2018 Volvo V40 1.5L Petrol · LD18 CVR

The Volvo V40 presents a generally sound mechanical picture as of its most recent MOT on 25 February 2026 at 49,422 miles, where it passed with only minor advisories. Both nearside and offside rear lower suspension arm pins or bushes were flagged as worn but not yet resulting in excessive movement. This is a notable shift from the clean bill of health recorded in March 2025 and March 2024, suggesting the rear suspension is beginning to show age-related deterioration. The maintenance trend is stable overall, though the emergence of suspension wear in 2026 indicates the car is entering a phase where components originally designed for a mid-life service cycle are starting to require attention. The mileage accumulation of roughly 6,178 miles per year is entirely typical for an eight-year-old vehicle and points to consistent, moderate use rather than prolonged standing or excessively hard driving. The record shows a clean pass in March 2024 at 43,210 miles and again in March 2025 at 45,723 miles, representing a steady gain of approximately 2,500 miles per year over that period. The jump from 30,016 miles in March 2023 to 43,210 miles by March 2024 is more pronounced at over 13,000 miles in a single year, which may reflect a change in ownership or usage pattern, but the annual rate has since normalised. No significant gaps appear in the testing record, and the mileage progression is consistent with the stated figures. A buyer should pay close attention to the rear suspension during any in-person inspection. The advisories from February 2026 point to worn lower suspension arm bushes or pins on both sides, and while these were not severe enough to cause a failure at the time, they can deteriorate progressively, leading to vague rear-end handling, uneven tyre wear, and eventual MOT failure if left unaddressed. The rear tyres have also drawn repeated scrutiny across multiple tests, including a failure in March 2025 for a cut deep enough to expose ply or cords, and advisories in March 2023 for cracking, perishing, and wear close to the legal limit. This pattern suggests the rear tyres have been a persistent weak point, possibly exacerbated by the developing suspension wear. Inspect the inner edges of both rear tyres carefully and check for any play or knocking from the rear suspension over speed bumps or during a shake-down on uneven ground.