VOLVO S80 (2001)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 517 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,577
£215/month
MOT Pass Rate
74%
Average
Road Tax
£430
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2435cc Petrol
Check Carefully
74% pass rate, £2577/year to run. 8 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 2435cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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 8 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLVO brand average of 87%.
At 25 years old, 74% of VOLVO S80s from 2001 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 517 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 123,256 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
123,256
Average miles
185,000
Expected for age
The average 2001 VOLVO S80 has 123,256 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-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 2016 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 73%. The 2001 sits between the two at 74%.
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
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About the 2001 VOLVO S80
The 2001 VOLVO S80 is a premium with a 2435cc petrol engine. 517 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2001, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 123,256 miles at 25 years old, VOLVO S80 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2001 VOLVO S80 Fuel Costs
The 2435cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. 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 2001 VOLVO S80?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,577 (£215/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 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 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 2001 VOLVO S80
At 25 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%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2001 VOLVO S80's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 25 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 riskLarger 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 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
Watch outWith an average of 123k 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.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
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 2001 VOLVO S80 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VOLVO S80(2001) | 74% | £1592 | £430 | Grp 25-38 | £2577 |
| RENAULT CLIO(2003) | 68% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2217-£360 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(1999) | 78% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2397-£180 |
| MERCEDES CLK(2003) | 78% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2397-£180 |
| HONDA CR-V(2002) | 69% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2217-£360 |
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.
Related Volvo Models
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