Volvo S90 (1997)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 159 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,738

£228/month

MOT Pass Rate

81%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2500cc Petrol

Solid Option

81% pass rate, £2,738/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol2500cc29 years old159 tests116k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2500cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,738

Per month£228/mo

Per week£53/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

81% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Volvo brand average of 87%.

81% of MOT tests on Volvo S90s from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 159 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 116,464 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 models85th of 306(top half)

Rank among Volvo models462nd of 619(bottom half)

vs average of all models-1%(82% avg)

vs 1997 models average+6%(75% avg)

vs Volvo average-6%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

116,464

Average miles

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1997 Volvo S90 had 116,464 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-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 2019 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 81%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Volvo S90 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2019	92%	3,157	53,556 mi
2018	90%	4,765	66,509 mi
2017	88%	2,703	73,752 mi
2016	87%	563	84,946 mi
1998	69%	42	123,512 mi
1997	81%	159	116,464 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW Z3

1998 · 2800cc Petrol

£2,888/year

77%

-4%

BMW 3 Series

1999 · 2494cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

-3%

Mercedes SLK

1999 · 2298cc Petrol

£2,888/year

79%

-2%

Porsche Boxster

1999 · 2687cc Petrol

£2,738/year

81%

same

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About the 1997 Volvo S90

The 1997 Volvo S90 is a premium car. Our records list a 2500cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 159 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1997, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 116,464 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volvo S90 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1997 Volvo S90 Fuel Costs

The 2500cc 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 1997 Volvo S90?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,738 (£228/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 81% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Volvo S90 Reliability Trend

Newer Volvo S90s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 6 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1997 Volvo S90

At 29 years old, the Volvo S90 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.

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 29 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 116k 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 1997 Volvo S90 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 S90(1997)	81%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,738
BMW Z3(1998)	77%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,888+£150
BMW 3 Series(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888+£150
Mercedes SLK(1999)	79%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888+£150
Porsche Boxster(1999)	81%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,738same

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 1997 Volvo S90

Is the 1997 Volvo S90 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 81% of MOT tests on 1997 Volvo S90s ended in a pass, from 159 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1997 Volvo S90 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,738 a year (£228 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Volvo S90?

81% of 159 MOT tests on the 1997 Volvo S90 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 85th of 306 models first registered in 1997 (top half).

Which year Volvo S90 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 Volvo S90 has the highest MOT pass rate at 92% and the 1997 the lowest at 81%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1997 Volvo S90?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 Volvo S90 is 116,464 miles, which is below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.