Volvo V50 (2011)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 8,177 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,641

£220/month

MOT Pass Rate

72%

Average

Road Tax

£410

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2400cc Diesel

Check Carefully

72% pass rate, £2,641/year to run. 10 points below average.

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Diesel2400cc15 years old8,177 tests129k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2400cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£410

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,641

Per month£220/mo

Per week£51/wk

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.

Reliability Verdict

72% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Volvo brand average of 87%.

72% of MOT tests on Volvo V50s from 2011 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 13 years old. That's based on 8,177 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 129,286 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2011 models509th of 595(bottom 15%)

Rank among Volvo models563rd of 619(bottom 10%)

vs average of all models-10%(82% avg)

vs 2011 models average-5%(77% avg)

vs Volvo average-15%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

129,286

Average miles

96,200

Expected for age

The average 2011 Volvo V50 had 129,286 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 75%, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 69%. The 2011 scores 72%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Volvo V50 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2012	75%	6,231	118,265 mi
2011	72%	8,177	129,286 mi
2010	72%	9,041	127,191 mi
2009	72%	8,873	128,675 mi
2008	70%	10,616	137,325 mi
2007	71%	5,752	143,678 mi
2006	69%	5,492	142,844 mi
2005	69%	4,054	140,432 mi
2004	69%	1,784	133,972 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Vauxhall Astra

2010 · 1910cc Diesel

£2,227/year

74%

+2%

BMW 3 Series

2013 · 1995cc Diesel

£2,077/year

85%

+13%

Vauxhall Zafira

2013 · 1956cc Diesel

£2,227/year

78%

+6%

Vauxhall Insignia

2012 · 1956cc Diesel

£2,227/year

78%

+6%

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About the 2011 Volvo V50

The 2011 Volvo V50 is a premium car. Our records list a 2400cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 8,177 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 15% of 2011 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 129,286 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,676 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 2011 Volvo V50?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,641 (£220/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £410 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 15 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.

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 out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

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 129k 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.

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 2011 Volvo V50 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 V50(2011)	72%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,641
Vauxhall Astra(2010)	74%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227-£414
BMW 3 Series(2013)	85%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,077-£564
Vauxhall Zafira(2013)	78%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227-£414
Vauxhall Insignia(2012)	78%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227-£414

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 2011 Volvo V50

Is the 2011 Volvo V50 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 72% of MOT tests on 2011 Volvo V50s ended in a pass, from 8,177 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2011 Volvo V50 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,641 a year (£220 a month): £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2011 Volvo V50?

72% of 8,177 MOT tests on the 2011 Volvo V50 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 509th of 595 models first registered in 2011 (bottom 15%).

Which year Volvo V50 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 Volvo V50 has the highest MOT pass rate at 75% and the 2004 the lowest at 69%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2011 Volvo V50?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2011 Volvo V50 is 129,286 miles, 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.