2009 Volvo V50 2.0L Diesel · RO06 TAR

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history shows a worsening trend regarding mechanical wear and component degradation. The most recent test in December 2025 at 167,930 miles identified several developing issues including a cracked coolant expansion tank and a severely deteriorated CV boot on the nearside front drive shaft. The presence of play in both front lower suspension arm ball joints, a fault first noted in November 2023, indicates that suspension components are failing and have not been addressed despite reaching a more critical state. At 167,930 miles over 17 years, the Volvo has averaged approximately 9,878 miles per year, which is consistent with typical UK usage for a vehicle of this age. The record shows consistent use, with roughly 8,200 miles covered between the 2023 and December 2024 tests, and another 8,240 miles followed by December 2025. While the mileage accumulation is steady, the increasing frequency of advisories and failures suggests a reactive maintenance approach where parts are only replaced upon inspection rather than through preventative care. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the front suspension and steering system, as the recurring reports of ball joint play and the missing steering rack gaiter from late 2024 suggest potential issues with steering precision. The fluctuating service brakes noted in 2024 indicate thin or warped discs, which likely require replacement alongside the pads. Additionally, the cracked expansion tank and the deteriorating CV boot identified in the latest test must be confirmed as repaired to prevent engine overheating or drive shaft failure. The consistent history of tyres worn to the legal limit across multiple axles also suggests that alignment may be out of specification.