Used Volvo V40 for sale in Europe

About the Volvo V40

The Volvo V40 name has been used on two quite different cars. The first was a compact estate sold from the mid-1990s to 2004, sharing its underpinnings with the S40 saloon. The second was a five-door hatchback that arrived in 2012 and was built until 2019.

Most listings today are the second-generation hatchback. It suits drivers who want a compact car with a supportive cabin and a wide choice of petrol and diesel engines. A raised Cross Country version was also offered.

The first-generation estate appears far less often. It is usually an older, low-cost car, so condition and service history matter more than specification. Some listings in several countries are fitted with LPG conversions, so check the paperwork.

Generations

• First generation (1995-2004) — A compact estate built alongside the S40 saloon, offered with petrol and diesel four-cylinder engines and manual or automatic gearboxes.
• Second generation (2012-2019) — A five-door hatchback on a platform shared with Ford's compact cars, sold with petrol and diesel engines, a Cross Country variant and an optional pedestrian airbag.

Typical prices

Asking prices in our listings rise steadily with model year. The overall median is 10000 euros across all years. A 2013 car has a median of 6800 euros, a 2016 car 10900 euros and a 2019 car 16000 euros. First-generation cars from 1997 to 2004 are listed far lower and form a separate, small group. Within one year the spread is wide, so mileage, engine, trim level and country also matter. These are asking prices in our listings on 2026-11-10, not a valuation.

Based on our listings as of 2026-11-10. These are asking prices, not a valuation.

What to check when buying a used Volvo V40

Ask for the full service history and see the car cold, so starting problems show. Take a test drive that includes town driving and a longer run at steady speed, and compare the mileage against the paperwork.

• Service history and recalls

  Look for regular oil changes and documented work on the gearbox and brakes. Ask the seller or a Volvo dealer to check whether any open recall or service campaign applies to the chassis number.

• Rust and age-related wear · First generation (1995-2004)

  Inspect sills, wheel arches, the tailgate edge and the underbody for corrosion. Check rubber bushes, exhaust, cooling hoses and the condition of the interior electrics, as all of these are age-related on cars of this era.

• Gearbox behaviour · Second generation (2012-2019)

  Some versions have a dual-clutch automatic, others a conventional torque-converter automatic. On the test drive, check for judder, hesitation or jerky shifts when pulling away and in slow traffic. Ask what gearbox servicing has been done.

• Particulate filter and EGR · Diesel engines

  Diesels used mostly for short trips can have clogged particulate filters and EGR valves. Look for warning lights, rough running or a history of forced regenerations. Ask whether the car has been used on longer runs.

• LPG conversion paperwork · LPG-converted cars

  If the car runs on LPG, ask for the installer's documentation, tank inspection date and service records. Check that the car starts and runs smoothly on both fuels, and ask whether the engine is suited to a conversion.

• Electronics and equipment · Second generation (2012-2019)

  Test the digital instrument display, infotainment, parking sensors, climate control and all driver-assistance functions. If the car has the pedestrian airbag, make sure no warning lights appear and ask for any repair history of the front end.

• Accident repair signs

  Check panel gaps, paint match and the inside of the boot floor and engine bay for repairs. Compare the registration documents with the car, and ask about previous accident damage, especially if the car was imported.

Frequently asked questions