Volvo S40 (1996)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 40 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,561

£213/month

MOT Pass Rate

73%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1948cc Petrol

Check Carefully

73% pass rate, £2,561/year to run. 9 points below average.

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Petrol1948cc30 years old40 tests84k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1948cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,561

Per month£213/mo

Per week£49/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

73% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Volvo brand average of 87%.

73% of MOT tests on Volvo S40s from 1996 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 28 years old. That's based on 40 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 84,454 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1996 models155th of 243(bottom half)

Rank among Volvo models560th of 619(bottom 10%)

vs average of all models-9%(82% avg)

vs 1996 models average-2%(75% avg)

vs Volvo average-14%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

84,454

Average miles

207,200

Expected for age

The average 1996 Volvo S40 had 84,454 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 76%, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 65%. The 1996 scores 73%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Volvo S40 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2013	74%	66	94,541 mi
2012	76%	2,267	101,974 mi
2011	74%	2,791	110,521 mi
2010	72%	3,808	110,559 mi
2009	74%	4,499	109,564 mi
2008	72%	5,487	115,488 mi
2007	73%	3,388	119,784 mi
2006	73%	3,314	119,567 mi
2005	70%	2,790	116,994 mi
2004	70%	2,223	106,865 mi
2003	67%	1,280	104,893 mi
2002	69%	823	102,845 mi
2001	71%	599	101,232 mi
2000	65%	379	95,420 mi
1999	66%	425	95,707 mi
1998	74%	356	98,379 mi
1997	72%	219	99,179 mi
1996	73%	40	84,454 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Mazda MX-5

1998 · 1597cc Petrol

£2,328/year

75%

+2%

BMW 3 Series

1998 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,561/year

79%

+6%

BMW Z3

1997 · 1900cc Petrol

£2,561/year

75%

+2%

Volkswagen Golf

1998 · 1984cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

-2%

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About the 1996 Volvo S40

The 1996 Volvo S40 is a premium car. Our records list a 1948cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 40 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1996, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 84,454 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volvo S40 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

1996 Volvo S40 Fuel Costs

The 1948cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1996 Volvo S40?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,561 (£213/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 73% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Volvo S40 Reliability Trend

Newer Volvo S40s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 4 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1996 Volvo S40

At 30 years old, the Volvo S40 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2012 model has the highest pass rate at 76%. Note: with only 40 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 30 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Medium risk

With an average of 84k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 1996 Volvo S40 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Volvo S40(1996)	73%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561
Mazda MX-5(1998)	75%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328-£233
BMW 3 Series(1998)	79%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561same
BMW Z3(1997)	75%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561same
Volkswagen Golf(1998)	71%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561same

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1996 Volvo S40

Is the 1996 Volvo S40 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 73% of MOT tests on 1996 Volvo S40s ended in a pass, from 40 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1996 Volvo S40 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,561 a year (£213 a month): £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1996 Volvo S40?

73% of 40 MOT tests on the 1996 Volvo S40 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 155th of 243 models first registered in 1996 (bottom half).

Which year Volvo S40 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 Volvo S40 has the highest MOT pass rate at 76% and the 2000 the lowest at 65%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1996 Volvo S40?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1996 Volvo S40 is 84,454 miles, which is significantly below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.