Volvo XC70 (2008)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,928 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£3,153
£263/month
MOT Pass Rate
80%
Good
Road Tax
£790
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 35-50
3200cc Petrol
Solid Option
80% pass rate, £3,153/year to run. Close to the average across all models.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
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
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%.
80% of MOT tests on Volvo XC70s from 2008 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 16 years old. That's based on 1,928 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 143,047 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
143,047
Average miles
118,400
Expected for age
The average 2008 Volvo XC70 had 143,047 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is above the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
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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 2008 scores 80%. 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
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About the 2008 Volvo XC70
The 2008 Volvo XC70 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 3200cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,928 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2008, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 143,047 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volvo XC70 owners cover more miles than the average driver.
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 £1,958 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 2008 Volvo XC70?
Total estimated annual running cost is £3,153 (£263/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £790 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 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 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 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 outAt 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 riskLarger 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 outAt 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 outRubber 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 outWith 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 riskHigh-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 riskWorn 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 riskAlways 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 estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volvo XC70(2008) | 80% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,153 |
| Land Rover Freelander(2007) | 75% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,303+£150 |
| Vauxhall Insignia(2010) | 75% | £1,958 | £445 | Grp 30-42 | £2,958-£195 |
| Mercedes E(2010) | 80% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,153same |
| Saab 9-3(2007) | 76% | £1,958 | £445 | Grp 30-42 | £2,958-£195 |
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 2008 Volvo XC70
Is the 2008 Volvo XC70 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 80% of MOT tests on 2008 Volvo XC70s ended in a pass, from 1,928 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2008 Volvo XC70 cost to run?
Our estimate is £3,153 a year (£263 a month): £1,958 fuel, £790 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 2008 Volvo XC70?
80% of 1,928 MOT tests on the 2008 Volvo XC70 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 201st of 566 models first registered in 2008 (top 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 2008 Volvo XC70?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2008 Volvo XC70 is 143,047 miles, which is above the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
Related Volvo Models
Explore other Volvo cars or similar models in the same category.
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Volvo XC60
2016 · 1969cc Petrol
Land Rover Freelander
2007 · 3192cc Petrol
Vauxhall Insignia
2010 · 2792cc Petrol
Mercedes E
2010 · 3495cc Petrol
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