2008 Volvo S40 2.4L Diesel · SL08 KWH

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT in May 2026, which is reassuring as it was only a few weeks ago. However, the pass came with an advisory for an oil leak that was not deemed excessive. You should be aware that this same oil leak has been noted consistently across multiple tests since 2024, indicating a persistent seal or gasket issue that the owner has monitored rather than repaired. The MOT history reveals a pattern of reactive maintenance where significant mechanical defects are addressed only after a failure. In April 2025, the car failed on serious safety items including excessively worn suspension ball joints, front brake discs that were significantly worn, and tyres with low tread on the inner edges. The vehicle passed a retest the very next day, confirming that repairs were done rapidly to meet legal minimums rather than as part of a broader service schedule. There is a recurring issue with the engine management light (MIL). The vehicle failed in April 2025 and April 2024 because the MIL was inoperative or indicated a malfunction. While this was clearly fixed to pass the retests, the fact that it has appeared as a defect multiple times suggests an underlying engine sensor or emissions fault that may return. The mileage of 175,932 miles is roughly typical for an 18-year-old car, averaging about 9,774 miles per year.