2008 Volvo V50 2.0L Diesel · YR08 SWJ
2008 Volvo V50 (2.0L, diesel). First registered 01 Mar 2008. Recorded mileage 127,706 miles. MOT valid until 05 Nov 2026. Taxed until 01 Jun 2027.
- Make & Model
- VOLVO V50
- Year / Origin
- 2008 · Sheffield
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 05 Nov 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jun 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 127,706 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 2.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
YR08 SWJ Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 31/10/2025
- 127,706 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 5 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (5 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
YR08 SWJ MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2008 Volvo V50 (YR08 SWJ) between October 2022 and October 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 31 October 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (5 issues), Suspension (4 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 14 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Parking brake lever has excessive movement indicating incorrect adjustment (1.1.6 (c))”; “Offside Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour (4.4.3 (a))”; “Nearside Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour (4.4.3 (a))”.
YR08 SWJ Mileage History
- 18/10/2022106,840 mi
- 06/11/2023113,436 mi+6,596 mi
- 04/11/2024120,527 mi+7,091 mi
- 31/10/2025127,702 mi+7,175 mi
- 31/10/2025127,706 mi+4 mi
Average of roughly 6,872 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Volvo V50
Our database tracks 3 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution due to a recent MOT
When viewing this V50, prioritize checking the recent repair work. The October 2025 MOT failure included a serious fluid leak from the offside rear shock absorber and an under-inflated tyre with a cut to the sidewall; ensure these components have been replaced with quality parts rather than just patched.
Negotiate based on the current advisories. The most recent MOT (127,706 miles) lists a minor exhaust leak, thinning front brake pads, a binding rear brake, and corroded rear coil springs. These are all items that will require financial investment in the near future. Ask for a detailed service history to see if the timing belt or water pump has been addressed, as these are critical for the 2.0L diesel engine at this mileage.
As a 2.0L diesel, this V50 is designed for higher mileage efficiency, though actual fuel economy will depend on driving style and maintenance. Tax and insurance groups for this model vary, but the 1998cc engine typically falls into a mid-range bracket.
Maintenance costs may be higher in the short term due to the specific issues identified in the MOT history, such as exhaust work, brake replacements, and suspension repairs (coil springs and shock absorbers). Expect typical diesel maintenance costs for a vehicle of this age and mileage.
Specifically inspect the suspension and braking systems. The MOT history shows a pattern of suspension issues, including a serious shock absorber leak in 2025 and corroded rear coil springs. Check for any knocking sounds when driving over bumps.
Examine the exhaust system for any signs of soot or noise that might indicate the reported minor leak at the rear silencer. Additionally, check the brake pads and the operation of the parking brake, as the 2025 records noted both thinning pads and excessive movement in the parking brake lever.
This 2008 blue Volvo V50 diesel has covered 127,706 miles, which is significantly higher than the model average of 6,807 miles per year. The MOT history shows a recent failure in October 2025 involving shock absorbers, tyres, and indicators, followed by a pass with multiple advisories including exhaust leaks and brake issues. Buyers should weigh the higher mileage against the recent repairs required to pass the latest test.
Aggregate data for this model shows an average MOT pass rate of 72.5%, with common failure points including headlamps, coil springs, and shock absorbers.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
Common Problems: VOLVO V50
Known issues reported by owners and MOT testers.
- Tailgate wiring and latch faults(Moderate)
The V50’s tailgate loom and latch wiring can fail through repeated opening, causing rear wiper, demister and boot-release problems.
- EGR and DPF clogging on diesels(Moderate)
Urban-driven diesel V50s soot up their EGR and DPF systems, leading to hesitation, smoke and warning lights.
- Powershift gearbox faults(Serious)
Dual-clutch Powershift transmissions can jerk, overheat or fail expensively if the correct servicing has been skipped.
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VOLVO V50 Model Intelligence & Reliability
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Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
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Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2008 model year cars.
- Tailgate wiring and latch faultsModerate
The V50’s tailgate loom and latch wiring can fail through repeated opening, causing rear wiper, demister and boot-release problems.
- EGR and DPF clogging on dieselsModerate
Urban-driven diesel V50s soot up their EGR and DPF systems, leading to hesitation, smoke and warning lights.
- Powershift gearbox faultsSerious
Dual-clutch Powershift transmissions can jerk, overheat or fail expensively if the correct servicing has been skipped.
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