CarCostCheck

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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Petrol3200cc18 years old1,928 tests143k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3200cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958
Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£790
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£3,153
Per month£263/mo
Per week£61/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

80% 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%.

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?

Rank among 2008 models201st of 566(top half)
Rank among Volvo models472nd of 619(bottom 24%)
vs average of all models-2%(82% avg)
vs 2008 models average+7%(73% avg)
vs Volvo average-7%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

143,047

Average miles

vs

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

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 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 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 estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrEst. Ins. GroupTotal/yr
Volvo XC70(2008)80%£1,958£790Grp 35-50£3,153
Land Rover Freelander(2007)75%£1,958£790Grp 35-50£3,303+£150
Vauxhall Insignia(2010)75%£1,958£445Grp 30-42£2,958-£195
Mercedes E(2010)80%£1,958£790Grp 35-50£3,153same
Saab 9-3(2007)76%£1,958£445Grp 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.

Related Guides

In-depth articles relevant to the Volvo XC70.

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