1998 Volvo V70 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1998 Volvo V70 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1998 Volvo V70 diesel than on all cars registered in 1998.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.6× usual
  Volvo V70

  13.4% All 1998 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 0.9% of all 1998 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.

• Shock absorbers2.2× usual
  Volvo V70

  14% All 1998 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 1.5% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.2× usual
  Volvo V70

  11.2% All 1998 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.6%, against 2.2% of all 1998 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.

• Brake pads2.3× usual
  Volvo V70

  10.2% All 1998 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 1% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

• Number plate lights2.1× usual
  Volvo V70

  10.6% All 1998 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 1.2% of all 1998 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 1998 Volvo V70 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1998 Volvo V70 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  53% 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
  39% 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
  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.

• 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
  22% 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.

• Steering
  16% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1998 Volvo V70 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 2.6× as often on the 1998 Volvo V70 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 1998 Volvo V70 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 1998 Volvo V70 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?