1996 Volvo 800 Series petrol: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

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

  12.3% All 1996 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5%, 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.

• Anti-lock braking system7.4× usual
  Volvo 800 Series

  5.9% All 1996 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.8%, against 0.7% of all 1996 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Ball joint2× usual
  Volvo 800 Series

  8.3% All 1996 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2.8× usual
  Volvo 800 Series

  3.7% All 1996 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 0.3% 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.

Common 1996 Volvo 800 Series petrol MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  36% 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
  29% 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
  28% 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
  24% 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
  20% 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
  17% 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 an engine warning light.

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

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 1996 Volvo 800 Series petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-lock braking system? (Flagged at MOT 7.4× as often on the 1996 Volvo 800 Series petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 1996 Volvo 800 Series petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?