Buying Guides

Volvo S40 & V40 (1996-2004) Buying Guide

Pictures shown may not represent exact model specified

by Richard Dredge

It's been a long time since Volvo's image went from staid to desirable, so it's amazing that the old S40 and V40 survived as long as it did. Not only did it look bland both inside and out, but it was more uninvolving to drive than any of its rivals. But later cars are well built, reasonably economical and well equipped. Find one of these and look after it, and you'll have a car for life; it's up to you to decide if that's a good thing.

Get an exact warranty quote for this car with Warranty Direct

We Like	We Don't Like
Safe Comfortable Image	Dynamically lacklustre Bland styling Poor diesels

Key Dates
3/96	S40 and V40 on sale
12/96	1.9 turbodiesel engine joins range
4/97	S40 now available with 1.6 petrol engine
5/00	Facelifted car with new lights, bumpers and revised dash.

Checklist
Early cars have all sorts of build quality niggles; standards quickly improved. If car wanders about with vague steering it's probably because the front ball joints have worn. Check that heater, air-con and indicators work; they're sometimes knocked out by corrosion of wiring loom in front of radiator. Digital fuel gauge packs in when sender unit fails. Front structure can distort after just a low-speed impact. Cars built in 2000 can suffer from cracked brake calipers; check for leaking fluid. Climate control packs in when electrics fail. Diesel cars can suffer from reduced braking assistance. Power steering can fail. Check all the electrics work, as the loom can corrode.

Checklist

Early cars have all sorts of build quality niggles; standards quickly improved.
If car wanders about with vague steering it's probably because the front ball joints have worn.
Check that heater, air-con and indicators work; they're sometimes knocked out by corrosion of wiring loom in front of radiator.
Digital fuel gauge packs in when sender unit fails.
Front structure can distort after just a low-speed impact.
Cars built in 2000 can suffer from cracked brake calipers; check for leaking fluid.
Climate control packs in when electrics fail.
Diesel cars can suffer from reduced braking assistance.
Power steering can fail.
Check all the electrics work, as the loom can corrode.