Volvo XC70 (2005)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 2,423 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,958

£247/month

MOT Pass Rate

72%

Average

Road Tax

£445

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2526cc Petrol

Check Carefully

72% pass rate, £2,958/year to run. 10 points below average.

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Petrol2526cc21 years old2,423 tests163k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2526cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£445

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,958

Per month£247/mo

Per week£57/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

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 XC70s from 2005 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 19 years old. That's based on 2,423 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 162,690 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2005 models295th of 504(bottom half)

Rank among Volvo models570th of 619(bottom 9%)

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

vs 2005 models average+0%(72% avg)

vs Volvo average-15%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

162,690

Average miles

140,600

Expected for age

The average 2005 Volvo XC70 had 162,690 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2015 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 85%, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 70%. The 2005 scores 72%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Audi TT

2007 · 2480cc Petrol

£2,808/year

80%

+8%

Saab 9-3

2007 · 2792cc Petrol

£2,958/year

76%

+4%

Mercedes A-Class

2006 · 2035cc Petrol

£2,958/year

72%

same

Mercedes E

2005 · 2597cc Petrol

£2,958/year

78%

+6%

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About the 2005 Volvo XC70

The 2005 Volvo XC70 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 2526cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 2,423 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2005, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model matches that benchmark.

With an average of 162,690 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volvo XC70 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2005 Volvo XC70 Fuel Costs

The 2526cc 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 £1,958 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).

What does it cost to own a 2005 Volvo XC70?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,958 (£247/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 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 XC70 Reliability Trend

Newer Volvo XC70s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 9 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2005 Volvo XC70

At 21 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2015 model has the highest pass rate at 85%.

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.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 21 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 163k 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 2005 Volvo XC70 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 XC70(2005)	72%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958
Audi TT(2007)	80%	£1,958	£445	Grp 25-38	£2,808-£150
Saab 9-3(2007)	76%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958same
Mercedes A-Class(2006)	72%	£1,958	£445	Grp 25-38	£2,958same
Mercedes E(2005)	78%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958same

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 2005 Volvo XC70

Is the 2005 Volvo XC70 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 72% of MOT tests on 2005 Volvo XC70s ended in a pass, from 2,423 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 2005 Volvo XC70 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,958 a year (£247 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 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 2005 Volvo XC70?

72% of 2,423 MOT tests on the 2005 Volvo XC70 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 295th of 504 models first registered in 2005 (bottom half).

Which year Volvo XC70 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2015 Volvo XC70 has the highest MOT pass rate at 85% and the 2004 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 2005 Volvo XC70?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2005 Volvo XC70 is 162,690 miles, which is in line with the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.