Volvo 240 (1991)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 400 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,561

£213/month

MOT Pass Rate

78%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1986cc Petrol

Check Carefully

78% pass rate, £2,561/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1986cc35 years old400 tests153k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1986cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,561

Per month£213/mo

Per week£49/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

78% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Volvo brand average of 87%.

78% of MOT tests on Volvo 240s from 1991 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 33 years old. That's based on 400 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 152,510 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1991 models96th of 172(bottom half)

Rank among Volvo models494th of 619(bottom 21%)

vs average of all models-4%(82% avg)

vs 1991 models average-1%(79% avg)

vs Volvo average-9%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

152,510

Average miles

244,200

Expected for age

The average 1991 Volvo 240 had 152,510 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 244,200 miles for a 33-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Volvo 240 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1993	68%	772	156,771 mi
1992	72%	635	167,148 mi
1991	78%	400	152,510 mi
1990	77%	606	145,885 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

1991 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,411/year

80%

+2%

BMW 3 Series

1990 · 1990cc Petrol

£2,411/year

84%

+6%

Ford Escort

1990 · 1597cc Petrol

£2,178/year

85%

+7%

Mazda MX-5

1991 · 1597cc Petrol

£2,328/year

78%

same

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About the 1991 Volvo 240

The 1991 Volvo 240 is a premium car. Our records list a 1986cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 400 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 1991, the average MOT pass rate is 79%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 152,510 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volvo 240 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1991 Volvo 240 Fuel Costs

The 1986cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1991 Volvo 240?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,561 (£213/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 78% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Volvo 240 Reliability Trend

Older Volvo 240s tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 8 percentage points across model years.

Buying a Used 1991 Volvo 240

At 35 years old, the Volvo 240 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 35 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 153k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 1991 Volvo 240 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Volvo 240(1991)	78%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561
Volkswagen Golf(1991)	80%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411-£150
BMW 3 Series(1990)	84%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411-£150
Ford Escort(1990)	85%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,178-£383
Mazda MX-5(1991)	78%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328-£233

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1991 Volvo 240

Is the 1991 Volvo 240 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 78% of MOT tests on 1991 Volvo 240s ended in a pass, from 400 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1991 Volvo 240 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,561 a year (£213 a month): £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1991 Volvo 240?

78% of 400 MOT tests on the 1991 Volvo 240 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 96th of 172 models first registered in 1991 (bottom half).

Which year Volvo 240 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1991 Volvo 240 has the highest MOT pass rate at 78% and the 1993 the lowest at 68%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1991 Volvo 240?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1991 Volvo 240 is 152,510 miles, which is below the expected 244,200 miles for a 33-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.