How much does a 2012 VOLVO XC90 cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,757 (£230/month), including £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 VOLVO XC90?

The 2012 VOLVO XC90 has a 82% MOT pass rate based on 5,327 tests in 2026. This ranks 329 out of 685 cars from 2012.

Which year VOLVO XC90 is most reliable?

The 2020 VOLVO XC90 has the highest MOT pass rate at 91%. The least reliable year is 2003 at 72%.

What is the average mileage for a 2012 VOLVO XC90?

The average mileage for a 2012 VOLVO XC90 is 114,883 miles, which is in line with the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

VOLVO XC90 (2012)

Q: Is the 2012 VOLVO XC90 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 82% of VOLVO XC90s from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 5,327 tests. That's 0 points above the national average of 82%.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 5,327 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,757

£230/month

MOT Pass Rate

82%

Good

Road Tax

£760

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 35-50

3192cc Petrol

Solid Option

82% pass rate, £2757/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Petrol3192cc14 years old5,327 tests115k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3192cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592

Road Tax

Based on 3192cc

£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

82% 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 14 years old, 82% of VOLVO XC90s from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 5,327 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 114,883 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 cars329th of 685(top 48%)

Rank among VOLVO models451th of 635(top 71%)

vs national average+0%(82% avg)

vs 2012 cars average+4%(78% avg)

vs VOLVO average-5%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

114,883

Average miles

103,600

Expected for age

The average 2012 VOLVO XC90 has 114,883 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-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 2012 sits between the two at 82%.

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

2014 · 3000cc Petrol

£2,247/year

87%

+5%

VAUXHALL INSIGNIA

2011 · 2792cc Petrol

£2,397/year

77%

-5%

BMW 1 SERIES

2013 · 2979cc Petrol

£2,247/year

84%

+2%

MERCEDES E

2010 · 3495cc Petrol

£2,247/year

80%

-2%

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About the 2012 VOLVO XC90

The 2012 VOLVO XC90 is a premium performance with a 3192cc petrol engine. 5,327 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2012, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 114,883 miles at 14 years old, VOLVO XC90 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2012 VOLVO XC90 Fuel Costs

The 3192cc 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 2012 VOLVO XC90?

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 82% 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 2012 VOLVO XC90

At 14 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 5,327 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2012 VOLVO XC90's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 14 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 115k 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.

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 2012 VOLVO XC90 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
VOLVO XC90(2012)	82%	£1592	£760	Grp 35-50	£2757
BMW 3 SERIES(2014)	87%	£1592	£250	Grp 30-42	£2247-£510
VAUXHALL INSIGNIA(2011)	77%	£1592	£250	Grp 30-42	£2397-£360
BMW 1 SERIES(2013)	84%	£1592	£250	Grp 30-42	£2247-£510
MERCEDES E(2010)	80%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2247-£510

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.