2012 Volvo S40 1.6L Diesel · GF12 OUB

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, though the maintenance trend shows a shift towards developing suspension-related wear. The most recent test in April 2026 at 48,778 miles identified advisories for worn bushes on both the front lower suspension arms and the rear bush. While these did not result in a failure, they indicate that the rubber components in the suspension assembly are beginning to degrade. This follows a period of clean records where the vehicle passed with no recorded defects. The mileage profile is notably low for a 14-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 3,500 miles per year. There is a significant gap of 8,224 miles between May 2023 and May 2024, followed by another 3,014-mile interval over the following year. This low usage suggests the car has been used for short trips or sat for extended periods. Such usage patterns often lead to the drying out of fluids and cracking of rubber seals and bushings, which likely aligns with the current findings of worn suspension pins and arm bushes. A buyer should inspect the front suspension closely to assess the extent of the bushing wear noted in the 2026 test. The failure in May 2024 for a fractured offside front coil spring and two worn tyres indicates that the previous owner occasionally neglected basic preventative maintenance until a component became hazardous. Given the low mileage, it is also vital to check for corrosion on the brake discs and exhaust system, as vehicles that sit frequently are prone to surface rust and seized calipers. Ensure the current tyres have sufficient tread and even wear, as the history shows a past of them reaching the legal limit.