VOLVO 240 (1991)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 400 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
78%
Total Tests (2024)
400
Avg Mileage
152,510 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 1991 VOLVO 240 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLVO brand average of 87%.
At 33 years old, 78% of VOLVO 240s from 1991 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 400 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 152,510 miles.
How does the 1991 VOLVO 240 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1991 VOLVO 240 has 152,510 miles on the clock, 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.
How much does a 1991 VOLVO 240 cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
VOLVO 240 by Year
Checking a specific VOLVO 240?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1991 VOLVO 240
The 1991 VOLVO 240 is a premium with a 1986cc petrol engine. 400 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 1991, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 152,510 miles at 33 years old, 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 £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1991 VOLVO 240?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,017 (£168/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 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 33 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.
Alternatives to the 1991 VOLVO 240
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1991) 80% pass rate (+2%) from 5,191 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1990) 84% pass rate (+6%) from 3,316 tests
- FORD ESCORT (1990) 85% pass rate (+7%) from 2,672 tests
- MAZDA MX-5 (1991) 78% pass rate (same) from 1,798 tests