2023 Volvo XC90 + B5 Mhev AWD Auto 2.0L Electric diesel · ST72 VYP

With only a single MOT test on record, dated 19 January 2026 and resulting in a pass, the defining mechanical story here is what lies beneath that pass mark: four advisories all clustered around the braking system and tyres. Both front brake discs and both rear brake discs were flagged as worn though not excessively, the rear brake pads were reported as wearing thin on both sides, and the offside front and offside rear tyres were noted as worn close to the legal limit on their inner edges. Because this Volvo XC90 is still relatively young but has accumulated mileage at a rate that places real stress on consumable components, the simultaneous appearance of brake and tyre wear suggests the vehicle has been worked rather than gently pottered. The pattern of inner-edge tyre wear on the same axle side is a useful diagnostic clue on its own, and any prospective buyer should treat these advisories as an early warning rather than background noise. At three years old the XC90 has covered 37,735 miles, which equates to roughly 12,578 miles annually and places it firmly in the higher-than-average bracket for a premium SUV of this age. That rate of accumulation means the typical service intervals will have fallen due on multiple occasions, and braking components, tyres, and suspension items will have already absorbed considerably more working cycles than a lower-mileage example of the same model year. There are no extended gaps between tests to suggest the vehicle has been laid up for any meaningful period, and the mileage progression appears broadly consistent with a car in regular daily use, which is relevant because higher annual mileage typically accelerates wear on discs, pads, tyres, bushes, and the mild-hybrid drivetrain components. The mid-life mild hybrid system should also be considered, as continuous stop-start operation places additional thermal cycling demands on the braking system. For a test drive, attention should focus squarely on the items flagged in the January 2026 advisory list, as these are the components most likely to be approaching or past their service threshold. Listen and feel for any vibration, pulsation, or pedal judder under steady braking, which would indicate the front discs have worn beyond the advisory stage, and check whether the rear calipers are binding or sliding freely by confirming the vehicle does not pull to one side under light braking. The rear pads being noted as wearing thin on both sides means replacement is likely imminent, so a thorough inspection of pad material thickness through the wheels is worthwhile. Pay particular attention to steering behaviour and alignment, because tyres worn on the inner edge on both the offside front and offside rear are a classic symptom of geometric misalignment such as camber issues, and the vehicle may track slightly off-centre or show uneven steering return after cornering. Beyond the advisory items, it is worth conducting a measured road check over varied surfaces to assess general suspension health given the accumulated mileage. Listen for any clonks, knocks, or creaks from the front and rear suspension over speed humps and uneven tarmac, as worn anti-roll bar bushings, top mount bearings, or control arm links are common wear items on higher-mileage XC90s and would not necessarily have been flagged on the most recent MOT. Inspect the underside visually for any signs of oil seepage from the engine, transmission, or rear differential, as the AWD system adds further drivetrain components that can develop leaks with use. Finally, confirm that the mild hybrid system operates correctly by observing smooth auto start-stop behaviour and confirming the brake-by-wire feel remains consistent, as any warning lights or hesitant restarts would warrant further investigation before committing to purchase.