2009 Volvo S40 1.9L Diesel · CU09 BXY

The most recent MOT on 30 April 2025 at 119 838 miles recorded a pass, yet the tester flagged an oil leak (8.4.1 (a)(i)), power‑steering rack seepage (2.1.5 (a)), a severely deteriorated near‑side front inner constant‑velocity boot (6.1.7 (g)(i)) and a cracked coolant bottle. Those items echo failures from 2024 and earlier, indicating the vehicle’s maintenance trend is stable‑to‑slightly worsening rather than improving; the same systems continue to generate advisories. Mileage accumulation has been fairly linear since 2015, rising from 47 002 miles to 119 838 miles over roughly eleven years – about 7 050 miles per year, which is typical for a 17‑year‑old car. Test intervals show notable gaps: no record between July 2020 and July 2021, and a longer stretch from May 2024 to April 2025. The data is not sparse, but the spacing suggests occasional lapses in regular inspection. A buyer should inspect the oil system for active leaks, check power‑steering fluid for contamination, and examine the near‑side front inner CV boot for cracking or grease escape. The coolant system demands scrutiny for the cracked bottle and any corrosion elsewhere. Suspension wear is evident from repeated anti‑roll‑bar ball‑joint failures (5.3.4 (a)(i)) and rear coil‑spring corrosion (5.3.1 (b)(i)); the rear suspension arms and bushes should be examined for excessive play. Brake condition is a priority – off‑side rear pads were under 1.5 mm (1.1.13 (a)(ii)) and rear discs showed pitting (1.1.14 (a)(ii)) – requiring measurement of pad thickness and disc condition. Tyre wear patterns highlight inner‑edge and edge‑bald conditions on several fronts and rears (5.2.3 (e) and (d)), so tread depth and sidewall integrity must be verified. Finally, the steering rack inner joint play noted in 2021 and the seat‑belt webbing damage (7.1.2 (b)(ii)) should be inspected in person to confirm they have not progressed. Overall, the vehicle remains roadworthy but the cumulative advisories point to a need for thorough pre‑purchase checks on lubrication, steering, suspension, braking and tyre condition to ensure the car can sustain safe operation beyond the next MOT cycle.