2005 Volvo V50 2.4L Petrol · LB55 AEG

The vehicle is currently not roadworthy. The most recent MOT on 21 November 2023 at 142 214 miles failed with an offside front anti‑roll bar ball‑joint dust cover allowing dirt ingress, a tyre worn to the legal limit, a central exhaust leak, a lower windscreen crack, under‑body corrosion and an engine cover that obscures test items. The preceding pass on the same day did not address these defects, indicating a deteriorating maintenance pattern rather than a stable or improving one. Mileage accumulation has been steady at roughly 6 800 miles per year over the car’s 21‑year life, which is typical for its age. However, the gap between the November 2022 test (135 871 miles) and the latest November 2023 test (142 214 miles) is just twelve months, and the current date of 7 August 2026 means the vehicle has been untested for almost two and three‑quarter years beyond the standard one‑year MOT validity. This lapse suggests a lack of recent servicing and raises concerns about unseen wear. A prospective buyer should inspect the suspension system closely: check the anti‑roll bar ball‑joint dust cover for tears, examine the track‑rod end and suspension‑arm bushes for play, and verify the condition of the CV boot and coil spring. Brake condition is critical; measure disc thickness, look for pitting, and assess pad wear on both axles. The exhaust must be examined for central leaks, and the under‑body inspected for corrosion patches. The windscreen crack should be measured to ensure it does not affect driver visibility, and the engine cover should be removed to allow a full visual check of hidden components. Tyre tread depth on the front offside should be verified against the legal limit, and any signs of internal damage noted. The history shows a progression from minor advisories in 2014‑2015 to repeated mechanical failures in suspension, brakes, exhaust and structural areas by 2023. This pattern points to neglected routine upkeep and indicates that a thorough pre‑purchase inspection is essential to identify any further deterioration before purchase.