Volvo 800 Series (1993)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 193 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,561

£213/month

MOT Pass Rate

72%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1984cc Petrol

Check Carefully

72% pass rate, £2,561/year to run. 10 points below average.

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Petrol1984cc33 years old193 tests117k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1984cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£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

72% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Volvo brand average of 87%.

72% of MOT tests on Volvo 800 Seriess from 1993 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 31 years old. That's based on 193 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 117,471 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1993 models132nd of 188(bottom half)

Rank among Volvo models578th of 619(bottom 7%)

vs average of all models-10%(82% avg)

vs 1993 models average-4%(76% avg)

vs Volvo average-15%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

117,471

Average miles

229,400

Expected for age

The average 1993 Volvo 800 Series had 117,471 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 229,400 miles for a 31-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1995 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 76%, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 71%. The 1993 scores 72%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Volvo 800 Series by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1997	71%	498	150,360 mi
1996	74%	2,789	149,254 mi
1995	76%	1,704	140,614 mi
1994	76%	579	137,157 mi
1993	72%	193	117,471 mi
1992	82%	34	122,847 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

1991 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,411/year

80%

+8%

Mazda MX-5

1995 · 1840cc Petrol

£2,561/year

74%

+2%

Mercedes E

1994 · 2199cc Petrol

£2,888/year

79%

+7%

BMW 3 Series

1991 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,411/year

82%

+10%

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About the 1993 Volvo 800 Series

The 1993 Volvo 800 Series is a premium car. Our records list a 1984cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 193 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1993, the average MOT pass rate is 76%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 117,471 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volvo 800 Series owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1993 Volvo 800 Series Fuel Costs

The 1984cc 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 1993 Volvo 800 Series?

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 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Volvo 800 Series Reliability Trend

The Volvo 800 Series has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 0 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1993 Volvo 800 Series

At 33 years old, the Volvo 800 Series 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 1995 model has the highest pass rate at 76%.

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 33 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 117k 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.

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 1993 Volvo 800 Series 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 800 Series(1993)	72%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561
Volkswagen Golf(1991)	80%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411-£150
Mazda MX-5(1995)	74%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561same
Mercedes E(1994)	79%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888+£327
BMW 3 Series(1991)	82%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411-£150

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 1993 Volvo 800 Series

Is the 1993 Volvo 800 Series reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 72% of MOT tests on 1993 Volvo 800 Seriess ended in a pass, from 193 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.

How much does a 1993 Volvo 800 Series 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 1993 Volvo 800 Series?

72% of 193 MOT tests on the 1993 Volvo 800 Series ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 132nd of 188 models first registered in 1993 (bottom half).

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% and the 1997 the lowest at 71%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1993 Volvo 800 Series?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1993 Volvo 800 Series is 117,471 miles, which is below the expected 229,400 miles for a 31-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.