Volvo S80 (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 51 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,888

£241/month

MOT Pass Rate

75%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2922cc Petrol

Check Carefully

75% pass rate, £2,888/year to run. 7 points below average.

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Petrol2922cc28 years old51 tests109k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2922cc)

~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

75% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Volvo brand average of 87%.

75% of MOT tests on Volvo S80s from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 51 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 109,487 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models160th of 325(top half)

Rank among Volvo models531st of 619(bottom 15%)

vs average of all models-7%(82% avg)

vs 1998 models average+0%(75% avg)

vs Volvo average-12%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

109,487

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Volvo S80 had 109,487 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2016 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 73%. The 1998 scores 75%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW Z3

1999 · 3201cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

+3%

BMW 3 Series

1999 · 2494cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

+3%

Porsche Boxster

2000 · 2700cc Petrol

£2,738/year

82%

+7%

Porsche 911

1999 · 3387cc Petrol

£2,738/year

87%

+12%

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About the 1998 Volvo S80

The 1998 Volvo S80 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 2922cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 51 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model matches that benchmark.

With an average of 109,487 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,958 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 1998 Volvo S80?

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 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Volvo S80 Reliability Trend

Newer Volvo S80s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 9 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1998 Volvo S80

At 28 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.

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 28 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 109k 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 1998 Volvo S80 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 S80(1998)	75%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,888
BMW Z3(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888same
BMW 3 Series(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888same
Porsche Boxster(2000)	82%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,738-£150
Porsche 911(1999)	87%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738-£150

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 1998 Volvo S80

Is the 1998 Volvo S80 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of MOT tests on 1998 Volvo S80s ended in a pass, from 51 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1998 Volvo S80 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 1998 Volvo S80?

75% of 51 MOT tests on the 1998 Volvo S80 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 160th of 325 models first registered in 1998 (top half).

Which year Volvo S80 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2016 Volvo S80 has the highest MOT pass rate at 94% and the 2000 the lowest at 73%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1998 Volvo S80?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Volvo S80 is 109,487 miles, 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.