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About the Volvo S40
The Volvo S40 is a compact saloon that Volvo sold in two generations between 1995 and 2012. It suits buyers who want a small four-door car with a quiet cabin and Volvo's focus on safety. The estate version has a different name: V40 for the first generation and V50 for the second.
Engines vary a lot by generation. First-generation cars used four-cylinder petrol engines, including turbo versions, and a 1.9-litre diesel. The second generation added five-cylinder petrol and diesel options alongside smaller four-cylinder units. Manual gearboxes were common, and automatics were also offered.
Some cars in our listings run on LPG. This is often an aftermarket conversion, so check the paperwork. The model years in our listings run from 1996 to 2012, so condition and specification differ widely between cars.
Generations
- First generation (1995-2004) — Built in the Netherlands with the Mitsubishi Carisma as a close relation, and updated during its production run.
- Second generation (2004-2012) — Built on a platform shared with the Ford Focus of the period and updated around 2007.
Typical prices
Asking prices in our listings generally rise with newer model years. The overall median is €2,900. Cars from 1996 have a median of €1,200, and 2004 cars have a median of €2,400. The newest cars, from 2012, have a median of €4,700. Within any one year the spread is wide, because mileage, engine, condition and country all matter. Compare several similar cars before judging one. These are asking prices in our listings on 2026-11-10, not a valuation.
| Year | Listings | Lower quarter | Median | Upper quarter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 4 | €1,000 | €1,200 | €1,600 |
| 1997 | 7 | €1,400 | €1,900 | €2,200 |
| 1998 | 6 | €1,600 | €2,500 | €4,000 |
| 1999 | 4 | €1,400 | €2,100 | €2,700 |
| 2000 | 5 | €1,800 | €2,100 | €2,400 |
| 2001 | 5 | €1,200 | €2,200 | €2,900 |
| 2002 | 7 | €1,300 | €2,100 | €2,300 |
| 2004 | 41 | €1,300 | €2,400 | €3,700 |
| 2005 | 34 | €1,800 | €2,500 | €3,800 |
| 2006 | 38 | €1,600 | €2,700 | €4,000 |
| 2007 | 32 | €2,200 | €2,700 | €3,300 |
| 2008 | 27 | €3,100 | €3,500 | €5,200 |
| 2009 | 32 | €2,100 | €3,700 | €5,000 |
| 2010 | 21 | €3,000 | €3,900 | €5,000 |
| 2011 | 10 | €2,900 | €4,000 | €6,000 |
| 2012 | 10 | €3,400 | €4,700 | €6,400 |
Based on our listings as of 2026-11-10. These are asking prices, not a valuation.
What to check when buying a used Volvo S40
Ask to see the service file, then inspect the car in daylight and take a test drive of at least 20 minutes. Cars of this age can differ greatly in how well they were looked after.
Service history and timing drive
Look for dated invoices showing regular servicing. Ask when the timing belt or chain was last changed, as the interval depends on the engine. A missing record on this item is a reason to ask for a discount or walk away.
Corrosion on older cars · First generation
Check sills, wheel arches, door bottoms and the underbody for rust and poor repairs. Cars from the 1990s and early 2000s have had many years of exposure, especially if they spent time in countries that salt their roads.
Damp and electrical faults · Second generation
Look for damp carpets, a musty smell or condensation inside. Blocked drains below the windscreen can let water into the cabin and affect electronics. Test all windows, locks, lights and warning lamps.
Particulate filter and turbo · Diesel
On later diesels, check for warning lights and ask about the particulate filter, which can clog on short journeys. Listen for turbo whine, look for smoke under load, and check that the engine starts and idles smoothly.
Gearbox behaviour · Automatic
On a test drive, check that shifts are smooth and without hesitation, jerking or warning lights. Some later second-generation cars have a dual-clutch automatic. Ask for evidence of gearbox servicing and check the spec for the car you are viewing.
Conversion paperwork · LPG
If the car runs on LPG, ask who fitted the system and request the certificate and the tank inspection date. Check that the car runs well on both fuels, and ask whether the engine has had valve work.
Frequently asked questions
Which generation of the Volvo S40 should I look for?
It depends on budget and use. The second generation (2004-2012) is newer and has a wider choice of engines and equipment. The first generation (1995-2004) is usually cheaper but older. Compare condition and service history first, and the generation second.
What should I inspect on a used Volvo S40?
Check the service history, including the timing belt or chain. Look for rust on older cars and damp in the cabin on newer ones. Test the electrics and the gearbox, and on diesels ask about the particulate filter. Also check for accident repairs.
How does the price of a used S40 depend on year and mileage?
In our listings, asking prices generally rise with newer model years, with the 2012 cars asking the most. Within a single year the range is wide. Lower mileage and a full service history usually support a higher ask, but condition matters more than either.
Is an S40 on LPG a sensible choice?
It can be, if the conversion was fitted properly and is documented. Ask for the installer details, the certificate and the tank inspection date. Make sure the car runs smoothly on both fuels. Without paperwork, treat the conversion as a risk.
Should I choose petrol or diesel?
Neither is right for everyone. Diesels suit long journeys but need attention to the turbo, injectors and particulate filter on later cars. Petrols are simpler and may suit shorter trips. Match the engine to your driving, then judge each car on condition and records.