2002 Volvo S60 2.4L Diesel · LJZ 8007

The latest MOT test in January 2026 resulted in a pass, though an advisory was noted for a cracking offside front driveshaft gaiter, indicating a potential future failure point if left unaddressed. The broader history reveals a mixed trend: while the vehicle passed in December 2024 and 2023 with only minor advisories, the December 2025 failure highlights a cluster of electrical and lighting issues, including an ABS warning lamp, non-functional position lamps, and rear fog lamp faults. Earlier failures in December 2021 pointed to worn suspension components and ball joints, suggesting that while some issues have been resolved, the car’s maintenance has not been entirely consistent. The recurrence of steering and suspension advisories over multiple tests indicates progressive wear in these areas, which may soon require intervention. At 216,205 miles over 24 years, the annual mileage of approximately 9,000 miles is typical for a vehicle of this age, suggesting regular use without excessive strain. However, the high cumulative mileage means that wear on consumables such as suspension bushes, ball joints, and brake components is to be expected. The absence of prolonged periods of inactivity reduces the risk of corrosion-related issues from standing, but the age alone demands scrutiny of time-based degradation, such as perished rubber components and fluid breakdown. The cracking offside front driveshaft gaiter is a critical point of concern, as a split gaiter will allow contaminants to enter and accelerate joint wear, leading to eventual failure. Listen for a clicking or knocking noise from the front wheels during low-speed turns, which would indicate a failing CV joint. The recurring advisories for steering rack and track rod end play, alongside the 2021 failure for worn suspension arms and ball joints, suggest that the front suspension geometry may be compromised. On a test drive, check for vague or wandering steering, clunking noises over rough surfaces, or uneven tyre wear, all of which would confirm excessive play. The ABS fault from the 2025 failure must also be investigated, as a malfunctioning ABS system can significantly impact braking performance in adverse conditions. Verify that the warning lamp extinguishes on startup and that the system self-tests correctly. Given the vehicle’s age and mileage, a thorough inspection of all rubber components is essential, including suspension bushes, engine mounts, and coolant hoses, as these will have degraded over time. Check the tyres for sidewall cracking or perishing, even if tread depth appears adequate, as age-related deterioration can lead to sudden failures. Test the parking brake effort, as this was flagged as poor in 2021, and inspect the brake discs and calipers for corrosion or binding, which can occur with high mileage. Finally, review the service history to confirm that time-based fluids, such as coolant and transmission oil, have been replaced, as these are often overlooked on older vehicles but critical to long-term reliability.