VOLVO S90 (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 42 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
69%
Total Tests (2024)
42
Avg Mileage
123,512 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,597
Is the 1998 VOLVO S90 reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLVO brand average of 87%.
At 26 years old, 69% of VOLVO S90s from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 42 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 123,512 miles.
How does the 1998 VOLVO S90 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 VOLVO S90 has 123,512 miles on the clock, 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.
Best year to buy a VOLVO S90?
The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 92% MOT pass rate, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 81%. The 1998 sits between the two at 69%.
How much does a 1998 VOLVO S90 cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
VOLVO S90 by Year
Checking a specific VOLVO S90?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 VOLVO S90
The 1998 VOLVO S90 is a premium performance with a 2922cc petrol engine. 42 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 84% of 1998 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 123,512 miles at 26 years old, 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1998 VOLVO S90?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,597 (£216/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 VOLVO S90
At 26 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.
Alternatives to the 1998 VOLVO S90
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1996) 67% pass rate (-2%) from 8,643 tests
- BMW Z3 (1999) 78% pass rate (+9%) from 8,191 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1999) 78% pass rate (+9%) from 7,815 tests
- PORSCHE BOXSTER (2000) 82% pass rate (+13%) from 3,688 tests