2002 Volvo C70: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2002 Volvo C70?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2002 Volvo C70 than on all cars registered in 2002.

• Steering rack inner joints3.8× usual
  Volvo C70

  13.3% All 2002 cars

  3.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2002 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.

• Battery4.1× usual
  Volvo C70

  5.3% All 2002 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.3% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the car starts cleanly and there are no warning lights once running.

• Ball joint dust cover2.1× usual
  Volvo C70

  8.5% All 2002 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 1.5% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Steering rack2.5× usual
  Volvo C70

  4.5% All 2002 cars

  1.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 1% of all 2002 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.

Common 2002 Volvo C70 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2002 Volvo C70 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  37% 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.

• Brakes
  34% 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.

• Tyres
  31% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Lights and electrics
  29% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Steering
  20% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  13% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2002 Volvo C70

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 3.8× as often on the 2002 Volvo C70 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the battery? (Flagged at MOT 4.1× as often on the 2002 Volvo C70 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2002 Volvo C70 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?