CarCostCheck

Volvo S80 (2001)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 517 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,958

£247/month

MOT Pass Rate

74%

Average

Road Tax

£445

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2435cc Petrol

Check Carefully

74% pass rate, £2,958/year to run. 8 points below average.

Buying this car? Check for finance, write-offs & theft
£4.99

Check a specific Volvo S80

Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.

GB

Free instant check using official DVSA and DVLA data

Petrol2435cc25 years old517 tests123k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2435cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958
Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£445
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500
Total per year£2,958
Per month£247/mo
Per week£57/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

74% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Volvo brand average of 87%.

74% of MOT tests on Volvo S80s from 2001 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 23 years old. That's based on 517 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 123,256 miles.

Got a Volvo S80 you're looking at?

Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.

GB

Free instant check using official DVSA and DVLA data

How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2001 models143rd of 350(top half)
Rank among Volvo models545th of 619(bottom 13%)
vs average of all models-8%(82% avg)
vs 2001 models average+1%(73% avg)
vs Volvo average-13%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

123,256

Average miles

vs

170,200

Expected for age

The average 2001 Volvo S80 had 123,256 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Looking at a specific Volvo S80?

Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.

GB

Free instant check using official DVSA and DVLA data

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 2001 scores 74%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Volvo S80 by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
201694%31973,199 mi
201585%66188,512 mi
201487%68797,117 mi
201385%83597,075 mi
201283%654109,857 mi
201184%738127,960 mi
201086%1,055127,640 mi
200980%882133,255 mi
200882%1,177135,379 mi
200780%1,396137,080 mi
200679%732139,507 mi
200576%826141,284 mi
200475%879132,204 mi
200374%856136,238 mi
200277%610132,472 mi
200174%517123,256 mi
200073%240130,130 mi
199980%275125,351 mi
199875%51109,487 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Check a Specific Volvo S80

Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.

Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.

GB

Free instant check using official DVSA and DVLA data

About the 2001 Volvo S80

The 2001 Volvo S80 is a premium car. Our records list a 2435cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 517 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2001, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 123,256 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,958 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 2001 Volvo S80?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,958 (£247/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 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 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 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

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 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 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 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 risk

High-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 risk

Worn 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 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 2001 Volvo S80 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrEst. Ins. GroupTotal/yr
Volvo S80(2001)74%£1,958£445Grp 25-38£2,958
Renault Clio(2003)68%£1,631£325Grp 18-32£2,711-£247
BMW 3 Series(1999)78%£1,958£375Grp 25-38£2,888-£70
Mercedes CLK(2003)78%£1,958£445Grp 25-38£2,958same
Honda CR-V(2002)69%£1,631£325Grp 18-32£2,711-£247

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 2001 Volvo S80

Is the 2001 Volvo S80 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 74% of MOT tests on 2001 Volvo S80s ended in a pass, from 517 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2001 Volvo S80 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,958 a year (£247 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 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 2001 Volvo S80?

74% of 517 MOT tests on the 2001 Volvo S80 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 143rd of 350 models first registered in 2001 (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 2001 Volvo S80?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2001 Volvo S80 is 123,256 miles, which is below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Related Volvo Models

Explore other Volvo cars or similar models in the same category.

Related Guides

In-depth articles relevant to the Volvo S80.

Check a specific Volvo S80

Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.

GB

Free instant check using official DVSA and DVLA data

Premium History Check

Buying a Volvo S80? Our premium check covers:

  • Stolen check (PNC)
  • Outstanding finance
  • Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
  • Previous owners count
Just £4.99 per check

With outstanding finance included

Share this page

X