2017 Volvo V90 2.0L Diesel · GU67 FWS

Steering and suspension component wear represents the primary mechanical concern for this vehicle, evidenced by a cluster of advisories in the most recent test on 15 October 2025. While the car passed its latest inspection, the record shows a progression toward steering system instability, with recent advisories specifically citing play in both nearside and offside front track rod end ball joints, alongside play in the nearside and offside front steering rack inner joints. This follows a 2024 failure regarding a split nearside front outer drive shaft constant velocity boot, indicating a pattern of wear within the front-end drivetrain and steering linkages that requires close attention. The vehicle has covered 85,557 miles over its nine-year lifespan, averaging approximately 9,506 miles per year. This mileage accumulation is consistent with typical annual usage for a vehicle of this age. Such a steady usage pattern suggests that components like tyres, brake pads, and suspension bushes are subjected to regular, predictable wear cycles rather than the extreme stress of high-speed motorway running or the degradation associated with long periods of stationary use. A prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the steering response during a test drive. Given the recorded play in the track rod ends and steering rack inner joints, listen for knocking or clunking sounds when turning the steering wheel at low speeds or when driving over uneven road surfaces. Any wandering sensation at cruising speeds or a lack of precision in the steering centre could indicate that the advised steering defects have progressed. Additionally, the presence of a recorded oil leak in October 2024, though noted as not excessive, warrants a visual check of the engine bay and undercarriage for fresh seepage or heavy oil staining. Tyre condition also requires scrutiny, as the record shows recurring advisories for tyres being worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edges, including a specific report of a cut on the nearside front outer tyre wall in the 2025 test. Check the tread depth and evenness of wear across all four tyres to ensure they are not being prematurely worn by the aforementioned steering geometry issues. Finally, while the brake pad advisory from 2022 appears to have been addressed, a test drive should include several moderate braking applications to check for any pedal judder or pulling to one side, which would indicate issues with the brake discs or binding calipers.