Volvo S40 (2004)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 2,223 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,511

£209/month

MOT Pass Rate

70%

Average

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1783cc Petrol

Check Carefully

70% pass rate, £2,511/year to run. 12 points below average.

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Petrol1783cc22 years old2,223 tests107k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1783cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,511

Per month£209/mo

Per week£48/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

70% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Volvo brand average of 87%.

70% of MOT tests on Volvo S40s from 2004 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 20 years old. That's based on 2,223 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 106,865 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 models306th of 470(bottom half)

Rank among Volvo models593rd of 619(bottom 5%)

vs average of all models-12%(82% avg)

vs 2004 models average-2%(72% avg)

vs Volvo average-17%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

106,865

Average miles

148,000

Expected for age

The average 2004 Volvo S40 had 106,865 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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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 2004 scores 70%. 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

Ford Focus

2006 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

73%

+3%

MINI

2005 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,228/year

71%

+1%

BMW 3 Series

2006 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,361/year

80%

+10%

Honda Jazz

2006 · 1339cc Petrol

£2,153/year

71%

+1%

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About the 2004 Volvo S40

The 2004 Volvo S40 is a premium car. Our records list a 1783cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 2,223 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 106,865 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volvo S40 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2004 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 £1,631 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 2004 Volvo S40?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,511 (£209/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 70% 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 2004 Volvo S40

At 22 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%.

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 22 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

Watch out

With an average of 107k 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 2004 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(2004)	70%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,511
Ford Focus(2006)	73%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£283
MINI(2005)	71%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£283
BMW 3 Series(2006)	80%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,361-£150
Honda Jazz(2006)	71%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153-£358

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 2004 Volvo S40

Is the 2004 Volvo S40 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 70% of MOT tests on 2004 Volvo S40s ended in a pass, from 2,223 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2004 Volvo S40 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,511 a year (£209 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 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 2004 Volvo S40?

70% of 2,223 MOT tests on the 2004 Volvo S40 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 306th of 470 models first registered in 2004 (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 2004 Volvo S40?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2004 Volvo S40 is 106,865 miles, which is below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.