1994 Volvo 900 Series petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1994 Volvo 900 Series petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1994 Volvo 900 Series petrol than on all cars registered in 1994.

• Exhaust system2.5× usual
  Volvo 900 Series

  22.3% All 1994 cars

  9.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.5%, against 2.6% of all 1994 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.

• Tread depth2.1× usual
  Volvo 900 Series

  15.9% All 1994 cars

  7.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 0.8% of all 1994 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.

• Sidelights2.6× usual
  Volvo 900 Series

  11.1% All 1994 cars

  4.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.3%, against 3.5% of all 1994 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Brake discs1.9× usual
  Volvo 900 Series

  14.4% All 1994 cars

  7.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.5% of all 1994 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.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes4.4× usual
  Volvo 900 Series

  7.9% All 1994 cars

  1.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.3% of all 1994 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

Common 1994 Volvo 900 Series petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1994 Volvo 900 Series petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  43% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  38% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  33% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  28% 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.

• 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  26% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1994 Volvo 900 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 exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 1994 Volvo 900 Series petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the tread depth? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 1994 Volvo 900 Series petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the sidelights? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 1994 Volvo 900 Series petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?