Volvo 700 Series
Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 2 model years from 909 MOT tests in 2024.
Avg Pass Rate
72%
Total Tests
909
Highest Pass Rate
1990 (75%)
Years Covered
2
About the Volvo 700 Series
The Volvo 700 Series was MOT tested 909 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 2 model years (1990 to 1991), with an average pass rate of 72%. That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data, so check the year-by-year data carefully before buying. Our records list petrol versions.
Best and Worst Years
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1990 model has the highest pass rate at 75% from 775 tests. The 1991 model has the lowest at 68%. The 7 point gap means pass rates vary somewhat between years, but no year is dramatically different. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.
Mileage Across Years
The oldest model in our data (1990) averages 123,922 miles, while the newest (1991) averages 154,738 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.
Compared to the Volvo brand average of 87%, the 700 Series is 15 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Volvo models.
Estimated Running Costs
Higher due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
Full 1991 detailsHow reliable is the Volvo 700 Series?
Volvo 700 Series by Year
Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.
Questions about the Volvo 700 Series
Is the Volvo 700 Series reliable?
Across its 2 model years in our data (1990 to 1991), the Volvo 700 Series averages a 72% MOT pass rate, from 909 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 1990 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 75%.
Which year Volvo 700 Series has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1990 Volvo 700 Series has the highest MOT pass rate at 75%, while the 1991 model has the lowest at 68%, a 7 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
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