1997 Volvo 900 Series 2.3L Petrol · P552 CTY
1997 Volvo 900 Series (2.3L, petrol). First registered 01/05/1997. Recorded mileage 234,399 miles. MOT status: Expired.
- Make & Model
- VOLVO 900 Series
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Preston
- MOT Status
- Valid until 06/09/2026
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (01/09/2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 234,399 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 2.3L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- PETROL
- Year
- 1997
- Engine
- 2316cc
P552 CTY Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 08/09/2025
- 234,399 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (10 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
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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P552 CTY Mileage History
- 03/11/2023234,335 mi
- 07/08/2024234,340 mi+5 mi
- 08/09/2025234,399 mi+59 mi
Average of roughly 35 miles per year across 3 recorded odometer readings.
P552 CTY MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
3 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 Volvo 900 Series (P552 CTY) between November 2023 and September 2025.
The record contains 2 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 08 September 2025 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: Suspension (10 issues), Brakes (6 issues), Bodywork (3 issues), Windscreen (2 issues), Lighting (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 15 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 Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced center under sill area (7.1.1 (”; “Central Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength ce”; “Offside Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength ce”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Approach this vehicle with extreme cauti
If you are considering this Volvo, you must prioritise a professional underside inspection. The 2023 MOT failure noted extensive corrosion and welding repairs to the underbody and sill areas, and the 2024 record highlighted corrosion across almost all major suspension and sub-frame components. You should ask for specific documentation regarding the 'extensive welding repairs' mentioned in 2023 to understand the extent of previous structural work.
Negotiate based on the potential for future structural failure. Even though the 2024 corrosion was noted as 'not seriously weakened,' the sheer volume of affected parts—including the engine sump, brake pipes, and coil springs—suggests a vehicle prone to degradation. Ensure all recent repairs, particularly those related to the power steering noise and brake binding noted in previous years, have been addressed by a specialist.
Running costs for this 2.3L petrol model will be relatively high due to its age and engine size. Expect higher-than-average fuel consumption typical of late-90s large saloons. Tax and insurance groups will depend on the specific policy, but the 2316cc engine size will influence these costs.
Maintenance costs are likely to be significant. Given the history of corroded brake pipes, suspension arms, and sub-frames, you should budget for frequent replacement of wear items and potential structural repairs. An estimated annual running cost, including fuel, tax, insurance, and maintenance, would likely fall in the range of £1,800-£2,400, depending heavily on how often structural or mechanical issues arise.
A thorough inspection of the chassis and underbody is non-negotiable. Specifically, check the central x-member and the suspension component mounting areas, as these were flagged in 2023 for significantly reduced structural strength. Examine the sub-frames and suspension arms for the corrosion noted in the 2024 MOT.
Additionally, inspect the braking system. The history shows a pattern of both corroded brake pipes and binding brakes across multiple years. Check the condition of the shock absorbers and coil springs, as these have been noted as corroded or having reduced damping in recent tests. Finally, verify the integrity of the windscreen and ensure the battery is securely mounted, as these were recent points of concern.
This 1997 Volvo 900 Series, finished in silver, has covered 234,399 miles as of its last MOT in September 2025. While it passed its most recent test, the vehicle has a documented history of severe structural issues, including extensive welding repairs and significant corrosion to the sub-frames and suspension mounting points. The mileage is high, and the MOT record shows a pattern of recurring mechanical and structural concerns.
No aggregate reliability data is available for the Volvo 900 Series to provide a general model comparison.
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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