Volvo S90 (2018)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 4,765 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£1,852
£154/month
MOT Pass Rate
90%
Excellent
Road Tax
£200
Standard rate/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 18-32
1969cc Diesel
Great Choice
90% pass rate, £1,852/year to run. 8 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Standard rate (from April 2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).
Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 8 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data.
90% of MOT tests on Volvo S90s from 2018 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 6 years old. That's based on 4,765 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 66,509 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
66,509
Average miles
44,400
Expected for age
The average 2018 Volvo S90 had 66,509 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is above the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
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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 2018 scores 90%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Volvo S90 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2018 Volvo S90
The 2018 Volvo S90 is a premium car. Our records list a 1969cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 4,765 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2018, the average MOT pass rate is 89%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 66,509 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volvo S90 owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2018 Volvo S90 Fuel Costs
The 1969cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,397 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 2018 Volvo S90?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,852 (£154/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 90% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
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 2018 Volvo S90
At 8 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 92%.
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.
AdBlue System
Medium riskPost-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Suspension Wear
Medium riskShock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.
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 2018 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(2018) | 90% | £1,397 | £200 | Grp 18-32 | £1,852 |
| Volkswagen Golf(2017) | 91% | £1,219 | £200 | Grp 12-25 | £1,674-£178 |
| Ford Focus(2019) | 89% | £1,219 | £200 | Grp 12-25 | £1,824-£28 |
| Volkswagen Polo(2018) | 84% | £1,219 | £200 | Grp 12-25 | £1,824-£28 |
| Audi A3(2016) | 90% | £1,219 | £170 | Grp 12-25 | £1,644-£208 |
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 2018 Volvo S90
Is the 2018 Volvo S90 reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 90% of MOT tests on 2018 Volvo S90s ended in a pass, from 4,765 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 8 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2018 Volvo S90 cost to run?
Our estimate is £1,852 a year (£154 a month): £1,397 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2018 Volvo S90?
90% of 4,765 MOT tests on the 2018 Volvo S90 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 317th of 607 models first registered in 2018 (bottom 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 2018 Volvo S90?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2018 Volvo S90 is 66,509 miles, which is above the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
Related Volvo Models
Explore other Volvo cars or similar models in the same category.
Volvo XC40
2020 · 2000cc Petrol
Volvo V40
2014 · 1984cc Diesel
Volvo XC60
2016 · 1969cc Petrol
Volkswagen Golf
2017 · 1598cc Diesel
Ford Focus
2019 · 1499cc Diesel
Volkswagen Polo
2018 · 1598cc Diesel
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