Volvo 740 (1988)
1988 Volvo 740
CarHunch analysed 270 real MOT records for the 1988 Volvo 740. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1988 Volvo 740 is a serious reliability gamble: just 40% pass their MOT first time, half the UK average of 80%, and not a single vehicle in this sample recorded any failures or advisories—a statistical impossibility that suggests these 270 cars are either unusually well-maintained or the data is incomplete. With a median mileage of 190,187 miles and zero recorded dangerous defects, these are elderly workhorses that have genuinely survived, but the abysmal pass rate signals structural or systemic issues that only emerge during testing.
At nearly 36 years old and nearly 190,000 miles, these Volvos are doing what they were built for: outlasting the odds. Before buying one, have a trusted mechanic inspect it thoroughly before MOT, because whatever's failing (rust, brakes, emissions, suspension wear) clearly isn't being caught or fixed between tests—and you'll need to know what you're walking into.
What to check before buying a 1988 Volvo 740
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 740
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%) | 264 | 0.4% | 0 |
| Diesel (2%) | 6 | 0% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1988 Volvo 740 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 1988 Volvo 740 vehicles fall between 190,187 and 190,187 miles.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1988 Volvo 740
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
-
150%
Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view
-
150%
Oil leak, but not excessive
-
100%
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement
-
100%
Nearside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
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100%
Front Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases
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100%
Offside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
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100%
Rear Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread
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100%
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1988. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Volvo 740?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.