2004 Volvo V70 petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Volvo V70 petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Volvo V70 petrol than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.2× usual
  Volvo V70

  20.9% All 2004 cars

  9.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 2.1% of all 2004 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.

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

  15% All 2004 cars

  6.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.7%, against 3% of all 2004 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.

• Sidelights1.9× usual
  Volvo V70

  12.3% All 2004 cars

  6.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.6%, against 5.7% of all 2004 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.

• Engine warning light2× usual
  Volvo V70

  6.3% All 2004 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.3%, against 3.2% of all 2004 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.

Common 2004 Volvo V70 petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 Volvo V70 petrol 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.

• Lights and electrics
  42% 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.

• 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  15% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  13% 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 2004 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 suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2004 Volvo V70 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2004 Volvo V70 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the sidelights? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2004 Volvo V70 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?