2006 Volvo XC70 2.4L Diesel · OV06 NPX

The most recent MOT, carried out on 30 April 2026, was passed but recorded a minor fault on the off‑side front lower suspension arm ball‑joint dust cover and an inoperative off‑side registration‑plate lamp, together with advisories concerning the vehicle’s under‑coating and wear on the nearside front lower suspension arm pin and the nearside rear anti‑roll‑bar bush. Earlier in the same month the car failed due to a major rear‑exhaust leak, and over the previous two years the MOT history is dominated by repeated failures for severely worn suspension bushings, anti‑roll‑bar pins and a leaking front shock absorber, interspersed with passes that only contain advisories. The pattern shows a vehicle that has been subject to significant wear on its suspension and exhaust system, but recent repairs have brought it back to a road‑worthy state; the trend is therefore stabilising after a period of deterioration. At 190 572 mi the car averages roughly 9 500 mi per year over its twenty‑year life, a usage rate that sits comfortably within normal UK expectations. There are no obvious periods of very low mileage that would suggest long spells of storage, nor any sudden spikes that would indicate intensive short‑term use. Consequently the wear observed on consumables such as tyres, brake discs and suspension components is principally a function of age rather than excessive mileage, although the cumulative distance does mean that bushings, joints and seals are likely approaching the end of their design life. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the front and rear suspension assemblies. Inspect the lower‑arm ball‑joint dust covers for signs of dirt ingress, check the condition of the front lower‑arm pins and the anti‑roll‑bar bushes for play by rocking the wheel at the 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock positions; any clunk or excessive movement indicates that the bushings are near failure. While on the road listen for rattles or thumps when negotiating bumps, and feel for any looseness in the steering column that could betray worn front‑arm bushings. The rear‑exhaust leak recorded in April 2026 should be verified – a ticking or hissing sound from the rear, especially under acceleration, and visible black soot around the exhaust pipe or under‑tray are tell‑tale signs that the leak may persist. Also examine the front shock absorber for any oil seepage around the mounting points, as a fluid‑leaking shock will compromise ride quality and could presage a full‑scale failure. Beyond the recorded defects, age‑related checks are essential. Examine all four tyres for side‑wall cracking, dry rot or loss of flexibility, as rubber can perish after a decade even on low‑mileage cars; verify that tread depth exceeds the legal 1.6 mm and that wear is even across the tread width. Test the 12 V battery voltage and, if possible, its cranking performance, since a vehicle of this age may have suffered from prolonged periods of inactivity. Inspect the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or uneven wear and confirm that pads have sufficient thickness; a pulsating pedal or squeal would indicate that the discs may need resurfacing or replacement. Finally, confirm that the under‑body sealant remains intact, that there is no active oil or power‑steering fluid seepage, and that the service book shows recent changes of engine oil, coolant and brake fluid – if these are overdue, budgeting for a full service and replacement of the worn suspension bushings, anti‑roll‑bar pins and rear exhaust will be prudent before committing to purchase.