2014 Volvo XC60 2.4L Diesel · CU14 XEK

The most recent DVSA examination on 27 May 2026 resulted in a PASS, but it was accompanied by four advisories that warrant close attention: an exhaust system showing corrosion, corrosion on the rear sub-frame and rear anti-roll bar (neither deemed serious weakening at this stage), and an offside rear tyre noted as worn close to the legal limit with edge wear on the inner side. Looking at the broader history, the trend is one of gradually accumulating advisories rather than outright deterioration. The vehicle passed cleanly in 2021, 2023 and 2024 with no defects recorded, but the intervening failure on 22 May 2023 for fractured rear coil springs on both sides, followed by progressive advisories for sub-frame and anti-roll bar corrosion from 2025 onwards, suggests that structural and underbody condition is becoming the principal concern. The fact that all four items were merely advisory at the most recent test indicates the vehicle remains roadworthy, but the pattern is mildly worsening and a buyer should anticipate ongoing attention to underbody corrosion. Against a 12-year age, the recorded 146,465 miles equates to an annual average of roughly 12,200 miles, which is distinctly high for the model and indicates regular long-term use rather than sporadic or gentle driving. There are no extended gaps in the MOT record and mileage appears to have accumulated steadily, which is mechanically significant because high-mileage Volvo XC60s of this generation place greater cumulative demand on the diesel or petrol drivetrain, the automatic transmission torque converter, turbocharger bearings, dual-mass flywheel, suspension bushes, wheel bearings and the alternator and starter motor. High annual mileages also accelerate brake disc and pad wear and bring consumables such as cambelt or timing chain service items, coolant, transmission fluid and AdBlue system components closer to their replacement thresholds than the calendar age alone would suggest. Given the recurring advisory and failure items, a prospective buyer should undertake a structured physical inspection before purchase. The exhaust corrosion advisory means the system should be raised on a ramp or examined from underneath for perforation, particularly around joints, the rear silencer and the catalytic converter mounting, and the test drive should be conducted with a cold start and at idle to listen for blowing, ticking or drone indicative of leaks. The sub-frame and anti-roll bar corrosion advisories require a thorough underbody inspection for any flaking, bubbling under paint or section loss around mounting points, and on the test drive one should listen for clonking over bumps, vague suspension response or a general looseness that suggests compromised bushings or weakened brackets. With the rear coil spring fracture failure on both sides in 2023, it is prudent to inspect for any sagging at the rear indicating broken or weakened springs, to check the spare wheel well for evidence of localised bodywork distortion from the fractured spring striking the floorpan, and to verify the date and mileage of the replacement springs. The inner-edge tyre wear noted on the offside rear, combined with the 2022 advisory on both front tyres wearing on the edge, indicates possible rear axle misalignment or worn rear suspension geometry, and a four-wheel alignment check should be considered alongside a careful look at the tracking of the rear wheels. Beyond the recorded items, the high mileage and twelve-year age dictate a series of additional age-and-usage-appropriate checks. All four tyres, including the spare, should be examined for sidewall perishing and cracking typical of older rubber, regardless of tread depth, and the production date codes on the sidewalls reviewed to confirm they are not exceeding six to seven years of age. The 12-volt battery should be load-tested, as batteries of this age frequently exhibit reduced capacity, and the charging system should be checked for stable voltage at idle and under load. Brake calipers, sliders and handbrake mechanisms should be inspected for corrosion-induced binding given the high mileage, and the discs examined for lipping or corrosion pitting that may produce shudder under braking. Fluid condition is calendar-sensitive: brake fluid should be tested for water content, the engine coolant checked for depletion and protection level, and if fitted with the automatic gearbox, the transmission fluid assessed for colour and smell. The timing belt or chain service interval should be verified against Volvo documentation, the turbocharger checked for shaft play and oil leaks, and the full service history stamped and invoiced to confirm that high-mileage items such as fuel filters, air filters, spark plugs (if petrol) and any diesel-specific components including the EGR valve, DPF and injectors have been attended to at the correct intervals.