VOLVO C70 (2010)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,585 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,857
£155/month
MOT Pass Rate
75%
Average
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1997cc Diesel
Check Carefully
75% pass rate, £1857/year to run. 7 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Based on 1997cc
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLVO brand average of 87%.
At 16 years old, 75% of VOLVO C70s from 2010 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,585 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 93,174 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
93,174
Average miles
118,400
Expected for age
The average 2010 VOLVO C70 has 93,174 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-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 2010 sits between the two at 75%.
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
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About the 2010 VOLVO C70
The 2010 VOLVO C70 is a premium with a 1997cc diesel engine. 1,585 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2010, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 93,174 miles at 16 years old, VOLVO C70 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2010 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 2010 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 75% 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 2010 VOLVO C70
At 16 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 2010 VOLVO C70's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber 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 riskWith an average of 93k 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 riskHigh-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 riskAlways 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 2010 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(2010) | 75% | £1037 | £265 | Grp 18-32 | £1857 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2012) | 80% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1577-£280 |
| 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(2012) | 82% | £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.
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