Volvo S40 (2013)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 66 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,227

£186/month

MOT Pass Rate

74%

Average

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1984cc Diesel

Check Carefully

74% pass rate, £2,227/year to run. 8 points below average.

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Diesel1984cc13 years old66 tests95k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1984cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,227

Per month£186/mo

Per week£43/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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

74% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Volvo brand average of 87%.

74% of MOT tests on Volvo S40s from 2013 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 11 years old. That's based on 66 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 94,541 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2013 models531st of 588(bottom 10%)

Rank among Volvo models548th of 619(bottom 12%)

vs average of all models-8%(82% avg)

vs 2013 models average-6%(80% avg)

vs Volvo average-13%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

94,541

Average miles

81,400

Expected for age

The average 2013 Volvo S40 had 94,541 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 81,400 miles for a 11-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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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 2013 scores 74%. 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

Volkswagen Golf

2015 · 1968cc Diesel

£2,077/year

89%

+15%

Vauxhall Astra

2013 · 1700cc Diesel

£2,227/year

79%

+5%

Audi A3

2015 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,794/year

88%

+14%

BMW 3 Series

2013 · 1995cc Diesel

£2,077/year

85%

+11%

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About the 2013 Volvo S40

The 2013 Volvo S40 is a premium car. Our records list a 1984cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 66 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 10% of 2013 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 94,541 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volvo S40 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2013 Volvo S40 Fuel Costs

The 1984cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,397 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2013 Volvo S40?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,227 (£186/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 74% 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 2013 Volvo S40

At 13 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 66 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.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

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 95k 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 2013 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(2013)	74%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227
Volkswagen Golf(2015)	89%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,077-£150
Vauxhall Astra(2013)	79%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227same
Audi A3(2015)	88%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,794-£433
BMW 3 Series(2013)	85%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,077-£150

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 2013 Volvo S40

Is the 2013 Volvo S40 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 74% of MOT tests on 2013 Volvo S40s ended in a pass, from 66 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2013 Volvo S40 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,227 a year (£186 a month): £1,397 fuel, £275 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 2013 Volvo S40?

74% of 66 MOT tests on the 2013 Volvo S40 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 531st of 588 models first registered in 2013 (bottom 10%).

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 2013 Volvo S40?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2013 Volvo S40 is 94,541 miles, which is in line with the expected 81,400 miles for a 11-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.