2011 Volvo XC90 2.4L Diesel · SAY 11D

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT on 1 May 2025 at 106,018 miles, but the advisory notes on both front inner tyres and the inoperative registration plate lamp indicate ongoing neglect of basic maintenance. The prior test on 30 April 2025 failed due to a non-functional stop lamp and severely worn suspension components, which were not addressed before the next test—suggesting a pattern of deferred repairs rather than improvement. The fact that the same suspension and tyre issues persisted across two consecutive tests, with only minor cosmetic fixes cleared, shows the car’s condition is deteriorating due to lack of timely intervention. The recorded mileage of 106,018 miles over 15 years equates to an average of 7,068 per year, which is typical for its age. However, the jump from 98,086 miles in April 2024 to 106,018 in May 2025 represents 7,932 miles in just 13 months—an unusually high annual rate that raises questions about usage patterns or potential odometer tampering. The gap between the April 2024 and April 2025 tests is also unusually short, implying the vehicle may have been subject to a pre-sale inspection rather than routine annual testing, which could mask deeper issues. A buyer must inspect the front suspension arms and bushes in detail, as they have been flagged as excessively worn in two consecutive tests and remain a critical failure point. The persistent advisories on both front inner tyres suggest misalignment, underinflation, or worn dampers, and these should be replaced immediately regardless of tread depth. The parking brake efficiency has been below standard for two years, indicating possible cable stretch, seized calipers, or worn rear brake components. Corrosion on suspension and subframe components noted in 2023 remains unaddressed and could compromise structural integrity, especially in damp climates. The registration plate lamp and stop lamp failures reflect poor attention to lighting systems, which are often symptoms of broader neglect. Any purchase should be contingent on a full suspension, brake, and corrosion inspection by an independent mechanic.