1996 Volvo 800 Series diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1996 Volvo 800 Series diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1996 Volvo 800 Series diesel than on all cars registered in 1996.

• Tread depth2.4× usual
  Volvo 800 Series

  22.3% All 1996 cars

  9.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 1% of all 1996 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.

• Ball joint3.7× usual
  Volvo 800 Series

  15.2% All 1996 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.6%, against 1.3% of all 1996 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints3.3× usual
  Volvo 800 Series

  14.4% All 1996 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.3%, against 1.7% of all 1996 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.

• Number plates2.6× usual
  Volvo 800 Series

  13.3% All 1996 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 0.7% of all 1996 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

Common 1996 Volvo 800 Series diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1996 Volvo 800 Series diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  46% 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
  37% 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
  33% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  33% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  29% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  15% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1996 Volvo 800 Series diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the tread depth? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 1996 Volvo 800 Series diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 3.7× as often on the 1996 Volvo 800 Series diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 1996 Volvo 800 Series diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?