2005 Volvo S80 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 Volvo S80 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 Volvo S80 diesel than on all cars registered in 2005.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints1.9× usual
  Volvo S80

  19.6% All 2005 cars

  10.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 2.4% of all 2005 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.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints3.7× usual
  Volvo S80

  5.6% All 2005 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.3% of all 2005 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.

• Anti-lock braking system2.9× usual
  Volvo S80

  3.8% All 2005 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 1.3% of all 2005 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.

• Handbrake performance2.5× usual
  Volvo S80

  3.2% All 2005 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 1.3% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£300 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull the handbrake on a slope. It should hold the car within a few clicks.

Common 2005 Volvo S80 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 Volvo S80 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  45% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  32% 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
  30% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  10% 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 engine or DPF warning lights.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  8% 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 2005 Volvo S80 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 suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2005 Volvo S80 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.7× as often on the 2005 Volvo S80 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-lock braking system? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2005 Volvo S80 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?