2003 Volvo XC70 2.4L Diesel · FH03 NCJ
2003 Volvo XC70 (2.4L, diesel). First registered 01 Jun 2003. Recorded mileage 172,982 miles. MOT valid until 05 Apr 2027. Taxed until 01 Jun 2027.
- Make & Model
- VOLVO XC70
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Nottingham
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 05 Apr 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jun 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 172,982 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 2.4L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
FH03 NCJ Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 07/04/2026
- 172,982 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
FH03 NCJ 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 2003 Volvo Xc70 (FH03 NCJ) between March 2024 and April 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 07 April 2026 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 (4 issues), Lighting (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 4 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: “Offside Rear Upper Coil spring mounting corroded and seriously weakened (5.3.1 (b) (i))”; “Nearside Rear Upper Coil spring mounting corroded and seriously weakened (5.3.1 (b) (i))”; “Offside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps (4.7.1 (b) (ii))”.
FH03 NCJ Mileage History
- 27/03/2024168,279 mi
- 01/04/2025170,937 mi+2,658 mi
- 03/04/2025170,939 mi+2 mi
- 20/03/2026172,921 mi+1,982 mi
- 07/04/2026172,982 mi+61 mi
Average of roughly 2,318 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution on this high-mileage estate. While the most recent MOT is clean, the pattern of recent failures and high mileage suggests a need for mechanical scrutiny.
When viewing this specific XC70, your priority should be verifying the service history. Given that the vehicle failed its MOT in March 2026 and April 2026 shortly after previous tests, you must ask the owner exactly what repairs were made to ensure they were addressed properly. Check for evidence of a recently completed timing belt change, as this is critical for the 2.4L diesel engine at this mileage.
Inspect the body for signs of rust, particularly around the wheel arches and sills, which are common for Volvos of this era. Listen for any unusual noises from the turbo or diesel injectors, as these can be expensive repairs on a vehicle with 170,000 miles.
The 2.4-litre diesel engine is relatively efficient for a large estate, likely yielding around 30-35 MPG depending on driving conditions. Tax bands for this older diesel are generally moderate, but insurance groups can vary significantly based on your profile and local area.
Typical maintenance costs will be higher than a standard hatchback due to the size and the cost of Volvo parts. Expect an annual running cost including fuel, tax, insurance, and routine maintenance to be approximately £1,400-£1,800.
Focus on the areas that caused failures in 2025 and 2026. Although the specific defect types were not listed in the summary provided, the frequency of failures suggests that wear and tear items like brakes, tyres, or suspension components are reaching the end of their interval.
Check the undercarriage for fluid leaks and structural corrosion. Given the 172,982 mile reading, also inspect the clutch and flywheel if it is a manual, as these are common points of failure on high-mileage XC70s.
This 2003 Volvo XC70 has covered over 172,000 miles, which is significantly above average for its age. While the most recent MOT in April 2026 passed with no defects, the history shows two failures in the last two years (2025 and 2026) indicating. The 2.4L diesel engine is a robust unit, but the high mileage means components are likely nearing their service life.
The XC70 is known for its structural integrity and engine longevity, but high-mileage diesel models require strict maintenance to avoid expensive component failure.
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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