Volvo

Volvo 240 Dl (1986)

376 real MOT outcomes analysed

1986 Volvo 240 Dl

CarHunch has 376 1986 Volvo 240 Dl vehicles on record, but none have light-vehicle MOT history in our data source.

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Reliability Overview Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Colour Breakdown Compare Models

Moderate sample. 376 vehicles on record. Figures are indicative — the specific vehicle's history matters more than these averages.

No MOT data available for this vehicle type

The 1986 Volvo 240 Dl doesn't appear in DVLA light-vehicle MOT records — it may be exempt, registered as a different vehicle class, or an import not subject to UK MOT testing. We don't have reliability stats for this specific model, but you can browse other Volvo vehicles below.

Browse all Volvo models →
No MOT data — worth knowing

Got a specific Volvo 240 Dl you're checking out?

The real detail is in the individual vehicle report — MOT history, AI Hunches, mileage timeline, and defect patterns for that specific reg.

UK

The 1986 Volvo 240 DL does not appear in the DVLA's light-vehicle MOT database, so we have no pass rates, failure statistics, or defect data to report—this is almost certainly because vehicles of this age are either out of regular circulation or have been de-registered. What we can tell you is that the 240 DL was a famously robust, workhorse saloon built for longevity, with a reputation for simple, repairable mechanics that made it popular with enthusiasts and long-term owners.

If you're considering one today, your priority should be hands-on inspection of the specific car's history and condition rather than relying on cohort data: check service records, have a pre-purchase inspection by a Volvo-knowledgeable mechanic, and verify its MOT history on the gov.uk MOT checker if it is still registered and tested. Parts availability remains reasonable thanks to a strong classic-car community, but fuel economy and emissions will lag modern standards significantly.

MOT statistics not available

We have 376 1986 Volvo 240 Dl vehicles on record, but none have light-vehicle MOT history in our data source.

There are a few reasons this can happen:

  • Heavy commercial vehicle — trucks, buses and coaches over 3.5 tonnes are tested under the DVSA annual HGV/PSV regime, which uses a separate database not included in our data source
  • Imported vehicles — vehicles registered abroad and recently brought to the UK may have no UK MOT history yet
  • MOT-exempt — vehicles manufactured before 1986 qualify under the 40-year rolling exemption; some specialist and agricultural vehicles are also exempt
  • Never used on public roads — some vehicles are registered but kept off-road and have never required an MOT
Check on the official DVSA service →

Before you buy a 1986 Volvo 240 Dl

Based on MOT data from 376 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 0% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Colour Breakdown

Based on 16,780 Volvo 240 Dl vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Red 41.5%
6,970
Blue 33%
5,543
White 11%
1,847
Beige 6.4%
1,069
Brown 4%
664
Silver 1.4%
230
Yellow 0.8%
140
Black 0.6%
97
Grey 0.5%
92
Maroon 0.4%
73
Green 0.2%
34
Gold 0.1%
21
Other model years — Volvo 240 Dl: All 240 Dl years → Which year to buy? →
1983 1984 1985 1987 1988 1989 1990

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Compare with another model

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