Is the 2009 VOLVO C70 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 74% of VOLVO C70s from 2009 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 1,786 tests. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2009 VOLVO C70 cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £1,857 (£155/month), including £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2009 VOLVO C70?

The 2009 VOLVO C70 has a 74% MOT pass rate based on 1,786 tests in 2026. This ranks 351 out of 575 cars from 2009.

Which year VOLVO C70 is most reliable?

The 2012 VOLVO C70 has the highest MOT pass rate at 80%. The least reliable year is 2006 at 71%.

VOLVO C70 (2009)

Q: What is the average mileage for a 2009 VOLVO C70?

The average mileage for a 2009 VOLVO C70 is 95,694 miles, which is below the expected 125,800 miles for a 17-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,786 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,857

£155/month

MOT Pass Rate

74%

Average

Road Tax

£265

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1997cc Diesel

Check Carefully

74% pass rate, £1857/year to run. 8 points below average.

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Diesel1997cc17 years old1,786 tests96k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1997cc)

~48 mpg

£1,037

Road Tax

Based on 1997cc

£265

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£1,857

Per month£155/mo

Per week£36/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

74% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLVO brand average of 87%.

At 17 years old, 74% of VOLVO C70s from 2009 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,786 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 95,694 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2009 cars351th of 575(top 61%)

Rank among VOLVO models555th of 635(top 87%)

vs national average-8%(82% avg)

vs 2009 cars average-1%(75% avg)

vs VOLVO average-13%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

95,694

Average miles

125,800

Expected for age

The average 2009 VOLVO C70 has 95,694 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 125,800 miles for a 17-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?

The most reliable year is the 2012 model with a 80% MOT pass rate, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 71%. The 2009 sits between the two at 74%.

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

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

2011 · 1896cc Diesel

£1,727/year

78%

+4%

VAUXHALL ASTRA

2010 · 1910cc Diesel

£1,727/year

74%

same

VOLKSWAGEN POLO

2010 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,595/year

74%

same

BMW 3 SERIES

2011 · 2000cc Diesel

£1,577/year

81%

+7%

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About the 2009 VOLVO C70

The 2009 VOLVO C70 is a premium with a 1997cc diesel engine. 1,786 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2009, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 95,694 miles at 17 years old, VOLVO C70 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2009 VOLVO C70 Fuel Costs

The 1997cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2009 VOLVO C70?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,857 (£155/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 74% 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 2009 VOLVO C70

At 17 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

Based on the 2009 VOLVO C70's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 96k 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 2009 VOLVO C70 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
VOLVO C70(2009)	74%	£1037	£265	Grp 18-32	£1857
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2011)	78%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1727-£130
VAUXHALL ASTRA(2010)	74%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1727-£130
VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2010)	74%	£905	£135	Grp 12-25	£1595-£262
BMW 3 SERIES(2011)	81%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1577-£280

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.