Volvo V40 (2001)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 959 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

1948cc Petrol

Check Carefully

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

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Petrol1948cc25 years old959 tests122k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1948cc)

~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 V40s from 2001 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 23 years old. That's based on 959 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 121,513 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2001 models237th of 350(bottom half)

Rank among Volvo models595th of 619(bottom 5%)

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

vs 2001 models average-3%(73% avg)

vs Volvo average-17%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

121,513

Average miles

170,200

Expected for age

The average 2001 Volvo V40 had 121,513 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 88%, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 66%. The 2001 scores 70%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Volvo V40 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2019	88%	13,557	37,595 mi
2018	85%	21,560	46,813 mi
2017	84%	23,480	57,396 mi
2016	82%	27,152	67,465 mi
2015	80%	28,590	79,222 mi
2014	80%	30,222	89,093 mi
2013	80%	20,970	99,522 mi
2012	76%	4,370	105,566 mi
2004	66%	1,585	125,049 mi
2003	66%	1,843	125,362 mi
2002	68%	1,201	124,584 mi
2001	70%	959	121,513 mi
2000	66%	547	116,773 mi
1999	67%	544	104,983 mi
1998	67%	336	97,373 mi
1997	70%	274	97,758 mi
1996	95%	38	92,559 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

MINI

2003 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,228/year

72%

+2%

Ford Focus

2003 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,428/year

68%

-2%

Honda Civic

2002 · 1590cc Petrol

£2,228/year

72%

+2%

Vauxhall Astra

2002 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,428/year

69%

-1%

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About the 2001 Volvo V40

The 2001 Volvo V40 is a premium car. Our records list a 1948cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 959 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2001, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 121,513 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volvo V40 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2001 Volvo V40 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 2001 Volvo V40?

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 V40 Reliability Trend

Newer Volvo V40s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 14 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2001 Volvo V40

At 25 years old, the Volvo V40 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 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 88%.

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 25 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 122k 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.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

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 2001 Volvo V40 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 V40(2001)	70%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,511
MINI(2003)	72%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£283
Ford Focus(2003)	68%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,428-£83
Honda Civic(2002)	72%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£283
Vauxhall Astra(2002)	69%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,428-£83

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 2001 Volvo V40

Is the 2001 Volvo V40 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 70% of MOT tests on 2001 Volvo V40s ended in a pass, from 959 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 2001 Volvo V40 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 2001 Volvo V40?

70% of 959 MOT tests on the 2001 Volvo V40 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 237th of 350 models first registered in 2001 (bottom half).

Which year Volvo V40 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 Volvo V40 has the highest MOT pass rate at 88% and the 2000 the lowest at 66%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2001 Volvo V40?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2001 Volvo V40 is 121,513 miles, 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.