Used Volvo S40

What to know before buying: Volvo S40

From 2 video reviews and 2 forum threads · updated 23/09/2026

What the reviews say

• The second-generation S40 is described as solid and generally reliable, with dependable diesels and lively petrol engines.[1]one sourceOtrā paaudze / Второе поколение / Second generation
• An owner of a 1999 S40 praised its safety, comfort and lively 140 hp 2.0-litre petrol engine, but noted high running costs.[3]one source
• An owner of a 2005 2.0-litre petrol S40 rated it 9/10 after 315,000 km, praising its stability, comfortable seats and dependable systems.[4]one sourceOtrā paaudze / Второе поколение / Second generation
• After 11,000 km, an owner of a 2006 2.0 diesel called it economical, sufficiently lively and the most reliable of four cars owned.[4]one sourceOtrā paaudze / Второе поколение / Second generation

Typical faults

• Corrosion can develop in concealed areas: beneath plastic sill covers, around suspension-arm mounts and above the rear of the fuel tank.[1]one sourceOtrā paaudze / Второе поколение / Second generation
• Washer fluid can travel along a wire into the engine control module and cause erratic electronic faults.[1]one sourceOtrā paaudze / Второе поколение / Second generation
• PowerShift fitted to 2.0 petrol and diesel cars from 2008 is the weakest transmission; early repairs at 30,000–40,000 km involved the valve body, clutch and dual-mass flywheel.[1]one sourceOtrā paaudze / Второе поколение / Second generation

  30 000–40 000 km · 2008+ · 2.0 petrol, 2.0 diesel

• T5 engines can suffer cracked cylinder liners; documented installation of reinforcing shims is a positive sign when buying.[2]one sourceOtrā paaudze / Второе поколение / Second generation

  T5

• Blocked sunroof drains can flood the cabin; check the carpets for dampness and the footwells for water marks.[1][2]Otrā paaudze / Второе поколение / Second generation

Which engine and version to take

• The 2.0 petrol is a strong choice for its balance of performance, economy and reliability; the source describes it as very dependable.[2]one sourceOtrā paaudze / Второе поколение / Second generation
• The 140 hp and 170 hp 2.4-litre five-cylinder petrol engines are described as highly reliable and durable.[1]one sourceOtrā paaudze / Второе поколение / Second generation
• The D5 is recommended as a strong, efficient and long-lived option; complete service history matters more than low mileage.[2]one sourceOtrā paaudze / Второе поколение / Second generation

What to avoid

• Avoid an early 1.6 D without complete service history: turbo failures and oil sludge are reported, while revised versions are more reliable.[2]one sourceOtrā paaudze / Второе поколение / Second generation
• A T5 without proof of cylinder-liner reinforcement is a riskier choice because of the known cracking issue.[2]one sourceOtrā paaudze / Второе поколение / Second generation
• The author of a 1999 S40 review advised against the Renault-derived 1.9 TDi, particularly with poor fuel, local climate and neglected maintenance.[3]one source

What to check at the inspection

• Inspect the car on a lift, checking beneath the sill covers, around suspension mounts and above the fuel tank.[1]one sourceOtrā paaudze / Второе поколение / Second generation
• Cold-start the 1.6 petrol after an overnight rest; mild piston noise may be harmless, but loud metallic clatter is a bad sign.[1]one sourceOtrā paaudze / Второе поколение / Second generation
• Check the sunroof drains and carpets because blockages can allow water to collect inside the cabin.[1][2]Otrā paaudze / Второе поколение / Second generation
• Test the door locks, climate control, wipers, radio and dashboard warnings; the sources report faults affecting each of these systems.[1][2]Otrā paaudze / Второе поколение / Second generation
• On 2.4, 2.5 and T5 engines, check closely for coolant loss, brittle plastic fittings, hose faults and dirty radiators, as overheating can destroy the engine.[1][2]Otrā paaudze / Второе поколение / Second generation
• For a PowerShift car, verify its maintenance records and test for clutch or shifting problems; do not overlook transmission-fluid leaks.[1]one sourceOtrā paaudze / Второе поколение / Second generation

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]АвтоСтронг — 😂 5 причин НЕ ПОКУПАТЬ Volvo S40… и 3, почему всё-таки стоит · ▶ video
2. [2]The Miles Driven — Volvo S40 / V50 buyers guide (2004-2012) Avoid buying a broken Volvo (reliability 1.8 2.0D D4 D5 T5) · ▶ video
3. [3]iauto.lv — Volvo S40 1999.gads - Lasītāja pieredze · forum
4. [4]auto.jautajums.lv — Volvo S40 atsauksmes | jautajums.lv · forum

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