CarCostCheck

Volvo V70 (2002)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 4,400 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,641

£220/month

MOT Pass Rate

70%

Average

Road Tax

£410

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2401cc Diesel

Check Carefully

70% pass rate, £2,641/year to run. 12 points below average.

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Diesel2401cc24 years old4,400 tests157k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2401cc)

~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

70% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Volvo brand average of 87%.

70% of MOT tests on Volvo V70s from 2002 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 22 years old. That's based on 4,400 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 157,266 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2002 models260th of 391(bottom half)
Rank among Volvo models591st of 619(bottom 5%)
vs average of all models-12%(82% avg)
vs 2002 models average-3%(73% avg)
vs Volvo average-17%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

157,266

Average miles

vs

162,800

Expected for age

The average 2002 Volvo V70 had 157,266 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2016 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 88%, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 70%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Volvo V70 by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
201688%1,22878,855 mi
201585%3,39587,586 mi
201485%3,373100,014 mi
201382%3,154115,277 mi
201281%2,915123,694 mi
201182%3,696128,965 mi
201080%5,168136,037 mi
200977%7,268141,176 mi
200879%6,242145,833 mi
200776%5,153144,943 mi
200674%5,049147,175 mi
200573%6,350155,857 mi
200471%5,478158,377 mi
200371%4,846158,001 mi
200270%4,400157,266 mi
200171%2,976151,094 mi
200071%2,458158,830 mi
199972%2,866164,681 mi
199871%2,545163,098 mi
199771%1,772162,096 mi

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About the 2002 Volvo V70

The 2002 Volvo V70 is a premium car. Our records list a 2401cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 4,400 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2002, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 157,266 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volvo V70 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2002 Volvo V70 Fuel Costs

The 2401cc 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 2002 Volvo V70?

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 70% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Volvo V70 Reliability Trend

Newer Volvo V70s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 10 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2002 Volvo V70

At 24 years old, the Volvo V70 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.

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 157k 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 2002 Volvo V70 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrEst. Ins. GroupTotal/yr
Volvo V70(2002)70%£1,676£410Grp 25-38£2,641
Audi A4(2004)74%£1,676£410Grp 25-38£2,641same
Land Rover Discovery(2004)77%£1,676£410Grp 25-38£2,641same
Vauxhall Zafira(2004)70%£1,397£275Grp 18-32£2,227-£414
Land Rover Defender(2003)77%£1,676£410Grp 25-38£2,641same

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 2002 Volvo V70

Is the 2002 Volvo V70 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 70% of MOT tests on 2002 Volvo V70s ended in a pass, from 4,400 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2002 Volvo V70 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 2002 Volvo V70?

70% of 4,400 MOT tests on the 2002 Volvo V70 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 260th of 391 models first registered in 2002 (bottom half).

Which year Volvo V70 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2016 Volvo V70 has the highest MOT pass rate at 88% and the 2002 the lowest at 70%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2002 Volvo V70?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2002 Volvo V70 is 157,266 miles, which is in line with the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Explore other Volvo cars or similar models in the same category.

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