VOLVO S80 (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 51 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
75%
Total Tests (2024)
51
Avg Mileage
109,487 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,397
Is the 1998 VOLVO S80 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 S80s from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 51 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 109,487 miles.
How does the 1998 VOLVO S80 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 VOLVO S80 has 109,487 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 S80?
The most reliable year is the 2016 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 73%. The 1998 sits between the two at 75%.
How much does a 1998 VOLVO S80 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 S80 by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 94% | 319 | 73,199 mi |
| 2015 | 85% | 661 | 88,512 mi |
| 2014 | 87% | 687 | 97,117 mi |
| 2013 | 85% | 835 | 97,075 mi |
| 2012 | 83% | 654 | 109,857 mi |
| 2011 | 84% | 738 | 127,960 mi |
| 2010 | 86% | 1,055 | 127,640 mi |
| 2009 | 80% | 882 | 133,255 mi |
| 2008 | 82% | 1,177 | 135,379 mi |
| 2007 | 80% | 1,396 | 137,080 mi |
| 2006 | 79% | 732 | 139,507 mi |
| 2005 | 76% | 826 | 141,284 mi |
| 2004 | 75% | 879 | 132,204 mi |
| 2003 | 74% | 856 | 136,238 mi |
| 2002 | 77% | 610 | 132,472 mi |
| 2001 | 74% | 517 | 123,256 mi |
| 2000 | 73% | 240 | 130,130 mi |
| 1999 | 80% | 275 | 125,351 mi |
| 1998 | 75% | 51 | 109,487 mi |
Checking a specific VOLVO S80?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 VOLVO S80
The 1998 VOLVO S80 is a premium performance with a 2922cc petrol engine. 51 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 109,487 miles at 26 years old, VOLVO S80 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1998 VOLVO S80 Fuel Costs
The 2922cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 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 S80?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 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 S80 Reliability Trend
Newer VOLVO S80s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 VOLVO S80
At 26 years old, the VOLVO S80 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 2016 model has the highest pass rate at 94%. Note: with only 51 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1998 VOLVO S80
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1996) 67% pass rate (-8%) from 8,643 tests
- BMW Z3 (1999) 78% pass rate (+3%) from 8,191 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1999) 78% pass rate (+3%) from 7,815 tests
- PORSCHE BOXSTER (2000) 82% pass rate (+7%) from 3,688 tests