How much does a 2003 VOLVO S80 cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,195 (£183/month), including £1245 fuel, £395 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 VOLVO S80?

The 2003 VOLVO S80 has a 74% MOT pass rate based on 856 tests in 2026. This ranks 200 out of 445 cars from 2003.

Which year VOLVO S80 is most reliable?

The 2016 VOLVO S80 has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%. The least reliable year is 2000 at 73%.

What is the average mileage for a 2003 VOLVO S80?

The average mileage for a 2003 VOLVO S80 is 136,238 miles, which is in line with the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

VOLVO S80 (2003)

Q: Is the 2003 VOLVO S80 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 74% of VOLVO S80s from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 856 tests. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 856 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,195

£183/month

MOT Pass Rate

74%

Average

Road Tax

£395

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 25-38

2401cc Diesel

Check Carefully

74% pass rate, £2195/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.

Diesel2401cc23 years old856 tests136k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2401cc)

~40 mpg

£1,245

Road Tax

Based on 2401cc

£395

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,195

Per month£183/mo

Per week£42/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

🛡️

Get an insurance quote for this VOLVO S80

Compare quotes and find the best deal

Reliability Verdict

74% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

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 23 years old, 74% of VOLVO S80s from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 856 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 136,238 miles.

Got a VOLVO S80 you're looking at?

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

How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 cars200th of 445(top 45%)

Rank among VOLVO models558th of 635(top 88%)

vs national average-8%(82% avg)

vs 2003 cars average+2%(72% avg)

vs VOLVO average-13%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

136,238

Average miles

170,200

Expected for age

The average 2003 VOLVO S80 has 136,238 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

Looking at a specific VOLVO S80?

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

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 2003 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

HONDA CIVIC

2005 · 2204cc Diesel

£2,050/year

73%

-1%

VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER

2005 · 2460cc Diesel

£2,050/year

72%

-2%

LAND ROVER DISCOVERY

2005 · 2600cc Diesel

£2,050/year

78%

+4%

AUDI A4

2004 · 2496cc Diesel

£2,050/year

74%

same

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.

About the 2003 VOLVO S80

The 2003 VOLVO S80 is a premium with a 2401cc diesel engine. 856 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 136,238 miles at 23 years old, VOLVO S80 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2003 VOLVO S80 Fuel Costs

The 2401cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2003 VOLVO S80?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,195 (£183/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 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 2003 VOLVO S80

At 23 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 2003 VOLVO S80's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

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 136k 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 2003 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(2003)	74%	£1245	£395	Grp 25-38	£2195
HONDA CIVIC(2005)	73%	£1245	£250	Grp 25-38	£2050-£145
VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(2005)	72%	£1245	£250	Grp 25-38	£2050-£145
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY(2005)	78%	£1245	£250	Grp 30-42	£2050-£145
AUDI A4(2004)	74%	£1245	£250	Grp 25-38	£2050-£145

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.