Volvo V40 (96-04) - Review

Review by Parkers on
Volvo's efforts to build a convincing medium car have brought us the modern V40/S40 series, a huge improvement over the uninspired, stodgy old 440/460 series. Compared with the class-leading Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series, Volvo still has some way to go, but the S40/V40 is far from ordinary and has safety and solidity on its side. The turbo engines, particularly the T4, have attracted a new wave of younger, fashion-conscious buyers, though Volvo is still not as trendy as its compatriot, Saab. Some early cars were not quite up to scratch in terms of build quality, but improvements were soon made and the range is now a sensible buy, new or secondhand.
3 out of 5

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3 out of 5

Buying used

Used prices are easing, particularly for first generation 1996-00 cars; there are lots of fairly low spec ex-fleet cars about - these are much less desirable than fully loaded cars; option packs add to appeal but can be confusing and are often difficult to value. Early cars are cheap, but 1996-97 cars acquired a reputation for inferior build quality. Volvo quickly made improvements, and models from 1998 feel more substantial.

  • Boot/Load Space Volvo V40 (96-04)
  • Interior Volvo V40 (96-04)

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See 42 used Volvo V40s for sale, starting at £795

3.5 out of 5

Selling

Lower-spec models don't sell well. Buyers of newer S40/V40 models tend to want air conditioning and front and rear electric windows as a minimum. Option packs such as 'Luxury' (air conditioning, leather and wood), 'Audio' (electric aerial, uprated stereo and autochanger) and 'Handling' (fog lamps, sports suspension and alloy wheels) are all attractive, but the numerous permutations of packs make valuation a confusing issue.