Volvo V40 (2004)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,585 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,711

£226/month

MOT Pass Rate

66%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1948cc LPG

Proceed With Caution

66% pass rate, £2,711/year to run. 16 points below average.

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LPG1948cc22 years old1,585 tests125k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (LPG, 1948cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,711

Per month£226/mo

Per week£52/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

66% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 16 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Volvo brand average of 87%.

66% of MOT tests on Volvo V40s from 2004 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 20 years old. That's based on 1,585 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 125,049 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 models406th of 470(bottom 14%)

Rank among Volvo models615th of 619(bottom 1%)

vs average of all models-16%(82% avg)

vs 2004 models average-6%(72% avg)

vs Volvo average-21%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

125,049

Average miles

148,000

Expected for age

The average 2004 Volvo V40 had 125,049 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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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 2004 scores 66%. 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

Honda FR-V

2004 · 1668cc LPG

£2,711/year

67%

+1%

SEAT Toledo

2002 · 2324cc LPG

£3,158/year

64%

-2%

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About the 2004 Volvo V40

The 2004 Volvo V40 is a premium car. Our records list a 1948cc lpg engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,585 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 14% of 2004 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 125,049 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volvo V40 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2004 Volvo V40 Fuel Costs

The 1948cc lpg 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). This is a petrol-price estimate; running on lpg will change the cost.

What does it cost to own a 2004 Volvo V40?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,711 (£226/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 66% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

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 2004 Volvo V40

At 22 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.

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 125k 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.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 66% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

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 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(2004)	66%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,711
Honda FR-V(2004)	67%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,711same
SEAT Toledo(2002)	64%	£1,958	£445	Grp 25-38	£3,158+£447

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 V40

Is the 2004 Volvo V40 reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 66% of MOT tests on 2004 Volvo V40s ended in a pass, from 1,585 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 16 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2004 Volvo V40 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,711 a year (£226 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 Volvo V40?

66% of 1,585 MOT tests on the 2004 Volvo V40 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 406th of 470 models first registered in 2004 (bottom 14%).

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 2004 Volvo V40?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2004 Volvo V40 is 125,049 miles, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.