returned a clean pass with no defects recorded, mirroring the result from 2 August 2023 and the 4 August 2022 tests. A minor administrative entry on 8 August 2024 appears to be a retest record on the same day as a failed submission, but again no defects were captured, suggesting the initial issue was rectified immediately and did not represent a mechanical concern of note. Across three consecutive years of testing, there is no recurring pattern of brake pipe corrosion, suspension arm wear, coil spring fractures, or exhaust deterioration that would typically accumulate on a vehicle of this age, which speaks to a stable structural and mechanical condition within the limits of what MOT testing covers. Mileage accumulation on this S40 is unusually low for a 17 year old vehicle, sitting at 91,047 miles and averaging roughly 5,356 miles annually. This places it well below the typical usage profile for cars of its vintage, where 8,000 to 12,000 miles per year would be expected. Lower annual mileage reduces wear on major drivetrain and braking components but can introduce its own concerns around standing time, particularly with respect to corrosion seizing on brake calipers, drying of rubber suspension bushes, and degradation of underbody protective coatings. The recorded tests run in a consistent August cycle with no multi-year gaps, indicating the vehicle has remained in regular use and likely on the road rather than laid up in storage, which is reassuring for underfloor integrity and component longevity. For a prospective buyer, the absence of flagged components means attention should turn to age-related items not always captured at MOT, particularly around the front suspension and braking system. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which can indicate worn lower wishbone bushes or anti-roll bar links, both common wear points on P1 platform Volvos of this era. Feel for any vibration through the brake pedal under firm stopping, which can suggest disc runout from corrosion pitting where low mileage has allowed surface rust to embed into the friction face. Steering should remain precise without pulling to either side, and the clutch take-up should be smooth without judder or slipping, as dual-mass flywears on these models can deteriorate with age regardless of mileage. Given the clean record, a thorough pre-purchase inspection should focus on evidence of recent expenditure and current condition rather than chasing known MOT defects. Check the condition of the timing belt service history, as the 2.0 and 2.4 petrol engines fitted to the S40 require replacement at fixed intervals and neglect here can cause catastrophic engine damage. Inspect the underside for any surface corrosion on subframe and suspension components, particularly around jacking points and brake pipe clips where the original underseal may have thinned. Confirm that the cooling system is in good order, as radiator and expansion tank failures are a known weak point, and verify the operation of all electronic systems including the climate control, as CCM failures are a known cost item on this model. The combination of a clean test history, consistent annual usage, and low mileage makes this a credible candidate, provided the above age-related wear items are physically inspected before purchase.