Volvo 240 (1989)
1989 Volvo 240
CarHunch analysed 3,345 real MOT records for the 1989 Volvo 240. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1989 Volvo 240 passes its MOT first time in just 67.2% of cases, well below the UK average of 80%, which means you're looking at a two-in-three success rate on test day. About 15% of these cars have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, a reasonable figure but something to factor into a pre-purchase inspection.
At nearly 145,000 miles on the odometer, these vehicles have racked up genuine mileage, yet they're still on the road—a testament to Volvo's legendary durability. Expect to address an average of 2.2 failures and 7.6 advisory items per test, so budget for consistent remedial work; have a trusted mechanic inspect the brakes, suspension, and exhaust before committing, as these are the defects that typically drag down the pass rate on aging Swedes.
What to check before buying a 1989 Volvo 240
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Volvo 240
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (100%) | 3,336 | 67.2% | 2.17 |
| Diesel (0%) | 6 | 83.3% | 0.5 |
| LPG (0%) | 3 | 79.7% | 4.33 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1989 Volvo 240 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 1989 Volvo 240 vehicles fall between 113,995 and 172,513 miles.
1989 Volvo 240 — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 193 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (43% of peak).
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1989 Volvo 240
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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25.6%
Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated
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23.2%
Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated
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22.8%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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20.2%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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20%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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19.1%
Oil leak
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18.4%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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15.2%
Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1989. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Volvo 240?
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