Volvo S80 (2004)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 879 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,641
£220/month
MOT Pass Rate
75%
Average
Road Tax
£410
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 25-38
2401cc Diesel
Check Carefully
75% pass rate, £2,641/year to run. 7 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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
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 2004 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 20 years old. That's based on 879 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 132,204 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
132,204
Average miles
148,000
Expected for age
The average 2004 Volvo S80 had 132,204 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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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 2004 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
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About the 2004 Volvo S80
The 2004 Volvo S80 is a premium car. Our records list a 2401cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 879 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 132,204 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volvo S80 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2004 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 £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 2004 Volvo S80?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,641 (£220/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £410 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 2004 Volvo S80
At 22 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.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Watch outLarger 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 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 132k 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 2004 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(2004) | 75% | £1,676 | £410 | Grp 25-38 | £2,641 |
| Honda Civic(2006) | 71% | £1,676 | £410 | Grp 25-38 | £2,641same |
| Land Rover Discovery(2006) | 78% | £1,676 | £410 | Grp 25-38 | £2,641same |
| Land Rover Range Rover Sport(2006) | 81% | £1,676 | £410 | Grp 30-42 | £2,491-£150 |
| Ford Mondeo(2006) | 71% | £1,397 | £275 | Grp 18-32 | £2,227-£414 |
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 2004 Volvo S80
Is the 2004 Volvo S80 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of MOT tests on 2004 Volvo S80s ended in a pass, from 879 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 2004 Volvo S80 cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,641 a year (£220 a month): £1,676 fuel, £410 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 2004 Volvo S80?
75% of 879 MOT tests on the 2004 Volvo S80 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 195th of 470 models first registered in 2004 (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 2004 Volvo S80?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2004 Volvo S80 is 132,204 miles, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Related Volvo Models
Explore other Volvo cars or similar models in the same category.
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Honda Civic
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2006 · 2495cc Diesel
Land Rover Range Rover Sport
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