Faults:

ABS sensors, oil and belt changes, suspension parts and exhaust replaced, and so on.

The car has given me no major problems. Failed to start a couple of times months ago, but never has done it again, strange.

Interior and exterior are very smart looking even after all this time and mileage, Volvo's are solid cars.

General Comments:

Had my dark metallic grey S40 SE edition for a few years now and enjoyed it - a very nice car, honestly right up there with BMW and Mercedes in regards to the materials inside and out quality and feel.

The car is nice to look at inside and out and has plenty of electronic toys. SE Edition is the one to have.

To drive the 2.0 petrol engine with the manual transmission is fast but only does 37 mpg, nothing too great nowadays. Get the "Drive E" diesels if mpg is a concern.

It is a very modern feeling car for its age, I want to keep it as long as possible. Repairs to this car can be expensive, but they are worth it in my opinion.

Faults:

Lots. Airbag warning light, ABS lights, battery warning light, basically everything electronic that had a light came on. Not cheap to fix either - Airbag "service" was the worst, needed new module, dealer wanted around £1000! Managed to find an independent Volvo specialist, not much cheaper (£700) but a slight saving none the less. Air-con does not work, did not bother fixing, probably would have been expensive also.

Various mechanical - not cheap either, driveshafts, bearings, etc all amounted to £600+ at one MOT.

Servicing costs were quite reasonable at a local garage however.

Headliner sagging. Mirror fell off. Power steering problems. Expensive. Rocker cover gasket. The list goes on.

General Comments:

I wanted to like this car soo much. Red S40 SE lux model, very nice looking and well equipped. 2.0 engine has great performance but only manages 37 MPG. Preferred over the smaller petrol engines and diesel however (apparently this is the most reliable). I kept it serviced on time and drive carefully; this was a low mileage looked after example.

Inside the car it has great comfort, electric everything. Looks great. Driving is fun and gear change is slick and involving.

What ruined a great car was the lack of quality. I bought this car on the strength of family experience with older Volvo's - had a couple of 740 and 760's back in the day, very reliable cars. But this S40 is barely even on 100,000 miles and the problems it has given me are unacceptable. My advice to anyone wanting a "reliable" Volvo is check out a looked after 1980's or 1990's car. Much better than the post year 2000 stuff.

Will be selling soon. Not interested in Volvo's anymore, never again. Heard they are now making electric cars for lease only. Good luck with that.