2009 Volvo V50 2.0L Diesel · YR09 YOT

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT on 12 November 2025 at 137,297 miles, but the advisory notes reveal a maintenance trend that is worsening, not improving. The same front tyre scrubbing and steering rack play issues noted in 2024 reappeared, now accompanied by a persistent oil leak and light surface rust under the body—none of which were addressed between tests. The fact that these advisories remain unchanged over two consecutive passes suggests deferred repairs, not resolved concerns. The recorded mileage is consistent with the vehicle’s age, averaging around 8,000 miles per year, but the gap between the December 2024 and November 2025 tests is unusually long—eleven months—with no intervening test. This raises questions about usage patterns: either the car was rarely driven, or maintenance was neglected during that period. The sudden jump from 128,519 to 137,297 miles in just under a year implies either heavy use or a possible odometer discrepancy, though no evidence of tampering is present in the record. A buyer must inspect the front suspension thoroughly, particularly the lower arm ball joints, which failed twice in late 2023 and were not replaced before the 2024 and 2025 tests. The rear brake discs have been flagged as worn and pitted across three consecutive tests since December 2023, indicating they were never renewed despite repeated warnings. The tyres continue to show uneven inner-edge wear, pointing to persistent misalignment or worn suspension components. The exhaust back box corrosion has been noted for over two years, and the oil leak, while not yet excessive, is an ongoing issue that could escalate into engine damage. Surface rust under the body, though currently light, should be probed for hidden structural corrosion, especially around wheel arches and suspension mounting points. The car is technically roadworthy under current standards, but its history shows a pattern of ignored advisories and deferred repairs. The recurring faults in suspension, brakes, and tyres suggest the vehicle has been maintained minimally, not properly. A pre-purchase inspection must verify whether these components have been replaced or are merely being tolerated until the next MOT.