Volvo V90 (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 108 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,738

£228/month

MOT Pass Rate

82%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2922cc LPG

Solid Option

82% pass rate, £2,738/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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LPG2922cc28 years old108 tests144k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (LPG, 2922cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,738

Per month£228/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

82% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Volvo brand average of 87%.

82% of MOT tests on Volvo V90s from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 108 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 143,771 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models70th of 325(top 22%)

Rank among Volvo models447th of 619(bottom half)

vs average of all models+0%(82% avg)

vs 1998 models average+7%(75% avg)

vs Volvo average-5%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

143,771

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Volvo V90 had 143,771 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 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 91%, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 79%. The 1998 scores 82%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Volvo V90 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2020	91%	116	40,007 mi
2019	88%	4,722	54,202 mi
2018	89%	7,591	64,910 mi
2017	87%	5,466	78,494 mi
2016	85%	851	85,537 mi
1998	82%	108	143,771 mi
1997	79%	237	151,249 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Porsche 911

2000 · 3400cc LPG

£2,738/year

86%

+4%

BMW 728

2000 · 2793cc LPG

£2,738/year

83%

+1%

BMW 523

1997 · 2494cc LPG

£2,888/year

78%

-4%

Ford Galaxy

1998 · 2792cc LPG

£2,888/year

72%

-10%

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About the 1998 Volvo V90

The 1998 Volvo V90 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 2922cc lpg engine, though engines vary between versions. 108 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 22% of all 1998 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 143,771 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volvo V90 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1998 Volvo V90 Fuel Costs

The 2922cc lpg engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 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). This is a petrol-price estimate; running on lpg will change the cost.

What does it cost to own a 1998 Volvo V90?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,738 (£228/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 82% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Volvo V90 Reliability Trend

Newer Volvo V90s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 7 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1998 Volvo V90

At 28 years old, the Volvo V90 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 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 91%.

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.

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 144k 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 1998 Volvo V90 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 V90(1998)	82%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,738
Porsche 911(2000)	86%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738same
BMW 728(2000)	83%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,738same
BMW 523(1997)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888+£150
Ford Galaxy(1998)	72%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,888+£150

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 V90

Is the 1998 Volvo V90 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 82% of MOT tests on 1998 Volvo V90s ended in a pass, from 108 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's level with the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1998 Volvo V90 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,738 a year (£228 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Volvo V90?

82% of 108 MOT tests on the 1998 Volvo V90 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 70th of 325 models first registered in 1998 (top 22%).

Which year Volvo V90 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Volvo V90 has the highest MOT pass rate at 91% and the 1997 the lowest at 79%. 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 V90?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Volvo V90 is 143,771 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.