Last week I had a health check done in Volvo Garage in preparation for today's MOT.
The health check didn't detect any faults whereas today's MOT turned out to be a different story. Had I accepted the garage's advice I'd end up paying 1000
The health ma MOT were done by the same person (was too busy to talk to me and explain)
GB. The faults they came up with are:
drive shaft boot-left side outer damaged (300GB)
No 4 wheel drive heldex inop rear axle oil leak (130)
both front radius arm bushes worn(520)

My questions are: Is this kind of 'fault appearance' completely normal and are the prices relevant or should I have my car checked at an alternative garage?
How serious are the faults? (the car has passed the MOT)

Thank you

 

you should be able to go under the car and verify their findings. None of these will cause you to fail a safety or emissions compliance test but do have implications on your car's wellness down the road. Torn boots on axles leak out the grease, let in dirt which can ruin the CV joint. If addressed quickly you can replace the boot and repack the grease ($50US in parts) if untended, you can replace the axle within the year ($500US in parts). No 4WD? You can try replacing the seal and refilling the differential fluid as the 130UK quote suggests, but my concern would be leaving undone can lead to permanent damage in the transfer case - or a 1000+ repair. Worn suspension bushings (radius arms) can lead to poor handling and premature tire wear. Of the three, this is the least of the concerns IMHO.