1999 Volvo V70 petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1999 Volvo V70 petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1999 Volvo V70 petrol than on all cars registered in 1999.

• Steering rack inner joints4× usual
  Volvo V70

  13.7% All 1999 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Coil springs2.2× usual
  Volvo V70

  17.3% All 1999 cars

  7.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 1.3% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Flexible brake hoses2.2× usual
  Volvo V70

  13.6% All 1999 cars

  6.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 1.1% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

• Steering rack3.5× usual
  Volvo V70

  7.3% All 1999 cars

  2.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 1.2% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Shock absorbers1.8× usual
  Volvo V70

  10.2% All 1999 cars

  5.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 1.3% of all 1999 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.

Common 1999 Volvo V70 petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1999 Volvo V70 petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  50% 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
  35% 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.

• Steering
  18% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  16% 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 1999 Volvo V70 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 steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 4× as often on the 1999 Volvo V70 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 1999 Volvo V70 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 1999 Volvo V70 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?