2005 Volvo C70: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 Volvo C70?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 Volvo C70 than on all cars registered in 2005.

• Steering rack inner joints3.5× usual
  Volvo C70

  13.6% All 2005 cars

  3.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2005 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.

• Ball joint dust cover2.2× usual
  Volvo C70

  10.2% All 2005 cars

  4.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 1.8% of all 2005 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.

• Side repeaters3.9× usual
  Volvo C70

  6.7% All 2005 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 0.9% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

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

• Battery4.6× usual
  Volvo C70

  5.5% All 2005 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.3% of all 2005 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.

• Wheels2.6× usual
  Volvo C70

  4.5% All 2005 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.5% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

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

Common 2005 Volvo C70 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 Volvo C70 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.

• Brakes
  35% 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
  33% 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
  32% 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
  19% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  10% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2005 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 3.5× as often on the 2005 Volvo C70 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2005 Volvo C70 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the side repeaters? (Flagged at MOT 3.9× as often on the 2005 Volvo C70 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?