Volvo XC90 (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,520 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,641

£220/month

MOT Pass Rate

72%

Average

Road Tax

£410

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2435cc Diesel

Check Carefully

72% pass rate, £2,641/year to run. 10 points below average.

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Diesel2435cc23 years old1,520 tests153k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2435cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£410

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,641

Per month£220/mo

Per week£51/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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 XC90s from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 1,520 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 152,528 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models231st of 429(bottom half)

Rank among Volvo models571st of 619(bottom 8%)

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

vs 2003 models average+0%(72% avg)

vs Volvo average-15%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

152,528

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Volvo XC90 had 152,528 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 91%, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 72%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Volvo XC90 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	90%	49	40,659 mi
2020	91%	1,309	41,321 mi
2019	90%	9,154	50,386 mi
2018	89%	11,631	61,269 mi
2017	88%	10,316	72,733 mi
2016	86%	10,879	84,251 mi
2015	85%	5,492	89,253 mi
2014	81%	4,171	99,216 mi
2013	81%	4,585	108,019 mi
2012	82%	5,327	114,883 mi
2011	78%	8,160	124,635 mi
2010	77%	11,184	130,904 mi
2009	78%	6,349	136,576 mi
2008	76%	3,096	141,628 mi
2007	73%	5,149	147,081 mi
2006	73%	5,088	150,799 mi
2005	73%	6,336	159,047 mi
2004	72%	4,432	161,221 mi
2003	72%	1,520	152,528 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW 3 Series

2005 · 2926cc Diesel

£2,641/year

78%

+6%

Honda Civic

2005 · 2204cc Diesel

£2,641/year

73%

+1%

Land Rover Discovery

2005 · 2600cc Diesel

£2,641/year

78%

+6%

Audi A4

2004 · 2496cc Diesel

£2,641/year

74%

+2%

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About the 2003 Volvo XC90

The 2003 Volvo XC90 is a premium car. Our records list a 2435cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,520 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model matches that benchmark.

With an average of 152,528 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volvo XC90 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2003 Volvo XC90 Fuel Costs

The 2435cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2003 Volvo XC90?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,641 (£220/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £410 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 XC90 Reliability Trend

Newer Volvo XC90s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 11 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2003 Volvo XC90

At 23 years old, the Volvo XC90 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

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.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

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 153k 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 2003 Volvo XC90 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 XC90(2003)	72%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,641
BMW 3 Series(2005)	78%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,641same
Honda Civic(2005)	73%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,641same
Land Rover Discovery(2005)	78%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,641same
Audi A4(2004)	74%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,641same

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 2003 Volvo XC90

Is the 2003 Volvo XC90 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 72% of MOT tests on 2003 Volvo XC90s ended in a pass, from 1,520 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 2003 Volvo XC90 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,641 a year (£220 a month): £1,676 fuel, £410 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 2003 Volvo XC90?

72% of 1,520 MOT tests on the 2003 Volvo XC90 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 231st of 429 models first registered in 2003 (bottom half).

Which year Volvo XC90 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Volvo XC90 has the highest MOT pass rate at 91% and the 2003 the lowest at 72%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2003 Volvo XC90?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Volvo XC90 is 152,528 miles, which is in line with the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.