Volvo S40 (2004 - 2012) 1.6 S 4d (07) Owner Review

A great car to drive, the modern S40 is much better than the 1990s model to drive. Sharp looking in dark metallic grey. Lots of equipment even on the basic 'S' model. Electric everything. Comfort is top notch. Alloys look great. 2007 model is first of the facelift and slightly better looking. Acceleration from the 1.6 petrol is poor - I would look at the 1.8 if considering this car again. Diesels might be best avoided - expensive to repair, but I've heard they drive great and get good fuel economy, shame the same cannot be said for this 1.6 petrol - I struggled to get 40 MPG. Still, the car handled great and gear change was smooth. Overall it was a good car - I had it a few years and although it hit me with a few expensive repair bills, they were mostly wear and tear. I scrapped it recently at 12 years old and with 140K miles. A bit disappointing for a Volvo as they are known for longevity (my dads 1994 Volvo 850 lasted to over 200K), but this one only lasted the average lifespan of any car. I believe it is due to rising costs of repairs on modern cars in general - I had an airbag light on, and some other electronic faults. Repair bill was quoted at over £1000 all in all, car was not worth much more than that by then. Basically it was uneconomical to keep and time for it to go. But had I not had those expensive faults I might have MOT'd and kept the car longer, (engine and bodywork were fine) so it was disappointing to see it go. Just be aware of expensive electronic repairs on these cars, they can quickly write off the car when it gets older.