CarCostCheck

VOLVO XC70 (2008)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,928 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,757

£230/month

MOT Pass Rate

80%

Good

Road Tax

£760

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 35-50

3200cc Petrol

Solid Option

80% pass rate, £2757/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Petrol3200cc18 years old1,928 tests143k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3200cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592
Road Tax

Based on 3200cc

£760
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£2,757
Per month£230/mo
Per week£53/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

80% 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 18 years old, 80% of VOLVO XC70s from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,928 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 143,047 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2008 cars216th of 589(top 37%)
Rank among VOLVO models485th of 635(top 76%)
vs national average-2%(82% avg)
vs 2008 cars average+7%(73% avg)
vs VOLVO average-7%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

143,047

Average miles

vs

133,200

Expected for age

The average 2008 VOLVO XC70 has 143,047 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-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%. The 2008 sits between the two at 80%.

VOLVO XC70 by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
201790%62123,691 mi
201684%1,79479,842 mi
201585%2,84587,969 mi
201484%3,07297,630 mi
201383%2,633107,901 mi
201281%2,395118,040 mi
201182%3,270126,546 mi
201081%2,492137,819 mi
200983%1,875138,262 mi
200880%1,928143,047 mi
200776%2,498146,942 mi
200674%2,205150,106 mi
200572%2,423162,690 mi
200470%1,473164,302 mi
200372%932168,515 mi
200274%185162,305 mi

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About the 2008 VOLVO XC70

The 2008 VOLVO XC70 is a premium performance with a 3200cc petrol engine. 1,928 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2008, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 143,047 miles at 18 years old, VOLVO XC70 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2008 VOLVO XC70 Fuel Costs

The 3200cc 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 2008 VOLVO XC70?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,757 230/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 80% 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 2008 VOLVO XC70

At 18 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 2017 model has the highest pass rate at 90%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2008 VOLVO XC70's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 18 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 143k 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 2008 VOLVO XC70 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
VOLVO XC70(2008)80%£1592£760Grp 35-50£2757
LAND ROVER FREELANDER(2007)75%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2397-£360
VAUXHALL INSIGNIA(2010)75%£1592£250Grp 30-42£2397-£360
MERCEDES E(2010)80%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2247-£510
SAAB 9-3(2007)76%£1592£250Grp 30-42£2397-£360

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.

Related Volvo Models

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

Related Guides

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