2018 Volvo XC60 2.0L Petrol · LP18 OFY

The most recent DVSA test on 3 July 2026 recorded a pass, but it followed a failure the previous day for a near‑side rear tyre with exposed ply and thin rear brake pads. Over the last four years the pattern has been one of recurring tyre wear warnings and repeated brake‑pad advisories, interspersed with occasional passes. Although the latest result is a pass, the frequency of dangerous findings – especially the off‑side front tyre tread below the 1.6 mm legal minimum in 2025 and the rear brake pads falling below 1.5 mm in 2024 – indicates a maintenance trend that is deteriorating rather than stabilising, and suggests that consumables are being replaced only when they become critical. At eight years old the Volvo XC60 has logged 32 944 miles, an average of roughly 4 100 miles per annum. This is considerably below the typical UK usage of 8‑10 000 miles per year for a family SUV and points to long periods of low activity or storage. Low annual mileage reduces cumulative wear on engine and transmission components, but it also allows tyre rubber to age, battery plates to sulphate, and brake discs to develop surface corrosion from inactivity. Any sudden increase in mileage after purchase would place additional stress on these ageing components, so the buyer should be aware that the vehicle’s wear profile is more calendar‑driven than distance‑driven. The tyre condition demands immediate attention. All four tyres should be measured for tread depth, sidewall cracking, and any signs of delamination, as the MOT record shows the off‑side front tyre already below legal depth and the near‑side rear tyre with exposed cords. Listen for a humming or vibration at highway speeds that could indicate uneven wear or a developing separation. If any tyre is close to the legal limit, replacement should be scheduled promptly, and the wheel alignment and suspension geometry checked to prevent premature wear on the new set. Inspect the brake pads on both axles; the rear pads were flagged as thin in 2024 and 2026, and the front pads have been noted as wearing thin. Measure pad thickness – anything under 3 mm warrants replacement – and examine the rotors for scoring, rust, or glazing, which can cause brake shudder or reduced stopping performance. Verify that the brake fluid has been flushed within the last two years, as moisture absorption can lower boiling points and affect brake feel. Given the low mileage and age, the buyer should also carry out age‑related checks. Examine the 12‑volt battery for sulphation, a swollen case, or a voltage below 12.4 V after a short idle; a load test at a garage will confirm remaining capacity. Look for signs of corrosion on the chassis, especially around the wheel arches and under the vehicle, which can arise from long periods of standing. Verify that the coolant, gearbox oil, and power‑steering fluid have been changed at the manufacturer‑recommended intervals – fluid colour should be clear and free of debris, and seals should be intact. Finally, request the full service book and any receipts for recent tyre or brake work; a well‑documented service history will give confidence that the vehicle’s consumables have been managed proactively despite the low‑use pattern.