How much does a 2012 VOLVO V70 cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,045 (£170/month), including £1245 fuel, £395 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 VOLVO V70?

The 2012 VOLVO V70 has a 81% MOT pass rate based on 2,915 tests in 2026. This ranks 369 out of 685 cars from 2012.

Which year VOLVO V70 is most reliable?

The 2016 VOLVO V70 has the highest MOT pass rate at 88%. The least reliable year is 2002 at 70%.

What is the average mileage for a 2012 VOLVO V70?

The average mileage for a 2012 VOLVO V70 is 123,694 miles, which is in line with the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

VOLVO V70 (2012)

Q: Is the 2012 VOLVO V70 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 81% of VOLVO V70s from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 2,915 tests. That's 1 points below the national average of 82%.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 2,915 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,045

£170/month

MOT Pass Rate

81%

Good

Road Tax

£395

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 25-38

2401cc Diesel

Solid Option

81% pass rate, £2045/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Diesel2401cc14 years old2,915 tests124k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2401cc)

~40 mpg

£1,245

Road Tax

Based on 2401cc

£395

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,045

Per month£170/mo

Per week£39/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

81% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLVO brand average of 87%.

At 14 years old, 81% of VOLVO V70s from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 2,915 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 123,694 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 cars369th of 685(top 54%)

Rank among VOLVO models470th of 635(top 74%)

vs national average-1%(82% avg)

vs 2012 cars average+3%(78% avg)

vs VOLVO average-6%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

123,694

Average miles

103,600

Expected for age

The average 2012 VOLVO V70 has 123,694 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2016 model with a 88% MOT pass rate, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 70%. The 2012 sits between the two at 81%.

VOLVO V70 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2016	88%	1,228	78,855 mi
2015	85%	3,395	87,586 mi
2014	85%	3,373	100,014 mi
2013	82%	3,154	115,277 mi
2012	81%	2,915	123,694 mi
2011	82%	3,696	128,965 mi
2010	80%	5,168	136,037 mi
2009	77%	7,268	141,176 mi
2008	79%	6,242	145,833 mi
2007	76%	5,153	144,943 mi
2006	74%	5,049	147,175 mi
2005	73%	6,350	155,857 mi
2004	71%	5,478	158,377 mi
2003	71%	4,846	158,001 mi
2002	70%	4,400	157,266 mi
2001	71%	2,976	151,094 mi
2000	71%	2,458	158,830 mi
1999	72%	2,866	164,681 mi
1998	71%	2,545	163,098 mi
1997	71%	1,772	162,096 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

VAUXHALL ASTRA

2010 · 1910cc Diesel

£1,727/year

74%

-7%

BMW 3 SERIES

2013 · 1995cc Diesel

£1,577/year

85%

+4%

FORD TRANSIT

2014 · 2198cc Diesel

£2,050/year

77%

-4%

VAUXHALL ZAFIRA

2013 · 1956cc Diesel

£1,727/year

78%

-3%

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About the 2012 VOLVO V70

The 2012 VOLVO V70 is a premium with a 2401cc diesel engine. 2,915 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2012, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 123,694 miles at 14 years old, VOLVO V70 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2012 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 £1,245 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 2012 VOLVO V70?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,045 (£170/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 81% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

VOLVO V70 Reliability Trend

Newer VOLVO V70s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 10 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2012 VOLVO V70

At 14 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2016 model has the highest pass rate at 88%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2012 VOLVO V70's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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 124k 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 2012 VOLVO V70 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
VOLVO V70(2012)	81%	£1245	£395	Grp 25-38	£2045
VAUXHALL ASTRA(2010)	74%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1727-£318
BMW 3 SERIES(2013)	85%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1577-£468
FORD TRANSIT(2014)	77%	£1245	£250	Grp 25-38	£2050+£5
VAUXHALL ZAFIRA(2013)	78%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1727-£318

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.