1998 Volvo V40 1.9L Petrol · S214 JLT
1998 Volvo V40 (1.9L, petrol). First registered 19/11/1998. Recorded mileage 109,514 miles. MOT status: Expired.
- Make & Model
- VOLVO V40
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 06/05/2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 109,514 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.9L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- Petrol
- Year
- 1998
- Engine
- 1948cc
S214 JLT Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 22/04/2025
- 109,514 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 3 historical MOT failures
- 7 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (17 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Poor
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
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Volvo V40
Our database tracks 5 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
S214 JLT Mileage History
- 24/07/2023103,450 mi
- 05/03/2024103,510 mi+60 mi
- 07/05/2024103,510 mi
- 08/05/2024103,511 mi+1 mi
- 22/04/2025109,514 mi+6,003 mi
Average of roughly 3,472 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
S214 JLT 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 1998 Volvo V40 (S214 JLT) between July 2023 and April 2025.
The record contains 2 passes and 3 failures.
The most recent test on 22 April 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 3 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (17 issues), Suspension (7 issues), Lighting (5 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (4 issues), Steering (3 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 33 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 Outer Steering column flexible coupling is excessively deteriorated Rack boot (2.2.2 (c))”; “Offside Front Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))”; “Nearside Front Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution unless you are a mechanically inclined buyer prepared to invest significantly in immediate repairs. The vehicle shows a concerning pattern of escalating corrosion and mechanical failures that suggest long-term maintenance neglect.
The primary focus for this car must be the braking and suspension systems. The MOT history repeatedly flags corroded brake pipes across both front and rear; you must ensure these have been replaced rather than just 'cleaned of grease' as noted in previous tests. Pay close attention to the steering column coupling and rack boots, as these have caused major failures in the past.
Check the service history for evidence of rust prevention. Given the age and the mileage, look for structural rust on the chassis, as the advisories for corroded coil springs, MacphPherson struts, and anti-roll bar links suggest a systemic issue rather than isolated incidents. Negotiate heavily based on the immediate cost of replacing the rear brake discs, coil springs, and brake pipes.
As an older 2.0L petrol Volvo, expect relatively modest fuel economy compared to modern standards, likely achieving around 30-35 mpg. Road tax and insurance should be relatively low due to the vehicle's age, though these vary based on personal profile.
Maintenance costs will be higher than average because parts like suspension and braking components are currently failing frequently. You should budget an annual running cost of £1,200-£1,500, including fuel, tax, and a fund for inevitable mechanical repairs.
Perform a thorough underbody inspection specifically looking for corrosion. The MOT history shows a persistent issue with corroded brake pipes; check for any bulging or flaking that indicates imminent failure. Inspect the front and rear coil springs for cracks or heavy rust, as the car has already suffered a fractured offside front spring.
Examine the steering rack boots and flexible coupling for tears or perished, as this was a known major point of failure. Additionally, check the exhaust system for leaks and verify the headlamp alignment, as the car has failed on beam aim issues multiple times in recent years.
This 1998 Volvo V40 has covered over 109,000 miles and is showing significant signs of age and wear. While it has passed its most recent MOT, the history is riddled with failures and advisories related to brake lines, steering components, and suspension corrosion. The recurring mention of corroded brake pipes and fractured coil springs indicates a vehicle that is nearing the end of its economical life for many safety-critical parts.
The late 90s V40s are generally known for being robust, but they are prone to rust andrelated suspension wear as they age.
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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