1998 Volvo V70 2.5L Diesel · R293 AWL
1998 Volvo V70 (2.5L, diesel). First registered 11/03/1998. Recorded mileage 228,455 miles. MOT status: Expired.
- Make & Model
- VOLVO V70
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Reading
- MOT Status
- Valid until 03/05/2024
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 228,455 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.5L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- Diesel
- Year
- 1998
- Engine
- 2461cc
R293 AWL Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 05/05/2023
- 228,455 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (2 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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R293 AWL Mileage History
- 01/03/2022225,048 mi
- 02/05/2023228,455 mi+3,407 mi
- 05/05/2023228,455 mi
Average of roughly 2,894 miles per year across 3 recorded odometer readings.
R293 AWL 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 1998 Volvo V70 (R293 AWL) between March 2022 and May 2023.
The record contains 2 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 05 May 2023 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 (2 issues), Steering (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 3 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 Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution. This is a high-mileage, older diesel estate that shows a consistent pattern of deferred maintenance and recurring mechanical issues.
If you are looking for a budget runaround, ensure you budget heavily for immediate maintenance. The MOT history suggests that while major failures are eventually addressed to pass the test, many issues—such as oil leaks and suspension corrosion—are noted as recurring advisories rather than being permanently resolved.
Negotiate the price down significantly based on the high mileage and the evident need for upcoming mechanical work. Check the service history thoroughly to see if the oil leaks mentioned in multiple MOT tests (from 2015 through to 2022) have actually been repaired or merely managed. Ask for proof of recent work regarding the steering rack gaiters and shock absorbers, as these have been recurring points of failure.
As a 2.5L diesel, running costs will be moderate for fuel economy, but insurance and tax for a 1998 vehicle can vary depending on your profile. Maintenance costs are likely to be higher than average for a car of this age due to the frequency of suspension, braking, and sealing issues noted in the MOT history.
Expect to spend more on consumables like brake pads, discs, and shock absorbers. An estimated annual running cost, including fuel, tax, insurance, and a contingency for the frequent repairs indicated by the history, would be approximately £1,400-£1,800.
First, inspect the engine bay for signs of active oil leaks; the MOT history shows persistent oil leaks from at least 2015 through 2022, including a notable mention of a leak around the cam belt area in 2020. This is a critical area to check for potential timing belt replacement needs.
Secondly, examine the suspension and steering components. The history shows repeated issues with coil spring corrosion, shock absorber leaks, and steering rack gaiters. Check the underside for heavy rust on the springs and ensure the steering feels tight, given the previous failures of track rod ends and suspension arm ball joints. Finally, test the braking system thoroughly, as the vehicle has a history of 'dangerous' brake pad wear and ABS/stability system warning lights.
This 1998 Volvo V70 diesel, finished in green, has covered significant mileage, reaching 228,455 miles by its last recorded test. While the V70 is a robust model, this specific example has a history of frequent MOT failures and a long list of recurring advisories. The vehicle has struggled with persistent oil leaks, suspension wear, and braking system issues over several years of testing.
While the V70 is generally regarded as a durable estate, individual examples with high mileage can suffer from significant wear in suspension and sealing components.
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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