VOLVO 240 (1992)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 635 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
72%
Total Tests (2024)
635
Avg Mileage
167,148 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,397
Is the 1992 VOLVO 240 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLVO brand average of 87%.
At 32 years old, 72% of VOLVO 240s from 1992 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 635 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 167,148 miles.
How does the 1992 VOLVO 240 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1992 VOLVO 240 has 167,148 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 236,800 miles for a 32-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a VOLVO 240?
The most reliable year is the 1991 model with a 78% MOT pass rate, while the 1993 model has the lowest at 68%. The 1992 sits between the two at 72%.
How much does a 1992 VOLVO 240 cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
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 1992 VOLVO 240
The 1992 VOLVO 240 is a premium with a 2316cc petrol engine. 635 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 1992, the average MOT pass rate is 77%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 167,148 miles at 32 years old, VOLVO 240 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1992 VOLVO 240 Fuel Costs
The 2316cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1992 VOLVO 240?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% 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 1992 VOLVO 240
At 32 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. If you're flexible on year, the 1991 model has the highest pass rate at 78%.
Alternatives to the 1992 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 TRANSPORTER (1994) 69% pass rate (-3%) from 3,632 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1990) 84% pass rate (+12%) from 3,316 tests
- MERCEDES E (1994) 79% pass rate (+7%) from 2,118 tests
- MERCEDES 190 E (1992) 79% pass rate (+7%) from 1,492 tests