Is the 2004 VOLVO XC70 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 70% of VOLVO XC70s from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 1,473 tests. That's 12 points below the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2004 VOLVO XC70 cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,577 (£215/month), including £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 VOLVO XC70?

The 2004 VOLVO XC70 has a 70% MOT pass rate based on 1,473 tests in 2026. This ranks 326 out of 491 cars from 2004.

Which year VOLVO XC70 is most reliable?

The 2017 VOLVO XC70 has the highest MOT pass rate at 90%. The least reliable year is 2004 at 70%.

What is the average mileage for a 2004 VOLVO XC70?

The average mileage for a 2004 VOLVO XC70 is 164,302 miles, which is in line with the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

VOLVO XC70 (2004)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,473 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,577

£215/month

MOT Pass Rate

70%

Average

Road Tax

£430

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 30-42

2521cc Petrol

Check Carefully

70% pass rate, £2577/year to run. 12 points below average.

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Petrol2521cc22 years old1,473 tests164k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2521cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592

Road Tax

Based on 2521cc

£430

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,577

Per month£215/mo

Per week£50/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

70% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLVO brand average of 87%.

At 22 years old, 70% of VOLVO XC70s from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,473 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 164,302 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 cars326th of 491(top 66%)

Rank among VOLVO models609th of 635(top 96%)

vs national average-12%(82% avg)

vs 2004 cars average-2%(72% avg)

vs VOLVO average-17%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

164,302

Average miles

162,800

Expected for age

The average 2004 VOLVO XC70 has 164,302 miles on the clock, 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?

The most reliable year is the 2017 model with a 90% MOT pass rate, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 70%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.

VOLVO XC70 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2017	90%	62	123,691 mi
2016	84%	1,794	79,842 mi
2015	85%	2,845	87,969 mi
2014	84%	3,072	97,630 mi
2013	83%	2,633	107,901 mi
2012	81%	2,395	118,040 mi
2011	82%	3,270	126,546 mi
2010	81%	2,492	137,819 mi
2009	83%	1,875	138,262 mi
2008	80%	1,928	143,047 mi
2007	76%	2,498	146,942 mi
2006	74%	2,205	150,106 mi
2005	72%	2,423	162,690 mi
2004	70%	1,473	164,302 mi
2003	72%	932	168,515 mi
2002	74%	185	162,305 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

MERCEDES A-CLASS

2006 · 2035cc Petrol

£2,397/year

72%

+2%

MERCEDES E

2005 · 2597cc Petrol

£2,397/year

78%

+8%

NISSAN X-TRAIL

2006 · 2488cc Petrol

£2,597/year

67%

-3%

BMW X3

2006 · 2996cc Petrol

£2,397/year

78%

+8%

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About the 2004 VOLVO XC70

The 2004 VOLVO XC70 is a premium performance with a 2521cc petrol engine. 1,473 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 164,302 miles at 22 years old, VOLVO XC70 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2004 VOLVO XC70 Fuel Costs

The 2521cc petrol 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2004 VOLVO XC70?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,577 (£215/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 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 XC70 Reliability Trend

Newer VOLVO XC70s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2004 VOLVO XC70

At 22 years old, the VOLVO XC70 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

Based on the 2004 VOLVO XC70's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 22 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

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 164k 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 2004 VOLVO XC70 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
VOLVO XC70(2004)	70%	£1592	£430	Grp 30-42	£2577
MERCEDES A-CLASS(2006)	72%	£1592	£250	Grp 25-38	£2397-£180
MERCEDES E(2005)	78%	£1592	£250	Grp 30-42	£2397-£180
NISSAN X-TRAIL(2006)	67%	£1592	£250	Grp 25-38	£2597+£20
BMW X3(2006)	78%	£1592	£250	Grp 30-42	£2397-£180

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.