1994 Volvo 800 Series: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1994 Volvo 800 Series?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1994 Volvo 800 Series than on all cars registered in 1994.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.9× usual
  Volvo 800 Series

  13.9% All 1994 cars

  4.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 2% of all 1994 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Steering rack inner joints3.7× usual
  Volvo 800 Series

  9.5% All 1994 cars

  2.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 1994 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.

• Wipers2.1× usual
  Volvo 800 Series

  8.8% All 1994 cars

  4.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.2%, against 3% of all 1994 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

• Ball joint2.1× usual
  Volvo 800 Series

  7.9% All 1994 cars

  3.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 1.2% of all 1994 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 1994 Volvo 800 Series MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1994 Volvo 800 Series MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  38% 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
  32% 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.

• Tyres
  26% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  26% 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
  17% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  14% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1994 Volvo 800 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 drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 1994 Volvo 800 Series as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.7× as often on the 1994 Volvo 800 Series as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the wipers? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 1994 Volvo 800 Series as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?