Volvo 800 Series
Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 6 model years from 5,797 MOT tests in 2024.
Avg Pass Rate
75%
Total Tests
5,797
Highest Pass Rate
1995 (76%)
Years Covered
6
About the Volvo 800 Series
The Volvo 800 Series was MOT tested 5,797 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 6 model years (1992 to 1997), with an average pass rate of 75%. That's 7 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 diesel and petrol versions.
Best and Worst Years
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1995 model has the highest pass rate at 76% from 1,704 tests. The 1997 model has the lowest at 71%. With just a 5 point gap, pass rates are similar across these years. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.
Reliability Trend
The Volvo 800 Series has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 0 percentage points.
Mileage Across Years
The oldest model in our data (1992) averages 122,847 miles, while the newest (1997) averages 150,360 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.
Compared to the Volvo brand average of 87%, the 800 Series is 12 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 1997 detailsHow reliable is the Volvo 800 Series?
Volvo 800 Series by Year
Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.
Questions about the Volvo 800 Series
Is the Volvo 800 Series reliable?
Across its 6 model years in our data (1992 to 1997), the Volvo 800 Series averages a 75% MOT pass rate, from 5,797 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 1995 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 76%.
Which year Volvo 800 Series has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1995 Volvo 800 Series has the highest MOT pass rate at 76%, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 71%, a 5 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Are newer Volvo 800 Seriess more reliable?
The Volvo 800 Series has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 0 percentage points.
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