Used Volvo S40 review

With the last S40 Mk2s having been built five years ago, you don’t need deep pockets to buy one. On the flipside the S40 is also now dated in many ways, but if you’re looking for a family car that focuses on strength and safety, the Volvo can be a great choice. The S40’s age means it doesn’t have all of the driver assistance systems of the latest models, but it’s still packed with safety kit and you’ll struggle to find a safer car for the money. Running costs can be high so it’s worth seeking out an independent Volvo specialist, but if you spend £3,000-£4,000 on a low-mileage, high-spec S40, you’ll have an ideal runaround for years to come.

The original Volvo S40 was one of the least inspiring cars of its era. It was built alongside the Mitsubishi Carisma, and while it was safe and comfortable, there was little else to recommend it.

So when an all-new S40 appeared in 2004, Volvo really needed to raise its game, and it’s fair to say that the company rose to the occasion. The new model was stylish, safe and much better to drive, thanks to the fact it shared its platform with the Ford Focus Mk2. While Volvo’s small saloon couldn’t match the Ford’s agility, it came with some strong engines, decent kit and the build quality was typical Volvo. Now you can buy an S40 from just £2,000. 

Models covered 

• • Volvo S40 Mk2 (2004-2012) - Compact saloon is great value and has plenty of safety kit.

Volvo S40 Mk2 

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History

The second-generation S40 debuted in January 2004 alongside the V50 estate, with 1.8, 2.4 or turbocharged 2.5 petrol engines, or a 2.0 diesel. By November 2004 there were also 1.6-litre petrol and diesels. In May 2005, all cars got extra standard equipment, then a year later a 2.0 petrol and 2.4 diesels joined the range, and all cars got yet more kit.

A 1.8-litre biofuel edition appeared in May 2007 as part of a range facelift. Sporty R-Design trim appeared in January 2008, and a Powershift dual-clutch auto became an option with the 2.0D 136hp engine. In September 2008, the 118g/km S40 DRIVe debuted with a 1.6-litre diesel engine; emissions were cut to 99g/km in May 2011.

Volvo S40 Mk2 reviews

Volvo S40 in-depth reviewVolvo S40 1.6 S review|Volvo S40 1.6D DRIVe review

Which one should I buy?

The best engine is the 2.0-litre diesel as it’s torquey and frugal; the 1.6-litre lacks power, while the D5 is thirsty. However, the 2.0D is also the one most likely to give problems, so check the service history.

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All S40s come with anti-whiplash head restraints, ESP, daytime running lights and five three-point seatbelts. They also get climate and cruise control, alloys, electric windows front and rear, plus heated and electric door mirrors. The SE adds an auto-dimming rear view mirror, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, auto wipers and upgraded audio. Sport models get sportier trim, 18-inch wheels and a bodykit. The SE Sport combines the SE’s luxury with the Sport’s more dynamic chassis and styling.

Alternatives to the Volvo S40

Obvious rivals are compact executives such as the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class. There are plenty of these around, but values are higher than for the Volvo, which is why the Lexus IS and Honda Accord are worth a look, as you get more for your money – and excellent reliability, too.

If you’re especially keen to buy a saloon, then you could also consider a Ford Mondeo, Mazda 6 or Vauxhall Insignia, although all three are far more common in hatchback form, so you get added practicality without having to pay a premium for it. The closest rival though, in terms of price, design and market positioning is the Volkswagen Jetta, which comes with excellent engines and is good, albeit a bit staid, to drive.

What to look for:

Electrics

Some of the S40’s electrical functions can also go on the blink, so make sure that all of the equipment fitted is working properly. 

Headlights

If you drive a lot at night go for a car with xenon lights; the standard ones aren’t very bright, although it’s possible to fit better bulbs. 

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Dipstick

The end of the dipstick on 1.6-litre diesel cars can break off and drop into the sump; the sump then has to be removed to retrieve it.

Air-con

Climate control and air-conditioning systems can be temperamental, so make sure that hot and cold air blows into the cabin. 

Interior

The dash still looks modern with its floating console, although it’s fussily designed. The seats are better than those in many newer cars as they’re comfortable and supportive; rear-seat space is tight though. All S40s come with a 60:40 split-folding rear seats, which boost space from 404 litres to 883 litres.

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Running costs

All four-cylinder S40s need servicing every 12 months or 12,500 miles, while five-cylinder editions stretch this to 12 months/18,000 miles. A service for a petrol model costs £210-£315, while diesels with a particulate filter are £260- £475; cars without a DPF are £50-75 cheaper. However, D5 service costs are different again, at £245-£390.

All S40 engines use a cambelt which has to be replaced every 10 years or 100,000 miles on four-cylinder petrol engines – Volvo dealers charge £740 to do this including a full service. The mileage limit is 87,500 for four-cylinder diesels (and the cost is £1,100) while for five-cylinder engines it’s 108,000 miles and £850.

Recalls

Between March 2005 and December 2013, Volvo issued a worrying 24 recalls for the S40. The earliest cars were affected by problems with the windscreen falling out in the event of an impact, along with brake servo failure.

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Other maladies included engine failures, fuel leaks, fuel pump failure, power steering leaks, rear wheels working loose, a jamming gearbox, engine overheating and clutch pedals giving way. Some later S40s were affected by electrical short circuits and failing driveshafts.

Driver Power owners satisfaction

The S40 Mk2 has never performed well in our Driver Power surveys; in 2009 it languished at number 78, having peaked at 44th in 2007. A jump to 50th followed in 2010, then the S40 disappeared altogether. Running costs dragged the S40 down, along with poor practicality, but comfort has always done well.