Volvo S90 (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 42 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,088

£257/month

MOT Pass Rate

69%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2922cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

69% pass rate, £3,088/year to run. 13 points below average.

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Petrol2922cc28 years old42 tests124k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2922cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£3,088

Per month£257/mo

Per week£59/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

69% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Volvo brand average of 87%.

69% of MOT tests on Volvo S90s from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 42 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 123,512 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models270th of 325(bottom 18%)

Rank among Volvo models604th of 619(bottom 3%)

vs average of all models-13%(82% avg)

vs 1998 models average-6%(75% avg)

vs Volvo average-18%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

123,512

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Volvo S90 had 123,512 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-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%. The 1998 scores 69%. 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

1999 · 3201cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

+9%

BMW 3 Series

1999 · 2494cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

+9%

Porsche Boxster

2000 · 2700cc Petrol

£2,738/year

82%

+13%

Porsche 911

1999 · 3387cc Petrol

£2,738/year

87%

+18%

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About the 1998 Volvo S90

The 1998 Volvo S90 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 2922cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 42 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 18% of 1998 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 123,512 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volvo S90 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1998 Volvo S90 Fuel Costs

The 2922cc 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 1998 Volvo S90?

Total estimated annual running cost is £3,088 (£257/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 69% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

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 1998 Volvo S90

At 28 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 92%. Note: with only 42 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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 28 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 124k 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.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 69% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

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 1998 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(1998)	69%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£3,088
BMW Z3(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888-£200
BMW 3 Series(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888-£200
Porsche Boxster(2000)	82%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,738-£350
Porsche 911(1999)	87%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738-£350

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 1998 Volvo S90

Is the 1998 Volvo S90 reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 69% of MOT tests on 1998 Volvo S90s ended in a pass, from 42 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 13 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1998 Volvo S90 cost to run?

Our estimate is £3,088 a year (£257 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Volvo S90?

69% of 42 MOT tests on the 1998 Volvo S90 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 270th of 325 models first registered in 1998 (bottom 18%).

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 1998 Volvo S90?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Volvo S90 is 123,512 miles, which is below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.