2012 Volvo S40 2.0L Petrol · SC61 CXP

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT in May 2026, but only after a failure that revealed several significant issues. The failure included a split constant velocity boot on the offside front drive shaft and an electronic stability control warning lamp, indicating both mechanical wear and electronic faults. There is a concerning downward trend in the vehicle's condition. In 2024 and 2025, the MOT history was relatively stable, with only a track rod end replacement and slight play in a suspension ball joint. However, the 2026 test showed a sudden increase in defects, including an oil leak and multiple tyres that are both worn close to the legal limit and perishing. The recorded mileage of 117,515 is typical for a 14-year-old car, suggesting regular use. However, the evidence of "cracking or perishing" tyres across three different corners suggests the vehicle may have suffered from periods of standing or a recent lack of basic maintenance, despite the average annual mileage. A buyer should first inspect the tyres for signs of dry rot and verify that the oil leak is not worsening. It is also essential to confirm that the electronic stability control fault has been fully resolved and that the drive shaft is operating smoothly without clicking or grease leakage.