Volvo 245 (1981)
1981 Volvo 245
CarHunch analysed 111 real MOT records for the 1981 Volvo 245. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1981 Volvo 245 is essentially non-viable as a regular road car: only 1.8% of the 111 vehicles tested achieved a first-time MOT pass, compared to the UK average of 80%, and none have ever recorded a dangerous defect. These cars are simply too old to meet modern emissions and safety standards, even when in decent condition.
The median mileage of 112,175 is reasonable for a 43-year-old car, and the near-zero failure and advisory counts suggest that surviving examples are mechanically sound—the problem is regulatory, not mechanical. If you're considering one, accept that you're buying a classic or project vehicle, not transport: budget for either sympathetic restoration to meet current standards or keep it off the public road.
What to check before buying a 1981 Volvo 245
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 245
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (98%) | 109 | 1.8% | 0 |
| Diesel (2%) | 2 | 0% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1981 Volvo 245 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 1981 Volvo 245 vehicles fall between 92,145 and 112,175 miles.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1981 Volvo 245
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
-
66.7%
Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing BOTH FRONT TYRES OUTER SIDE WALLS PERISHED.
-
66.7%
Offside Rear Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases REAR BOX.
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66.7%
Nearside Rear Outer Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing OUTER SIDE WALLS PERISHED.
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33.3%
Offside Front Tyre wheel/tyre protruding beyond wheel arch
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33.3%
corrosion noted along os outer sill to under floor
-
33.3%
Central Front Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened
-
33.3%
Central Rear Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()
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33.3%
Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1981. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Volvo 245?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.