1997 Volvo 900 Series 2.3L Petrol · P927 DJO
1997 Volvo 900 Series (2.3L, petrol). First registered 19 Feb 1997. Recorded mileage 294,237 miles. MOT valid until 18 Nov 2026. Taxed until 01 Nov 2026.
- Make & Model
- VOLVO 900 Series
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Preston
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 18 Nov 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Nov 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 294,237 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.3L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
P927 DJO Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 19/11/2025
- 294,237 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (11 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
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P927 DJO Mileage History
- 29/11/2022286,257 mi
- 30/08/2024292,076 mi+5,819 mi
- 04/09/2024292,076 mi
- 11/11/2025294,192 mi+2,116 mi
- 19/11/2025294,237 mi+45 mi
Average of roughly 2,684 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
P927 DJO MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 Volvo 900 Series (P927 DJO) between November 2022 and November 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 19 November 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (11 issues), Lighting (9 issues), Brakes (9 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (5 issues), Tyres (4 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 27 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Front Brake hose excessively deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))”; “Offside Front Brake hose excessively deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))”; “Central Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Exercise significant caution before purc
Prospective buyers should prioritize a thorough inspection of the vehicle's underside. The MOT records show a pattern of corrosion in the suspension component mounting areas and seat belt anchorages, which are critical safety points. You should specifically ask for evidence of any recent welding or structural repairs, as the 2024 failure noted excessive corrosion significantly reducing structural strength in several sill areas.
Furthermore, investigate the recent exhaust and braking system repairs. The vehicle failed in late 2025 due to a major exhaust leak, Lambda reading issues, and deteriorated brake hoses. Ensure that these components have not just been patched, but replaced with quality parts. Given the high mileage, check the service history for evidence of consistent maintenance, particularly regarding the 2.3L petrol engine and the prop shaft bearing which has shown play in previous tests.
Running costs for this 2.3L petrol Volvo will be relatively high compared to modern equivalents. Expect significant fuel expenditure due to the larger engine displacement and the age of the vehicle's emission control technology.
Tax and insurance groups for a 1997 2316cc petrol vehicle are typically moderate to high depending on the specific insurance profile. Maintenance costs are likely to be frequent, given the documented history of suspension, exhaust, and braking component failures. An estimated annual running cost for a vehicle of this age and mileage is approximately £1,400-£1,800, accounting for fuel, tax, insurance, and the high probability of mechanical repairs.
A physical inspection must focus on the structural integrity of the sills and suspension mounting points. The MOT history specifically flags corrosion in the nearside and offside rear suspension mountings and seat belt anchorages. Use a torch to inspect these areas for any signs of bubbling paint or surface rust that could indicate progressing structural decay.
Additionally, inspect the exhaust system and braking components. The vehicle has a recent history of major exhaust leaks and deteriorated brake hoses. Check the condition of the central exhaust and the prop shaft bearing, as these have been flagged in multiple tests. Finally, check for any signs of the oil leak noted in the 2024 MOT to ensure it remains 'not excessive' as previously recorded.
This 1997 Volvo 900 Series, finished in green with a 2.3L petrol engine, shows signs of high usage with 294,237 miles recorded at its last MOT. While it passed its most recent test in November 2025, the history is marked by heavy corrosion in suspension and seat belt anchorage areas, alongside recent exhaust and brake hose failures. The vehicle's high mileage and documented structural issues suggest it may require substantial maintenance.
No aggregate reliability data is available for the Volvo 900 Series to provide a comparative model benchmark.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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