VOLVO S40 (2001)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 599 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
71%
Total Tests (2024)
599
Avg Mileage
101,232 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 2001 VOLVO S40 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLVO brand average of 87%.
At 23 years old, 71% of VOLVO S40s from 2001 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 599 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 101,232 miles.
How does the 2001 VOLVO S40 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2001 VOLVO S40 has 101,232 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a VOLVO S40?
The most reliable year is the 2012 model with a 76% MOT pass rate, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2001 sits between the two at 71%.
How much does a 2001 VOLVO S40 cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
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 |
Checking a specific VOLVO S40?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2001 VOLVO S40
The 2001 VOLVO S40 is a premium with a 1783cc petrol engine. 599 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2001, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 101,232 miles at 23 years old, VOLVO S40 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2001 VOLVO S40 Fuel Costs
The 1783cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2001 VOLVO S40?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,017 (£168/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 71% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
VOLVO S40 Reliability Trend
Newer VOLVO S40s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2001 VOLVO S40
At 23 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%.
Alternatives to the 2001 VOLVO S40
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FIESTA (2003) 71% pass rate (same) from 29,898 tests
- MINI MINI (2003) 72% pass rate (+1%) from 25,713 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2003) 68% pass rate (-3%) from 22,313 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2003) 67% pass rate (-4%) from 21,166 tests