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Volvo S40 Saloon (1996-2004) running costs and reliability

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Running costs rating: 3 out of 53.0

Written by Parkers Published: 6 June 2019

Miles per pound (mpp)

Reliable fuel consumption data for comparison purposes is not available for this model.

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Fuel economy

A more stringent standard for fuel economy (WLTP) was introduced from September 2017, and this model was not required to undergo that test. Its fuel economy measured under the previous test system was 27 - 52 mpg. However these figures are less likely to be achievable in real world driving and so should never be compared to another car's mpg which was measured under the newer, more realistic WLTP system.

View mpg & specs for any version

Running costs are lower than big Volvos, but still not cheap; wholly dependent on dealer network for parts and servicing; resale values are only average, with base models depreciating the fastest.

S40 is not particularly environmentally friendly. With an average of 187 g/km CO2 across the line-up, its emissions are fairly standard for a medium-sized saloon. The range is not particularly economical, averaging 36 mpg.

Some build quality niggles on 1996-97 cars but overall a big improvement on the old 400 series; reliability on newer cars is above average, but look for full Volvo history for peace of mind.