Volvo

Volvo 240 Dl (1989)

887 real MOT outcomes analysed

1989 Volvo 240 Dl

CarHunch has 887 1989 Volvo 240 Dl vehicles on record, but none have light-vehicle MOT history in our data source.

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No MOT data available for this vehicle type

The 1989 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 1989 Volvo 240 DL falls outside the DVLA light-vehicle MOT database—likely because it's either been exported, scrapped, or classified differently in the records we can access—so there's no pass rate, failure, or defect data available to compare against the UK average of 80%. What we do know is that 887 vehicles matching this description were identified in the analysis, suggesting there are still some on UK roads, though in very small numbers given the model's age.

The Volvo 240 has a legendary reputation for durability and longevity, with many examples running well past 200,000 miles with basic maintenance. If you're considering buying one, treat it as a classic or enthusiast purchase rather than relying on MOT history; instead, have a pre-purchase inspection focus on rust (particularly common in 1980s Volvos), clutch condition, and whether the cooling system and seals have been recently refreshed. Given the lack of modern MOT data for this cohort, your best protection is a full mechanical check from someone familiar with air-cooled and early fuel-injected Volvo engines.

MOT statistics not available

We have 887 1989 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 1989 Volvo 240 Dl

Based on MOT data from 887 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 1986 1987 1988 1990

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