2012 Volvo S60 2.0L Diesel · RF62 OGK

The most recent MOT, carried out on 29 September 2025, was passed but returned three advisories: the near‑side rear brake pad is approaching the minimum thickness, a nail has been lodged in the near‑side front tyre, and the off‑side rear suspension arm pin or bush shows wear though it is not yet causing excessive movement. Earlier tests over the last four years were clean, indicating that the vehicle has been generally well maintained but is now entering the stage where wear items are beginning to surface. The trend can be described as stable with the emergence of normal age‑related consumable wear rather than a deterioration in core mechanical condition. At 128 665 miles recorded in September 2026, the S60 averages roughly 9 200 miles per annum, which is typical for a fourteen‑year‑old saloon. There are no evident mileage gaps in the MOT record, suggesting the car has not spent prolonged periods idle, but the cumulative distance does mean that high‑wear components such as brake discs, suspension bushings and drivetrain bearings will have been exercised extensively. The mileage also places the timing belt (if fitted) well beyond the usual 100 000‑mile or five‑year replacement interval, so its condition should be verified before committing to purchase. When you inspect the vehicle, give particular attention to the rear brake assembly on the near side; measure the pad thickness and feel for any pulsation or squeal under braking, which would indicate that the pads are close to the wear limit and that the discs may soon require resurfacing or replacement. The front tyre should be removed and the nail extracted, the puncture inspected for internal damage and the tyre re‑balanced; any signs of sidewall bulging or uneven wear could point to underlying alignment or suspension issues. Examine the off‑side rear suspension arm bush for looseness by applying firm pressure to the wheel hub and listening for clunking; excessive play would necessitate bush replacement and could affect handling stability, especially on uneven road surfaces. Beyond the specific advisories, a fourteen‑year‑old Volvo warrants a thorough age‑related check. Inspect all tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or age‑related hardening, as tyres can degrade even with low mileage. Test the 12 V battery under load and verify its charge retention, since prolonged standing can reduce capacity. Confirm that the coolant, brake fluid and engine oil have been changed in line with the service schedule; fluid colour and clarity should be clear, with no signs of oil or water contamination. Finally, request the full service book to confirm that the timing belt (or chain, depending on the engine variant) has been replaced at the recommended interval, and look for any recorded leaks from the exhaust, radiator or power‑steering pump that could indicate developing corrosion or gasket failure.