CarCostCheck

VOLVO XC90 (2009)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 6,349 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,907

£242/month

MOT Pass Rate

78%

Average

Road Tax

£760

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 35-50

4414cc Petrol

Check Carefully

78% pass rate, £2907/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Petrol4414cc17 years old6,349 tests137k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 4414cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592
Road Tax

Based on 4414cc

£760
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£500
Total per year£2,907
Per month£242/mo
Per week£56/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

78% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLVO brand average of 87%.

At 17 years old, 78% of VOLVO XC90s from 2009 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 6,349 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 136,576 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2009 cars251th of 575(top 44%)
Rank among VOLVO models506th of 635(top 80%)
vs national average-4%(82% avg)
vs 2009 cars average+3%(75% avg)
vs VOLVO average-9%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

136,576

Average miles

vs

125,800

Expected for age

The average 2009 VOLVO XC90 has 136,576 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 125,800 miles for a 17-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 91% MOT pass rate, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 72%. The 2009 sits between the two at 78%.

VOLVO XC90 by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202190%4940,659 mi
202091%1,30941,321 mi
201990%9,15450,386 mi
201889%11,63161,269 mi
201788%10,31672,733 mi
201686%10,87984,251 mi
201585%5,49289,253 mi
201481%4,17199,216 mi
201381%4,585108,019 mi
201282%5,327114,883 mi
201178%8,160124,635 mi
201077%11,184130,904 mi
200978%6,349136,576 mi
200876%3,096141,628 mi
200773%5,149147,081 mi
200673%5,088150,799 mi
200573%6,336159,047 mi
200472%4,432161,221 mi
200372%1,520152,528 mi

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About the 2009 VOLVO XC90

The 2009 VOLVO XC90 is a premium performance with a 4414cc petrol engine. 6,349 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2009, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 136,576 miles at 17 years old, VOLVO XC90 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2009 VOLVO XC90 Fuel Costs

The 4414cc 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 2009 VOLVO XC90?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,907 242/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 78% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

VOLVO XC90 Reliability Trend

Newer VOLVO XC90s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 11 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2009 VOLVO XC90

At 17 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 91%. With 6,349 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2009 VOLVO XC90's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 17 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 137k 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 2009 VOLVO XC90 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
VOLVO XC90(2009)78%£1592£760Grp 35-50£2907
JAGUAR XF(2008)78%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2397-£510
BMW X5(2010)86%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2247-£660
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER(2008)81%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2247-£660
BMW M3(2008)91%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2097-£810

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

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Related Guides

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