Faults:

Not much so far. I bought this car used, it has had an EGR issue but all the rest of its detailed history points to wear and tear parts replaced and the car has been well looked after.

General Comments:

Cannot believe this car is 13 years old. 2011 S40. Ahead of its time, looking at this car on the inside and out it looks and feels very modern. My car has been looked after well and cosmetically is as good as a car of this age will ever look. Silver exterior with alloys. Boot spoiler, I love the look.

R-Design is a sporty and well equipped trim level. I love the black/beige comfy seats and the design of them. Interior also is very smart and stylish in the dash area, with well thought out cubby holes and storage. Controls are intuitive. Driving position is perfect for me at average height and weight. Everything you touch has a quality feel. If I have any complaints the car can feel a little cramped with passengers and a full load; the boot is tiny. But traveling yourself or with just one or two others and a small amount of luggage, it is fine.

The 2.0 diesel engine packs a punch and still manages 45 - 50 mpg under realistic driving conditions. Long drives in the summer I bet it could do more. Very economical. Fun to drive, nice handling and slick gear shift. Clutch is also nicely weighted.

Some reviews complain that the S40 is a bit under par in regards to the reliability of Volvo of years gone by. Mine has been OK so far, but the thing you need to remember is this is a quality car, and is a little more expensive than some others in the same class. But spend money wisely on the proper maintenance, and use quality fuel and oil, and find a good mechanic to advise you, and you should be OK.

Hard to believe this model only ran from 2004 - 2012. Not many on the roads in 2024. Find a nice low mileage car that is looked after and you have yourself a unique little Volvo that will reward you with durability and reliability if taken care of.

Faults:

Injector problems, turbo problems, oil leaks, sticking valves, it goes on and on. All were very expensive to fix.

Interior looking worn, headliner sagging (common on this car for some reason) and an ABS light sensor has just came on.

Airbag warning light.

Air con does not work.

The car was bought in good condition with history from a reputable dealer and appeared OK when I bought it, but then it quickly went to pieces. I serviced the car on time and drove carefully, but it still gave all these problems.

General Comments:

Bought used in 2018, this car has been a nightmare and I haven't exactly put great mileage on it. The S40 gleamed in the sunlight and drove OK when purchased, but as time went on the engine problems mounted up. Buying used I was out of warranty after the first year, so had to use a local mechanic. He was very good and tried to fix the car as cheaply as possible, but warned me about post year 2000 Volvo and their dodgy reliability and expensive parts.

I have also been advised the 1.6 diesel is not the best to go for - the petrol's are better and the later 2.0 diesel is more reliability apparently, but never again will I buy this car. Will be selling soon.

Good points? Fantastic looking car, good to drive and very comfortable. Economical (when it is running OK!).