Volvo V40 (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 336 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,761

£230/month

MOT Pass Rate

67%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1834cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

67% pass rate, £2,761/year to run. 15 points below average.

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Petrol1834cc28 years old336 tests97k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1834cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,761

Per month£230/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

67% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 15 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Volvo brand average of 87%.

67% of MOT tests on Volvo V40s from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 336 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 97,373 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models281st of 325(bottom 14%)

Rank among Volvo models611th of 619(bottom 2%)

vs average of all models-15%(82% avg)

vs 1998 models average-8%(75% avg)

vs Volvo average-20%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

97,373

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Volvo V40 had 97,373 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 88%, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 66%. The 1998 scores 67%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Volvo V40 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2019	88%	13,557	37,595 mi
2018	85%	21,560	46,813 mi
2017	84%	23,480	57,396 mi
2016	82%	27,152	67,465 mi
2015	80%	28,590	79,222 mi
2014	80%	30,222	89,093 mi
2013	80%	20,970	99,522 mi
2012	76%	4,370	105,566 mi
2004	66%	1,585	125,049 mi
2003	66%	1,843	125,362 mi
2002	68%	1,201	124,584 mi
2001	70%	959	121,513 mi
2000	66%	547	116,773 mi
1999	67%	544	104,983 mi
1998	67%	336	97,373 mi
1997	70%	274	97,758 mi
1996	95%	38	92,559 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Mazda MX-5

1999 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,328/year

73%

+6%

Volkswagen Golf

1999 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

+4%

BMW 3 Series

1998 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,561/year

79%

+12%

BMW Z3

1997 · 1900cc Petrol

£2,561/year

75%

+8%

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About the 1998 Volvo V40

The 1998 Volvo V40 is a premium car. Our records list a 1834cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 336 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 14% of 1998 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 97,373 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volvo V40 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1998 Volvo V40 Fuel Costs

The 1834cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 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 V40?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,761 (£230/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 67% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

Volvo V40 Reliability Trend

Newer Volvo V40s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 14 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1998 Volvo V40

At 28 years old, the Volvo V40 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 88%.

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.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 97k 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.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 67% 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 V40 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 V40(1998)	67%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,761
Mazda MX-5(1999)	73%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328-£433
Volkswagen Golf(1999)	71%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561-£200
BMW 3 Series(1998)	79%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561-£200
BMW Z3(1997)	75%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561-£200

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 V40

Is the 1998 Volvo V40 reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 67% of MOT tests on 1998 Volvo V40s ended in a pass, from 336 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 15 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1998 Volvo V40 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,761 a year (£230 a month): £1,631 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 V40?

67% of 336 MOT tests on the 1998 Volvo V40 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 281st of 325 models first registered in 1998 (bottom 14%).

Which year Volvo V40 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 Volvo V40 has the highest MOT pass rate at 88% and the 2000 the lowest at 66%. 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 V40?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Volvo V40 is 97,373 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.