2009 Volvo V50 1.6L Diesel · OY09 FTF

The most recent MOT on 13 October 2025 was a pass, albeit with advisories that the front and rear brake discs on both sides are worn, pitted or scored but not yet seriously weakened. Earlier in the same month the vehicle failed on two minor items, and over the previous six years the record shows a mixture of passes and several serious failures – notably a fractured rear coil spring, an excessively worn ball‑joint, a dangerous rear tyre with exposed ply and a rear brake disc that was declared seriously weakened. The pattern suggests that while the owner has addressed the most critical faults to bring the car back to a passable state, there remains a lingering trend of wear on the braking and suspension components that has not been fully resolved. At 188,292 mi the V50 has accumulated roughly 11 000 mi per year over its 17‑year life, which sits squarely within a normal usage envelope for a family saloon. The mileage does not indicate any periods of extreme short‑term abuse, but the combination of age and moderate annual distance means that wear items such as tyres, bushings, brake discs and engine fluids are likely approaching the end of their service lives. The previous failures on the rear coil spring and ball joint imply that the suspension may have been subjected to higher loads at times, and the presence of a dangerous tyre in 2021 points to the need for careful visual inspection of all four tyres for sidewall cracking, tread depth loss and any signs of delamination. When you inspect the car, give particular attention to the brake system. Measure the thickness of each disc against the manufacturer’s minimum and look for deep scoring or heat‑related cracking; any pulsation, shudder or increased pedal travel under braking can be a symptom of thinning or warped discs. Because the rear brake disc was once deemed dangerously weakened, it is prudent to have the rear discs resurfaced or replaced and to check the condition of the pads, caliper pistons and brake fluid for moisture contamination. The suspension should be examined for play in the front ball joints, any creaking or clunking from the rear coil springs, and the condition of the rubber bushes and mounts, especially where the previous coil‑spring fracture occurred. During a test drive listen for knocks when steering over bumps, feel for any wandering or pulling to one side, and verify that the steering feels solid without excessive play. Finally, confirm that all lighting functions operate correctly – the wiper blades must clear the screen efficiently, the front position lamps and rear fog lamp switch should illuminate as required, and the registration plate lamp must be functional. Check the tyres for uniform wear, sidewall integrity and age; tyres older than six years can deteriorate even if the tread appears acceptable. Inspect the battery for corrosion and test its cranking voltage, as a 2009 vehicle may have a weakened 12 V cell after prolonged standing. Examine the engine bay for any fluid leaks, and consider a full service interval change of engine oil, coolant and brake fluid if the service book is not up to date, as time‑based degradation can affect performance regardless of mileage. A thorough visual and mechanical appraisal along these lines will give you a realistic picture of the car’s roadworthiness and the likely cost of bringing it to a reliable, long‑term condition.