VOLVO S70 (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 566 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
75%
Total Tests (2024)
566
Avg Mileage
141,096 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 1998 VOLVO S70 reliable?
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 26 years old, 75% of VOLVO S70s from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 566 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 141,096 miles.
How does the 1998 VOLVO S70 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 VOLVO S70 has 141,096 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a VOLVO S70?
The most reliable year is the 1999 model with a 80% MOT pass rate, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 75%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
How much does a 1998 VOLVO S70 cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
VOLVO S70 by Year
Checking a specific VOLVO S70?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 VOLVO S70
The 1998 VOLVO S70 is a premium with a 1984cc petrol engine. 566 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 141,096 miles at 26 years old, VOLVO S70 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1998 VOLVO S70 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 £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1998 VOLVO S70?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,017 (£168/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 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 S70 Reliability Trend
The VOLVO S70 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 VOLVO S70
At 26 years old, the VOLVO S70 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.
Alternatives to the 1998 VOLVO S70
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (-2%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (-4%) from 8,442 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1998) 79% pass rate (+4%) from 6,287 tests
- BMW Z3 (1997) 75% pass rate (same) from 5,268 tests