1995 Volvo 900 Series petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1995 Volvo 900 Series petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1995 Volvo 900 Series petrol than on all cars registered in 1995.

• Exhaust system2.1× usual
  Volvo 900 Series

  19.6% All 1995 cars

  9.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 2.6% of all 1995 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.

• Brake discs1.9× usual
  Volvo 900 Series

  15.1% All 1995 cars

  8.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.5% of all 1995 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.

• Battery3.2× usual
  Volvo 900 Series

  7% All 1995 cars

  2.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.6% of all 1995 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the car starts cleanly and there are no warning lights once running.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.1× usual
  Volvo 900 Series

  9.3% All 1995 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.7% of all 1995 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Number plates2× usual
  Volvo 900 Series

  9.2% All 1995 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.7% of all 1995 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 1995 Volvo 900 Series petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1995 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
  41% 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
  30% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Exhaust and emissions
  25% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  24% 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.

• Tyres
  22% 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 1995 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 2.1× as often on the 1995 Volvo 900 Series petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 1995 Volvo 900 Series petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the battery? (Flagged at MOT 3.2× as often on the 1995 Volvo 900 Series petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?