2018 Volvo XC60 2.0L Diesel · BA14 BEX

A chronic pattern of front tyre wear is the standout mechanical signal in this XC60's MOT history, with both nearside and offside front tyres flagged as being worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge at the most recent test in January 2026 and again at the 2023 test, where all four tyres were similarly affected. The intervening 2024 examination produced the only failure recorded, a Major defect for exhaust fumes entering the cabin due to a cracked EGR pipe, which represents a safety-relevant emission issue rather than a minor advisory. The 2026 pass was therefore achieved without any structural or emissions defects, but the recurring advisory pattern across multiple years points to an underlying geometry or suspension component issue that has not yet manifested as a failure but is consistently expressing itself through accelerated outer-tyre wear. The 2024 oil leak advisory, noted as not excessive, adds to a picture of an engine and under-bonnet area that is not entirely tight but has not deteriorated into a test failure. At 100,683 miles over roughly eight years, this XC60 is accumulating mileage at approximately 12,585 miles per year, which is comfortably above the typical average for its age and indicates steady, frequent use rather than long periods of standing. There are no significant gaps in the MOT testing record, with annual tests consistently recorded between 2021 and 2026, and no evidence of the vehicle being laid up for extended periods. This kind of sustained mileage places greater ongoing demand on the consumables and moving parts typical of a vehicle of this size and weight, including the brake discs, pads, and suspension bushes and coil springs, all of which will be approaching or past their second or third replacement cycle. A buyer should expect that any components not flagged at MOT but subjected to this level of annual wear will be closer to requiring attention than they would on a lower-mileage example. The cracking EGR pipe failure is the single most important item to verify has been properly rectified. On inspection, look for evidence of recent exhaust or EGR system work, and during a test drive pay attention to any smells of exhaust inside the cabin, particularly when the ventilation is set to recirculate or when the engine is under load. Any ticking or hissing from the engine bay at idle could indicate an incomplete repair or a further crack developing in associated pipework. Given that the EGR system runs at high temperatures, a competent garage rather than a quick DIY repair is essential for any subsequent work in this area. The repeated front tyre edge wear warrants a close look at the suspension and steering geometry. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which would suggest worn anti-roll bar bushes, drop links, or top mounts, and feel for any pulling to one side under braking or steady acceleration, indicative of geometry out of specification. Check the rear tyres as well, since all four were flagged in 2023, and inspect the sidewalls for uneven shoulder wear that could point to misaligned camber rather than simply a toe issue. The 2024 oil leak advisory, while classed as not excessive, should prompt an under-bonnet inspection for fresh oil residue around the cam cover, sump, and turbo oil feed lines, as Volvo diesel and petrol engines of this era can develop seepages that worsen progressively with mileage. Finally, given the annual mileage, the brake discs and pads should be physically inspected for lipping and remaining friction material rather than relied upon to pass the next MOT without intervention.