1993 Volvo 400 Series: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1993 Volvo 400 Series?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1993 Volvo 400 Series than on all cars registered in 1993.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints4.6× usual
  Volvo 400 Series

  17.3% All 1993 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 0.6% of all 1993 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Exhaust system2.1× usual
  Volvo 400 Series

  19.4% All 1993 cars

  9.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.6%, against 2.8% of all 1993 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

Common 1993 Volvo 400 Series MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1993 Volvo 400 Series MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  38% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  34% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  31% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Lights and electrics
  29% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Exhaust and emissions
  27% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Tyres
  20% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1993 Volvo 400 Series

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.6× as often on the 1993 Volvo 400 Series as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 1993 Volvo 400 Series as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?