VOLVO V50 (2011)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 8,177 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
72%
Total Tests (2024)
8,177
Avg Mileage
129,286 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,050
Is the 2011 VOLVO V50 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLVO brand average of 87%.
At 13 years old, 72% of VOLVO V50s from 2011 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 8,177 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 129,286 miles.
How does the 2011 VOLVO V50 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2011 VOLVO V50 has 129,286 miles on the clock, which is above the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
Best year to buy a VOLVO V50?
The most reliable year is the 2012 model with a 75% MOT pass rate, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 69%. The 2011 sits between the two at 72%.
How much does a 2011 VOLVO V50 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 V50 by Year
Checking a specific VOLVO V50?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2011 VOLVO V50
The 2011 VOLVO V50 is a premium with a 2400cc diesel engine. 8,177 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 86% of 2011 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 129,286 miles at 13 years old, VOLVO V50 owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2011 VOLVO V50 Fuel Costs
The 2400cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (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 2011 VOLVO V50?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,050 (£171/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
VOLVO V50 Reliability Trend
The VOLVO V50 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2011 VOLVO V50
At 13 years old, the VOLVO V50 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 2012 model has the highest pass rate at 75%. With 8,177 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2011 VOLVO V50
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VAUXHALL ASTRA (2010) 74% pass rate (+2%) from 92,611 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (2013) 85% pass rate (+13%) from 71,326 tests
- VAUXHALL ZAFIRA (2013) 78% pass rate (+6%) from 47,851 tests
- FORD TRANSIT (2013) 74% pass rate (+2%) from 41,052 tests