2013 Volvo XC60 2.4L Diesel · WG63 SSZ

A pattern of emerging wear on consumables and minor electrical components has surfaced in the most recent testing cycles, following a prolonged period of clean MOT records. While the vehicle passed its latest inspection on 29 January 2026, the transition from several years with no recorded defects to recent advisories regarding tyre wear and inoperative registration plate lamps indicates a shift in the maintenance requirements of the vehicle. The recurring mention of registration plate lamp failures across both the 2025 and 2026 tests suggests a persistent minor electrical issue that has not been rectified between annual inspections. The vehicle has covered 144,936 miles over its thirteen-year lifespan, averaging approximately 11,149 miles per year. This mileage accumulation is consistent with typical UK usage for a vehicle of this age and does not suggest periods of prolonged stationary use or unusually heavy commercial application. From a mechanical standpoint, this steady rate of use implies a predictable wear profile for drivetrain components, suspension bushings, and braking systems, though the recent advisories indicate that the vehicle is now entering a phase where consumable items require more frequent monitoring. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the condition of the tyres, specifically the inner edges of the rear tyres which were flagged as being close to the legal limit in the January 2026 test. Uneven wear on the inner edges often points to underlying suspension or alignment issues. During a test drive, listen for any rhythmic thumping or humming from the rear of the vehicle at motorway speeds, which could indicate tyre deformation or bearing wear, and check for any pulling to one side when releasing the steering wheel on a level surface, which would suggest a need for a wheel alignment. The 2025 record also noted a severely deteriorated dust cover on the offside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint. Although this was recorded as a minor defect, it is a precursor to more significant suspension noise. On a test drive, pay close attention to the front end when driving over uneven road surfaces or speed bumps; any metallic knocking, clunking, or rattling from the front suspension can indicate that the ball joint or the linkage itself has become worn or loose. Ensuring the registration plate lamps are fully operational is also a necessary immediate requirement to ensure the vehicle meets current lighting standards.