2014 Volvo S60 2.0L Diesel · LB55 SAB

The vehicle achieved a clean MOT pass on 2026-03-05 with no defects or advisories recorded, marking a return to a defect-free status after several years of recurring concerns. However, an evaluation of the broader trend reveals a less reassuring picture. Between 2020 and 2025, the vehicle accumulated advisories relating to tyre wear, brake pad condition, and repeated drive shaft CV boot deterioration, culminating in a failure on 2022-01-31 due to a nearside front outer CV boot that had split to the point of allowing ingress of dirt. Although the most recent test is clean, the persistent nature of these advisories suggests underlying wear patterns that may resurface, particularly given the higher mileage recorded at the time of that pass. With 141,255 miles accumulated over approximately twelve years, the vehicle averages around 11,771 miles per year, which is broadly typical for its age and not suggestive of either excessive use or extended periods of standing. There are no unusual gaps in the MOT history that would indicate long periods of inactivity, meaning the wear profile should reflect steady service rather than the accelerated deterioration often seen in low-mileage, irregularly driven vehicles. That said, the front suspension, drivetrain, and braking components will have sustained cumulative wear consistent with this mileage, and consumable replacement intervals may now be shortening. The recurring CV boot deterioration is the most significant recurring defect in the MOT history and warrants particular attention during a prospective purchase. The 2022 failure and 2025 advisory on the nearside front outer drive shaft joint constant velocity boot indicate that this area has been a chronic weak spot. On a test drive, listen carefully for a rhythmic clicking or knocking noise from the front end during tight low-speed manoeuvres, which would suggest the CV joint itself has been contaminated and is beginning to fail. Visually inspect both inner and outer CV boots for splits, perishing, or fresh grease deposits on the surrounding suspension and undertray components, and budget for a drive shaft or boot kit replacement if any deterioration is evident. The 2023 advisory on rear tyres wearing close to the legal limit on both edges points to possible rear axle geometry issues, including worn suspension bushes or weakened coil springs, which are common on S60s of this age and mileage and should be evaluated alongside the tyres themselves. Beyond the recorded defects, a vehicle of this age and mileage warrants several time and use-based inspections even though the MOT history does not flag them. Check all four tyres, including those recently replaced, for sidewall perishing and cracking from age, as rubber compounds degrade with calendar exposure regardless of tread depth. Inspect the brake discs for lipping and corrosion around the outer edges, and verify that the calipers are not seizing by ensuring smooth and consistent braking response without pulling. Examine the underside and wheel arches for surface corrosion, particularly around suspension mounting points and subframe bolt heads, and confirm that the 12V battery is holding charge, as batteries typically require replacement every four to six years. Finally, verify the service book history to ensure that timing belt, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission oil have been replaced at their manufacturer-specified intervals, as these time-based services are essential to long-term reliability and are not assessed during the MOT.