1990 Volvo 240: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1990 Volvo 240?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1990 Volvo 240 than on all cars registered in 1990.

• Steering rack inner joints5.6× usual
  Volvo 240

  12.4% All 1990 cars

  2.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 1990 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Suspension arm5.7× usual
  Volvo 240

  8.5% All 1990 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.2% of all 1990 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Number plate lights2.8× usual
  Volvo 240

  10% All 1990 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 1.2% of all 1990 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Rust in key structural areas3.4× usual
  Volvo 240

  5.5% All 1990 cars

  1.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 1.1% of all 1990 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£250 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

• Track rod ends2.2× usual
  Volvo 240

  7.8% All 1990 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 1.1% of all 1990 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Common 1990 Volvo 240 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1990 Volvo 240 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  39% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  36% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Brakes
  30% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  19% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Rust and bodywork
  17% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Steering
  16% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1990 Volvo 240

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 5.6× as often on the 1990 Volvo 240 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 5.7× as often on the 1990 Volvo 240 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 1990 Volvo 240 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?