1996 Volvo 800 Series 2.3L Petrol · N654 ARX
1996 Volvo 800 Series (2.3L, petrol). First registered 01 Jul 1996. Recorded mileage 137,933 miles. MOT valid until 04 Aug 2027. Taxed until 01 Jul 2027.
- Make & Model
- VOLVO 800 Series
- Year / Origin
- 1996 · Newcastle
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 04 Aug 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jul 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 137,933 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 2.3L
- 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.
N654 ARX Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 06/08/2026
- 137,933 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 6 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (7 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
N654 ARX 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 1996 Volvo 800 Series (N654 ARX) between July 2023 and August 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 06 August 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (7 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (3 issues), Brakes (3 issues), Lighting (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 21 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 Tyre has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (5.2.3 (d) (ii))”; “Offside Side repeater not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))”.
N654 ARX Mileage History
- 11/07/2023137,933 mi
- 05/07/2024137,933 mi
- 15/07/2025137,933 mi
- 05/08/2026137,933 mi
- 06/08/2026137,933 mi
Average of roughly 0 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. The vehicle has re
The most critical point for a buyer is the static mileage; a vehicle that has not been driven for several years typically requires a thorough mechanical refresh. You should negotiate the price based on the likely need for new tyres, a full fluid flush, and the rectification of the fuel tank leak. Ensure you request any available service records to see if the vehicle was maintained during its period of inactivity.
Check specifically for signs of fuel system degradation. The recent MOT advisory regarding a 'damp' fuel tank is a significant concern for a petrol vehicle of this age. Verify if the battery has been replaced recently, as it has been noted as 'insecure' in multiple tests since 2024.
The 2.3L petrol engine is expected to have high fuel consumption compared to modern standards, and tax will be based on the engine size for a 1996 registration. Insurance costs will vary but may be influenced by the vehicle's age and engine capacity.
Maintenance costs are likely to be higher than average due to the vehicle's age and the recurring issues noted in the MOT history. Expect to spend more on preventative maintenance to address the long-term oil leak and fuel system concerns. The estimated annual running cost is approximately £1,200-£1,800.
Prioritise an inspection of the fuel tank and associated lines to investigate the 'damp/possible leak' noted in the August 2026 MOT. The oil leak has been recorded in every test since July 2023; identify the source of this leak to determine if it is a simple gasket issue or a more significant engine fault.
Examine the tyres closely for side-wall cracking and perishing, as this has been a recurring advisory since 2024 and led to a failure in 2026. Finally, check the brake hydraulic reservoir levels and the security of the battery mounting, both of which have been flagged in recent tests.
This 1996 green Volvo 800 Series has a recorded mileage of 137,933, which has remained unchanged since July 2023. Recent MOT history reveals a pattern of recurring advisories, including a persistent oil leak and perishing tyres, alongside a failure in August 2026 related to tyre structural failure and lighting.
No aggregate MOT data is available for the Volvo 800 Series to provide a general reliability 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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