2014 Volvo V40 1.6L Diesel · EO64 DJY

A fractured off‑side front coil spring recorded in the August 2026 MOT dominates the mechanical picture of this V40; the test resulted in a failure for that major suspension defect even though the overall inspection otherwise passed. Apart from that isolated failure, the MOT history shows only advisory notes on tyre tread limits and a deteriorating front registration plate, indicating no recurring structural or safety‑critical faults beyond the spring issue. At 147,097 mi the car averages roughly 12,250 mi per year, a mileage level that exceeds typical private‑use expectations for a 2014 model. The consistent annual testing pattern – one MOT per year with no significant gaps – suggests the mileage has been accumulated steadily rather than in large, undocumented bursts, meaning wear on consumables such as suspension bushings, brake components and drivetrain bearings is likely to be proportionate to the high kilometre count. The front coil spring failure points to a potentially compromised suspension geometry; on a test drive listen for metallic knocks or clunks when traversing bumps, feel for any excessive front‑wheel dive under braking, and check for uneven tyre wear that could indicate a mis‑aligned or weakened suspension assembly. The rear tyre advisories from 2024 and 2025, both noting tread close to the legal limit on the edges, warrant a visual inspection for cupping, sidewall damage or low tread depth, and a road‑test for vibration or pulling that may reveal the need for tyre replacement or alignment work. The front registration plate has been flagged twice for deterioration, though not yet unreadable; verify that the characters are fully legible and that the plate is securely mounted, as a failing plate can cause a subsequent MOT failure. Beyond the plate, ensure all lights, brakes and steering feel normal, and consider budgeting for a replacement front coil spring and associated mounting hardware before committing to purchase, as the failure represents a safety‑critical component that will require professional repair.