1990 Volvo 700 Series: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1990 Volvo 700 Series?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1990 Volvo 700 Series than on all cars registered in 1990.

• Exhaust system2.2× usual
  Volvo 700 Series

  18.8% All 1990 cars

  8.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.9%, against 2.1% of all 1990 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.

• Steering rack inner joints4.2× usual
  Volvo 700 Series

  9.3% All 1990 cars

  2.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 1990 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Tread depth2.3× usual
  Volvo 700 Series

  12.4% All 1990 cars

  5.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.5% of all 1990 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

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

• Brake discs2.2× usual
  Volvo 700 Series

  12.3% All 1990 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.3% of all 1990 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Flexible brake hoses2.4× usual
  Volvo 700 Series

  10.9% All 1990 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 1% of all 1990 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

Common 1990 Volvo 700 Series MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1990 Volvo 700 Series MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  40% 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.

• Brakes
  34% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  31% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  27% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  23% 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
  23% 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 1990 Volvo 700 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 exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 1990 Volvo 700 Series as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.2× as often on the 1990 Volvo 700 Series as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the tread depth? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 1990 Volvo 700 Series as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?