Volvo C70 (1999)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 232 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,888

£241/month

MOT Pass Rate

79%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2319cc Petrol

Check Carefully

79% pass rate, £2,888/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol2319cc27 years old232 tests107k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2319cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,888

Per month£241/mo

Per week£56/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

79% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

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

79% of MOT tests on Volvo C70s from 1999 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 25 years old. That's based on 232 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 107,330 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1999 models122nd of 361(top half)

Rank among Volvo models489th of 619(bottom 22%)

vs average of all models-3%(82% avg)

vs 1999 models average+4%(75% avg)

vs Volvo average-8%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

107,330

Average miles

185,000

Expected for age

The average 1999 Volvo C70 had 107,330 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-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 2012 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 80%, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 71%. The 1999 scores 79%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Volvo C70 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2013	79%	494	69,550 mi
2012	80%	593	77,384 mi
2011	73%	1,098	90,321 mi
2010	75%	1,585	93,174 mi
2009	74%	1,786	95,694 mi
2008	75%	2,254	107,960 mi
2007	74%	2,556	102,720 mi
2006	71%	2,325	98,826 mi
2005	75%	803	88,192 mi
2004	79%	1,050	93,504 mi
2003	78%	758	91,932 mi
2002	77%	507	96,658 mi
2001	77%	376	100,260 mi
2000	80%	222	110,002 mi
1999	79%	232	107,330 mi
1998	78%	161	122,080 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW Z3

1998 · 2800cc Petrol

£2,888/year

77%

-2%

BMW 3 Series

1999 · 2494cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

-1%

Ford Focus

2000 · 1989cc Petrol

£2,761/year

67%

-12%

Mercedes SLK

1999 · 2298cc Petrol

£2,888/year

79%

same

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About the 1999 Volvo C70

The 1999 Volvo C70 is a premium car. Our records list a 2319cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 232 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 1999, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 107,330 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volvo C70 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1999 Volvo C70 Fuel Costs

The 2319cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 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 1999 Volvo C70?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,888 (£241/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 79% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Volvo C70 Reliability Trend

The Volvo C70 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1999 Volvo C70

At 27 years old, the Volvo C70 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 2012 model has the highest pass rate at 80%.

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 27 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.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

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 107k 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 1999 Volvo C70 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 C70(1999)	79%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888
BMW Z3(1998)	77%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,888same
BMW 3 Series(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888same
Ford Focus(2000)	67%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,761-£127
Mercedes SLK(1999)	79%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888same

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 1999 Volvo C70

Is the 1999 Volvo C70 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 79% of MOT tests on 1999 Volvo C70s ended in a pass, from 232 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1999 Volvo C70 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,888 a year (£241 a month): £1,958 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 1999 Volvo C70?

79% of 232 MOT tests on the 1999 Volvo C70 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 122nd of 361 models first registered in 1999 (top half).

Which year Volvo C70 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 Volvo C70 has the highest MOT pass rate at 80% and the 2006 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 1999 Volvo C70?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1999 Volvo C70 is 107,330 miles, which is below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.